Electric Bill Shocker! (Glendale, Tempe: home, utilities, taxi)

[actinic]

75% of Americans move every 5 yrs.

[ArizonaBear]

My G/F's house has a 3 month old high efficiency AC unit, new refrigerator as well as CFL's almost everywhere; our first electric bill was about $250 (1,400 SF house) but what hurts us are the original single pane casement windows. House was built in 1955.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

My G/F's house has a 3 month old high efficiency AC unit, new refrigerator as well as CFL's almost everywhere; our first electric bill was about $250 (1,400 SF house) but what hurts us are the original single pane casement windows. House was built in 1955.

From personal experience, Bear . . . new windows will make a significant improvement both in energy usage and overall comfort.

Another point to consider if applicable . . . plants along exposed walls blocking the direct afternoon sun. Many years ago I planted Oleanders on my exposed West wall (11 Oleanders at about $15 each plus a little hard work but I cheated and paid to have mine planted) and after only a couple of years; another significant improvement.

[cap1717]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Mine went DOWN from last year. I was dreading opening the email link this month with the near record heat, but I actually used less this year than last. Wonder why I used so much last year now. Anyway, it was a semi-pleasant surprise. Maybe APS will cut my budget payment amount now.

They are constantly adjusting mine (every 6 months or so) to reflect current demand. My bill is very low in the winter as I do not use central heating, but higher in the summer from the A/C. . . I have recently added a new room to the house, so I expected the bill to go up a bit, and it did, but not dramatically!

[shiphead]

Originally Posted by actinic

75% of Americans move every 5 yrs.

Makes sense looking at the market and how businesses are run in the states.

[actinic]

Originally Posted by w1ngzer0

Makes sense looking at the market and how businesses are run in the states.

And explains why expensive alternative energy solutions make little sense for the majority.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by cap1717

They are constantly adjusting mine (every 6 months or so) to reflect current demand. My bill is very low in the winter as I do not use central heating, but higher in the summer from the A/C. . . I have recently added a new room to the house, so I expected the bill to go up a bit, and it did, but not dramatically!

I've been "under" for a few billing cycles now. It is interesting that they adjust up at the drop of a hat, but adjust down only after a significant accumulation of your money in their account.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Ritchie_az

Great, but how much did it cost you to become, like, "totally solar"?

My guess is it will take many years (decades?) to recoup those costs. That is, unless the taxpayers already did that for you....

Actually after the utility company rebates, State and Federal Rebates and tax credits, the cost was less than 20K. But, I live in an area where "regular" electricity is not available - so solar was actually the only feasible choice anyway

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Bummer

From personal experience, Bear . . . new windows will make a significant improvement both in energy usage and overall comfort.

Another point to consider if applicable . . . plants along exposed walls blocking the direct afternoon sun. Many years ago I planted Oleanders on my exposed West wall (11 Oleanders at about $15 each plus a little hard work but I cheated and paid to have mine planted) and after only a couple of years; another significant improvement.

Her house has a significant amount of shade----------several pecan trees as well as citrus.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Her house has a significant amount of shade----------several pecan trees as well as citrus.

NEVERMIND ! ! ! ! ! !