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I live in a house which is about 2800 sqf. In the house, the only things that use natural gas are hot water tank, central heat and fireplace. Well, I am in Houston TX where winter is hotter than most people's summer.
In the month of Nov., when only hot water tank was only used for 2 quick showers a day, my natural gas usage was 57 CCF, which came out about $68!!!
I went back and check the history and compared with my coworker's usage - he has a 3200 sqf house with 2 people and gas stove, but his usage was almost half of what mine was!!!
It could be they had been estimating your bill during the prior months and finally did an actual reading of the meter. I know that during the summer around here, if you have been in your house for a couple of years they only do an actual read of the meter every 2 or 3 months. During the winter they read it every month here. Check with your gas company to see if they do the same, it could just be an adjustment after an actual reading.
I would celebrate if I got a $68 gas bill regardless of the time of year. Right now, I would be thrilled if my gas bill was $680.
All appliances are different. Eveyone's usage is also different. You cannot compare to others. Yours may have pilot lights while theirs has electronic ignition. You may be less efficient, your water heater could be located in a colder place. Lots of things can have an impact.
If you had a leak, you would smell it, but if you want to be sure, the gas company will bring out a sniffer for free and check for leaks.
The second column is from my coworker. This is CCF usage.
Dec 7,2009 59
Nov 5,2009 13
Oct 6,2009 3
Sep 29,2009 10
Sep 8,2009 9
Aug 6,2009 31
Jul 9,2009 34 21
Jun 8,2009 39 19
May 7,2009 39 19
Apr 6,2009 69 32
Mar 6,2009 70 62
Feb 4,2009 106 54
Jan 8,2009 115 62
Dec 6,2008 80 55
Nov 1,2008 28 26
Oct 7,2008 32 35
It could be they had been estimating your bill during the prior months and finally did an actual reading of the meter. I know that during the summer around here, if you have been in your house for a couple of years they only do an actual read of the meter every 2 or 3 months. During the winter they read it every month here. Check with your gas company to see if they do the same, it could just be an adjustment after an actual reading.
No, they are not estimating. I did the reading myself to confirm.
What temp do you keep your house at vs. your friend? How well insulated is your house vs. theirs? How old/efficient are your gas appliances vs. theirs? What temp do you keep your water heater set at vs. theirs?
You didn't have your heat on when it snowed on Dec. 4th? I know I finally broke down and put it on.
It's Texas. Still summer here. No need for heat in Dec. We are lucky that we didn't have to turn AC on.
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