We have turned the temp up to 78 all the time, instead of 74 when home/ 78 when away. That saved 95 kWh so obviously AC is a huge draw. But what else could run things up that high?
I went to the Xcel energy analyzer page, and they estimate that pr year AC should cost $40, lighting should cost $66, the refrigerator should cost $60, the stove is $67, and all other is $140. That is $373. Our monthly bill have been around $100 since we moved in.
Having never owned a home, or seen an electric bill before (our landlord just told us in northfield, and that included electric heat and water) I have a feeling that this is a rip off.
There is also a addition on our bill for a $.035 pr kWh"Adjustment factor" that really kicks the bill into high gear. Looking at the Xcel page again, 100% wind power is an adjustment of $.0113 kWh! So what kind of super fuel are we using?
To complicate things, our bill comes from "CONSrve" billing that just is a middle man for Xcel. They have no web page for us, just for apartment landlords and such.
So what gives? What do you pay for electric?
6 comments:
The highest we usually pay is around $100, that's if we're more lax about shutting the ac off during the day. I just think to myself, at least the cats are enjoying it. This last month was about $93, but during the winter, we can get away with $30. Keep in mind, I have to power all of my fancy gadgets, which need to be on all the time.
Have you upgraded to the compact florescents? They use 2/3 less power.
You also can go on budget helper to level out your bills and make them a little more predictable.
Can you put anything on your windows? Tint like you would put on car windows would help.
That seems extremely high. When I was living in a 900sf apartment in downtown Minneapolis, my average bill was about $52/month. That includes air, washer/dryer, lights, stove, etc.
Do you have the ability to see your meter? If so, start shutting things off - fridge too since it'll stay cold as long as you don't open it.
I just reread your comment, and I'm a bit startled by the fact that your bill doesn't come from Xcel...
Do you send payments directly to Xcel or to "CONSrve"?
Hi cm,
I will look into seeing if we can see our meter any place.
Also, we do get billed directly from conserve, but they buy their electricity from Xcel. I guess they are a billing service the apartments here use.
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