Watch Out For Gas Heat (Raleigh: apartment, to rent, new home)

[saturnfan]

A big spike in gas is coming again.

Might not want gas heat in a new home since this won't be the first winter with big spikes.

newsobserver.com | PSNC got rate boost, asks for another

Think electric heat pumps.

[coltank]

They're talking about raising the electric rates too, so I wouldn't rule out gas just yet.

[beckycat]

They say it takes gas to make electricity. So, either way you'll get hit.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by coltank

They're talking about raising the electric rates too, so I wouldn't rule out gas just yet.

Posted a couple of weeks ago.

Progress Energy is seeking a rate increase that would boost the average electricity bill of its North Carolina residential customers by more than 16 percent. The change must be approved by the state Utility Commission.

Progress Energy wants significant rate increase :: WRAL.com

[lottamoxie]

I have gas heat. I spend MUCH more on electricity, esp in the summer months, keeping my home cool than I do on staying warm. I keep my house between 63 and 65 degrees in the winter and wear warm clothes or layers inside. In the summer I keep the house thermostat at 76 degrees. I pay more to keep the house cool, as it turns out.

[saturnfan]

Progress Energy will very likely get much less than the 9% they requested.

Electricity can be generated in many ways, some green, so it's a better source and less likely to have the violent spikes seen with oil, propane, and gas.

Heat pumps save you a lot here in the South.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

Heat pumps save you a lot here in the South.

I'm going to have to disagree with that. It can get pretty chilly here in Raleigh during the winter months. I think the savings one way or the other is negligible.

[saturnfan]

Our heat bills and my daughter's are outrageously low. We both have heat pumps.

It can get chilly here, but the resistance booster heat almost never kicks in.

Now, in Minnesota a heat pump might very well be a waste of money.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

Our heat bills and my daughter's are outrageously low. We both have heat pumps.

It can get chilly here, but the resistance booster heat almost never kicks in.

Now, in Minnesota a heat pump might very well be a waste of money.

What are you comparing your current cost to if you have always had a heat pump in your apartment?

I use to rent an apartment in Raleigh that had a heat pump. Now I live in a house with gas heat. I have experience with both forms of heat generation and have found the differences in cost to be negligible. I think a lot depends on the quality and maintenance of your system.

[saturnfan]

Comparing with co-workers citing their gas bills.

Our heat pumps aren't the finest available since landlords don't always go for the most efficient when electric is paid by the tenant.