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Old 05-31-2012, 12:09 AM
 
986 posts, read 2,496,734 times
Reputation: 1449

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I've seen all sorts of tables and charts, but have trouble fully understanding the cost of living in cities where homes and rentals seem cheaper than average, yet winters are long and cold. Having to keep a heater on for six months or more can't be trivial, even if rates are lower. I'm used to living in places where it almost never snows.

If you live in the Spokane area, I'd like to see some typical monthly heating bills and the size of your house and whether it's one or two stories. Info on summer A/C costs doesn't concern me as much but could be useful. Thanks.
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Old 05-31-2012, 12:25 AM
 
Location: Wayward Pines,ID
2,054 posts, read 4,256,946 times
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Heating is nothing compared to air conditioning in hot climates. I live just over the border and even when I am lazy and just run the natural gas furnace, January is like $180 and that includes a gas fireplace which is a total waste. 3000 ft + and vaulted ceilings. In the summer it is like $30 for gas. I paid upwards of $700 for air conditioning in SoCal.
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Old 05-31-2012, 12:39 AM
 
986 posts, read 2,496,734 times
Reputation: 1449
Quote:
Originally Posted by elousv View Post
Heating is nothing compared to air conditioning in hot climates. I live just over the border and even when I am lazy and just run the natural gas furnace, January is like $180 and that includes a gas fireplace which is a total waste. 3000 ft + and vaulted ceilings. In the summer it is like $30 for gas. I paid upwards of $700 for air conditioning in SoCal.
"Just over the border" = what town, for that January bill?

My understanding is that Spokane summers are relatively mild (and dry) so I'm not as concerned about A/C, which I tend to use as little as possible. Cold can kill you, though!
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Old 05-31-2012, 01:16 AM
 
Location: Wayward Pines,ID
2,054 posts, read 4,256,946 times
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My house does not even have A/C. It does get substantially hotter in Spokane proper though. I am in Idaho, minutes away from Otis Orchards. Honestly, I don't know the rates in WA. It is west of the Rockies so it is dry.
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Old 05-31-2012, 09:42 AM
 
Location: Nine Mile Falls/Spokane, WA
1,009 posts, read 4,896,677 times
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My yearly average for gas & electric for a 3200 sq. ft. house is $275/month. The winter high is about $400. That's for a family of 5 and we're not as conservative as we should be.
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Old 05-31-2012, 06:09 PM
 
986 posts, read 2,496,734 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WendyK View Post
My yearly average for gas & electric for a 3200 sq. ft. house is $275/month. The winter high is about $400. That's for a family of 5 and we're not as conservative as we should be.
That's a fairly large house but it does seem kind of steep. I consider climate-control costs as part of the rent/mortgage and factor them in directly.
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Old 05-31-2012, 08:19 PM
 
Location: Wayward Pines,ID
2,054 posts, read 4,256,946 times
Reputation: 2314
Forgot about the electric. That is like $120 in Jan, but I run 2 fridges and a shop with computers and test equipment on 24/7. Shoot the stupid entertainment and communications run $350 between TV/Internet/Phone/Cells. I know the electric rate is like 6 cents whereas in CA it was like 25.
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Old 06-01-2012, 07:31 PM
 
Location: Near Manito
20,170 posts, read 24,247,328 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elousv View Post
Forgot about the electric. That is like $120 in Jan, but I run 2 fridges and a shop with computers and test equipment on 24/7. Shoot the stupid entertainment and communications run $350 between TV/Internet/Phone/Cells. I know the electric rate is like 6 cents whereas in CA it was like 25.
I agree. Shoot the TV/Internet/Phone/Cells.
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Old 08-17-2012, 01:35 PM
 
Location: Spokane, WA
101 posts, read 221,541 times
Reputation: 68
I live in North Spokane (Colbert) and our area has just as bad or worse winter conditions than any other Spokane area. I live in a 2,400sf split entry 2-level home. We have A/C and gas forced air heat, plus a gas fireplace. We crank up the A/C in summer to keep temp around 72 and crank up heat in winter to keep at 72 as well. It all averages out to about $120/month including electricity. Heating alone is about $70/month in winter and $40/month in Summer. However, we live in a newer home, only 3 years old, so efficiency is pretty good. Are you going to be in an apartment or buying a home? Type of heat can really change the monthly averages. For instance, electric baseboard heat on a ground level 2 bedroom apartment could cost you $150 a month for heat alone, especially if the baseboard units are right by a crappy old window. If you are considering a house, even to rent, you can look up the High/Low/Average utilities through Avista online. Moderator cut: see note

Last edited by Count David; 08-23-2012 at 06:26 AM.. Reason: realtor soliciting
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Old 10-04-2012, 12:14 PM
 
3 posts, read 7,042 times
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I live in a very old home built in 1907, has no insulation in the walls and is 2200 sq ft. For heating and air conditioning kept at about 72 degrees year round is $146 per month. If you have a newer home and keep your heating and air at reasonable temps it should be much less than mine. I use comfort level billing which takes your entire years bills and averages it out so you always pay the same price each month. Makes it much more affordable in the winter. Anyone can use this option for their billing.
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