[Jessey126]

Hi Everyone

I wonder if I could ask you local guys and gals about the utility bills over in Vegas... I did try and search on here and found some info - but it seems to show up stuff in other states too - I'm just not too familiar yet with how the search bit works here... So if someone could indulge me and share some info, I'd be very grateful...

Okay, so we're not there yet (that is, hubby and I); and we're probably going to rent (north/west) area for good commute to Nellis.

Hubby likes bigger spaces - our current space is 2300 s/f and we don't have to worry about the utility bills. It's just the two of us so 'I' think we could go smaller...

So I guess I'm looking for any advice you good people can share in terms of keeping costs down. We currently have our A/C set to around 70/73 degrees (I need to have it cold (health reasons, not anything else) and I'm a bit worried about costs??

I've heard/read some people shoot for high 70s/80 but I physically would not be able to cope in that environment. Likewise, perhaps closing off some rooms - does that help? Also - is a one story or two story home better?

Also, what about water - we both agree that zero scape would be better (grass is wonderful but I know it takes a lot of watering (like where we are now - watering grass in the desert - it's wonderful to look at but not particularly practical)...

In terms of a pool, any advice on that please as to costs.

Okay, I know that's a lot so I'll stop there. Again, I'm very grateful for all advice from you local folk in Vegas, thank you!

Jessey

[cre8lite]

I'm not sure where you're coming from or what health issues you have but, 70 degrees *might* be a little harsh once you experience the weather out here. Coming from 115 degrees outside to 70 degrees inside is like visiting the north pole You might find that you'll end up closer to 80 instead of closer to 60 once you get here.

I live in Nye County, neighbor to Clark County. I keep my house at 83 during the day, 79 at night & my electricity runs ~$200/mo during the summer. During spring/fall, no a/c needed, so the bill drops considerably. Deep in the cold of winter, with the heater running it'll cost ~$200/mo.

[aggrofish]

I just paid both today. $310 for electricity and $123 for water. Lots of non water friendly plants in front including grass. Keep the ac off during the day and turn it to 78 when I get home around 7 or 8 at night. The master has a separate unit which I turn down to 74 at night. I rarely turn on the heat in the winter. I have another person that stays with me during the week, but last year when the someone was here all day with the AC on and no solar screens the electric was around double what I pay now.

[Jessey126]

Thanks Cre8lite for your reply - we currently have 100 most days out here in the desert (CA) and we have the A/C set for 73 which is very often too hot for me - it gets turned down to 70 and I'm good with that - medical reasons so not going into that - I'm sure you'll understand and respect my wishes

Thanks though for your figures - gives us an idea of what to expect - and yes, it's a lot cooler where we are currently in the winter months, so that does make life easier...

Hi Aggrofish - thanks also for your reply. May I ask, were those amounts for month, or for a quarter? As you say, it's easy to turn things 'up' if you're both out at work etc but if someone is at home, that's a bit of a bugger isn't it!!

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate your time and information here. Cheers!

[Buzz123]

If you paid $123 for water you must have a leak. We were complaining today that ours was $45 for Sept. That's way too high. I heard tonight that we can look forward to a drastic increase in our water bills before long when they start making us pay for the third straw. Then later it will be to pay for a desalinization plant. I think they said it will be in Mexico.

[aggrofish]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

If you paid $123 for water you must have a leak. We were complaining today that ours was $45 for Sept. That's way too high. I heard tonight that we can look forward to a drastic increase in our water bills before long when they start making us pay for the third straw. Then later it will be to pay for a desalinization plant. I think they said it will be in Mexico.

You could be right it always says a crazy amount of gallons like 35,000. Would that be a call the water company or call a plumber problem? Ill ask my neighbor with a pool and kids how much his was to compare.

[SportyandMisty]

One of the best things you can do when you choose a residence here is bring a compass. Make sure you don't have large windows facing either south or west. In fact, no windows on the west is about ideal insofar as making the interior more comfortable during the summer.

[lvoc]

Originally Posted by aggrofish

You could be right it always says a crazy amount of gallons like 35,000. Would that be a call the water company or call a plumber problem? Ill ask my neighbor with a pool and kids how much his was to compare.

Open up the meter box. On the meter face is a small triangular pointer. If it is moving you are using water. YOu should be able to stop it by shutting off everything in the house. If you can't you got a leak.

It is actually quite sensitive. So it is a good check.

It does not guarantee everything is OK...for instance you can have a broken sprinkler feed that uses a lot of water in a short period. But it get most of them .

[modhatter]

How big is your house Aggrofish? One or two story?

[NLVgal]

My house is 1401 sq. feet single story (vaulted ceilings) with a pool, and grass and trees in the front.

Electricity averages 277 per month (just went on the balanced payment plan) and water is about 130, but I suspect I have a leak in the main. Gas averages 27 per month, and cable and high speed internet is 126.

Hope that helps with your budget planning, Mod.