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Old 04-01-2013, 01:34 PM
 
4,196 posts, read 6,283,573 times
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So, i can't figure this out!
nothing has changed since last year......(except for newer appliances), and my usage is through the roof. last March: 1062, this year 1611). We've replaced the HVAC unit outside as the old one was bad......nothing else has changed.........thermostat on 67 where as last year it was on 69 or 70......no new appliances.....no new habits/changes.....

Question: Could a bad fridge cause over usage? Our fridge has issues (frost in the freezer......defrost a few times a day....always seems to be ON making sounds....) could this be the culprit?
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Old 04-01-2013, 02:26 PM
 
Location: The Triad
34,090 posts, read 82,716,942 times
Reputation: 43659
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinking-man View Post
So, i can't figure this out!
Month by month... compare the actual KWH that you've been getting billed for a few years
Not the dollar amount or the other fees on the bill... just the wattage.

Then compare that to the "degree days" of each month one year over the next.
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Old 04-01-2013, 02:41 PM
 
4,196 posts, read 6,283,573 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrRational View Post
Month by month... compare the actual KWH that you've been getting billed for a few years
Not the dollar amount or the other fees on the bill... just the wattage.

Then compare that to the "degree days" of each month one year over the next.

thanks for the reply.
Yes, of course i'm doing that, and not the dollar amount. I understand that the rates could change and that there's not much i can do about that.....

the difference comes in the wattage usage, which is troubling to me.
do you have any thoughts on the question i asked above? about the fridge?
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:02 PM
 
Location: Grosse Ile Michigan
30,707 posts, read 79,581,771 times
Reputation: 39445
Any compressor uses an immense amount of electricity compared to other items. The only other thing that uses so much power is something that gets hot like a waffle iron or toaster, but they are small. A fridge with the compressor running non stop could substantially increase your electric bill. It woudl be a surprised for it to cause a 150% in usage by itself. Are you doing any arc welding?
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:10 PM
 
Location: Out there somewhere...a traveling man.
44,590 posts, read 61,412,482 times
Reputation: 125652
OP have you looked out the window to see if there is a long cord running over to the neighbors yard...
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:19 PM
 
Location: The Triad
34,090 posts, read 82,716,942 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinking-man View Post
do you have any thoughts on the question i asked above?
Yeah, that's why I said to compare the wattage to the degree days
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degree_day

My electric bill through 3/2013 is also much higher than it was through 3/2012
I know why though (hint: degree days)
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:34 PM
 
23,563 posts, read 70,158,065 times
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Properly functioning modern refrigerators use less than $50 of electricity per YEAR. I'd be looking for a hot water leak, more laundry being processed, and degree day differences.
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Old 04-01-2013, 03:48 PM
 
Location: Las Flores, Orange County, CA
26,338 posts, read 93,595,462 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinking-man View Post
nothing has changed since last year......

last March: 1062, this year 1611).
Except 52% more kw-hours.

The new appliances should have actally saved you money because they are most likely higher SEER, (meaning more BTUs per dollar)

Better conduct a more detailed energy survey.

While you're at it, consider replacing most of your non dimmable bulbs with CFL.
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Old 04-01-2013, 04:10 PM
 
Location: southwestern PA
22,413 posts, read 47,402,095 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinking-man View Post
So, i can't figure this out!
nothing has changed since last year......(except for newer appliances), and my usage is through the roof. last March: 1062, this year 1611). We've replaced the HVAC unit outside as the old one was bad......nothing else has changed.........thermostat on 67 where as last year it was on 69 or 70......no new appliances.....no new habits/changes.....

Those all made me smile....
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Old 04-01-2013, 04:35 PM
 
Location: Where the sun likes to shine!!
20,549 posts, read 30,332,386 times
Reputation: 88950
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinking-man View Post
So, i can't figure this out!
nothing has changed since last year......(except for newer appliances), and my usage is through the roof. last March: 1062, this year 1611). We've replaced the HVAC unit outside as the old one was bad......nothing else has changed.........thermostat on 67 where as last year it was on 69 or 70......no new appliances.....no new habits/changes.....

Question: Could a bad fridge cause over usage? Our fridge has issues (frost in the freezer......defrost a few times a day....always seems to be ON making sounds....) could this be the culprit?

If your refrigerator has frost and it is working harder than necessary it will cause your usage to go higher but not that much.

Check here for ideas:
We Energies Energy Saving Ideas 101 Tips


Also...this winter was much colder than it was last year. I would imagine your increase in usage is mostly due to the increased days of heating this year.
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