Electricity + Gas = $3600/yr - Is this normal in MoCo? (2013, appliances)

[tac13]

Hi,

I was discussing with a friend who has a 3600 sq.ft home and a basement ~ 1200 sq. ft. His energy bills are about 3600$ per year. Is this normal for that kind of home? This is a 10 year old home in central MoCo.

I thought it is on a higher end.

Thanks.
PS: Please let me know a total cost per year, since the electricy/gas usage varies over the year.

[North Beach Person]

If he has a heat pump a bill of $300/month gets you that number. I heat a much smaller and older house with oil for about that. That's not counting electric. C'mon, he's conditioning damn near an 1/8 of an acre of area.

[Iggier]

Probably reasonable depending on number of people living in the home, number and length of hot showers, heating/cooling temperature preferences, and home insulation.

I'm closer to southern MoCo and for my 2,400 square foot home total gas and electric expenditure for 2013 was $2,000.00. I crank the AC in summer as cold as possible, and in the winter keep the place no warmer than 66 degrees.

[badchad]

Sounds pretty normal to me, but it can vary greatly depending on the number of people, and condition of the home (well-insulated, energy efficient appliances etc.)

There are really too many variables to try and pin down "average" utility costs.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by tac13

...3600 sq.ft home and a basement ~ 1200 sq. ft.

Is that 3600 sq ft the total (or is 4800 sq ft the total) ??
Is the lower 1200 also finished room space with full heat and AC?
Any idea where they set the thermostat?

His energy bills are about 3600$ per year.
This is a 10 year old home in central MoCo... Is this normal?

As noted by the others... $300/mo (avg) c/should certainly be within the normal range.

PS: .. since the electricy/gas usage varies over the year...

How about if YOU provide the month by month breakdown.
See how many KwH are consumed when the heat (or AC) is off etc.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by MrRational

Is that 3600 sq ft the total (or is 4800 sq ft the total) ??
Is the lower 1200 also finished room space with full heat and AC?
Any idea where they set the thermostat?


As noted by the others... $300/mo (avg) c/should certainly be within the normal range.


How about if YOU provide the month by month breakdown.
See how many KwH are consumed when the heat (or AC) is off etc.

Also depends on if someone is in the house 24/7 or is the house empty duing the day where everything is shut off or reduced. Types of windows, window treatments, carpet or bare flooring. Are the appliances Energy Star? Are they cleaned or checked regularly for efficient operation? How long are the showers? How often are clothes washed? Who falls asleep with the TV on? How many TVs and PCs are in the home at the same time and for how long? Are the TVs and monitors LED? Are the light bulbs LED or compact florescent?

I had an energy evaluation done on my home this summer to see where improvements could be made. I'm trying to get as close to a net zero consumption home as possible. My monthly gas and electric are averaging about $50 so far with solar panels, new windows, LED lighting, LED TVs. iIn winter my thermo is 65 for 18 hours a day and 70 for mornings and evenings. In the summer, the A/C is set to 82 for 18 hours a day and 74 for morning and evenings.

My energy audit was done by Standard Solar. The state gives you a rebate when you have work done after getting the audit. I think they pay up to $2500. The audit cost $100.