[V2thunder]

I used to pay about $170 a month for a tiny 1st fl 1 bed apt. The best solution I can offer is to do what I did and buy a brand new energy efficient home nestled against the ridges of the west valley. The sun sets a little earlier and the adjacent mountain retains less heat than the concrete jungle at night. Last month it was $140 and I was so cold inside I never would believe it was hot outside if I didn't go out and feel it for myself.

[ScoopLV]

I have a feeling that if OP could buy a house, he or she wouldn't be renting an older apt. with single-pane windows. Otherwise, I agree -- extreme west side, as far as you can go, results in the best power bills.

[modhatter]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

I have a feeling that if OP could buy a house, he or she wouldn't be renting an older apt. with single-pane windows. Otherwise, I agree -- extreme west side, as far as you can go, results in the best power bills.

Extreme west side, may result in added gas bill for your car for shopping and going to work (if you work) which might negate some of that electric savings.

[Clarkcty]

Originally Posted by Bps401

That's more of what I was expecting. But I guess there is that much of a difference on the bottom floor?

If it's a 2 story apt building then the sun is beating down on the roof of your unit and as you well know, heat rises which will also affect your 2nd floor unit. I say look for a unit somewhere on the ground floor once your lease is up. Also look for an apartment complex with lots of mature trees, plenty of them around Clark County and if the rate is the same then perhaps you can move. Look for a North facing unit with living/dining room windows facing North and with bedroom windows facing South. It will definitely make a difference. Goodluck!

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by Clarkcty

Also look for an apartment complex with lots of mature trees, plenty of them around Clark County and if the rate is the same then perhaps you can move.

That can be a two-edged sword though. My house is surrounded by trees and is constantly shaded. Although it keeps my a/c bills lower, I have (had) high heating expenses. Prior to buying a condo in Miami Beach for the winters, my heating expenses here in Jan/Feb were routinely as high or higher than my June-Aug electric bills.

[Marioni888]

Are you guys talking about monthly bill? My son lives in 1300 sqf condo and his bill during the summer is always about 80 - 110 $. From oct-april bill is usually around 60 $. His AC is around 77f all the time. Something is wrong with your houses....

[Clarkcty]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

That can be a two-edged sword though. My house is surrounded by trees and is constantly shaded. Although it keeps my a/c bills lower, I have (had) high heating expenses. Prior to buying a condo in Miami Beach for the winters, my heating expenses here in Jan/Feb were routinely as high or higher than my June-Aug electric bills.

Actually mature trees can be like an insulation from the cold during Winter with its thick canopy and foliage, much like getting bundled up to keep warm. During the Summer, it acts as a barrier from the extreme sunshine.

[Bps401]

Originally Posted by Marioni888

Are you guys talking about monthly bill? My son lives in 1300 sqf condo and his bill during the summer is always about 80 - 110 $. From oct-april bill is usually around 60 $. His AC is around 77f all the time. Something is wrong with your houses....

Majority of the issue lies with my unit being old. Doesn't insulate well, single pane windows, super old fridge that is a big source of energy etc.

[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

That can be a two-edged sword though. My house is surrounded by trees and is constantly shaded. Although it keeps my a/c bills lower, I have (had) high heating expenses. Prior to buying a condo in Miami Beach for the winters, my heating expenses here in Jan/Feb were routinely as high or higher than my June-Aug electric bills.

That's why you want deciduous trees near the house. They block the sun in the summer when fully leafed out, and go bald in the winter to let the sunshine in.

[Clarkcty]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

That's why you want deciduous trees near the house. They block the sun in the summer when fully leafed out, and go bald in the winter to let the sunshine in.

You want trees that don't shed much during the Winter, like the Mesquite tree, it acts as an insulation to keep frost/cold wind from your house. It blocks it. I'll give you a great example, I have desert plants out in the open and some under the tree. The ones out in the open during Winter I have to protect it from the cold wind/cold atmosphere using burlap but the ones under the tree are doing just fine without protection even though it is exposed to the elements. Same can be done to your house. I have trees surrounding my unit and I also have shrubs near my windows and it acts like an insulation.