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Home modification tips for Energy Savings - How to reduce my electric bill
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:45 pm
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:45 pm
Has anyone here made any significant energy cost savings? If so, how? I recently bought a house and downsized because I was tired of maintaining the large house for just myself. The new house 600 sqft smaller and my bill is $60 more than the old house. I know insulation of course, but has anyone had success cutting their bill making minor tweaks?
This post was edited on 8/31/16 at 1:56 pm
11
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:47 pm to lsugrad35
quote:
Has anyone here made any significant energy cost savings? If so, how? I recently bought a house and downsized because I was tired of maintaining the large house for just myself. The new house 600 sqft smaller and my bill is $60 more than the old house. I know insulation of course, but has anyone had success cutting their bill making minor tweaks?
Apart from insulation, your major appliances can have a major factor in your energy consumption.
Replacing an electric water heater with a tankless gas water heater can make a huge difference. Your AC hardware and the schedule of your cooling can make a major difference as well.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:49 pm to lsugrad35
My power was out for a few days- that might result in some savings.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:49 pm to lsugrad35
I cut my bill almost in half when I replaced my main A/C unit with a high S.E.E.R. unit.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:51 pm to WavinWilly
Double pane windows. They are a little expensive but will save you some money.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:51 pm to lsugrad35
Do some research on "radiant barrier."
I put some up in my attic a few years ago, and my summer bills have gone down significantly, mainly because my AC does not have to work as hard.
I put some up in my attic a few years ago, and my summer bills have gone down significantly, mainly because my AC does not have to work as hard.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:51 pm to lsugrad35
Close bedroom/bathroom doors when you'r not at home.
Get a smart thermostat
Set the a/c to 80 when you are at work
Get a smart thermostat
Set the a/c to 80 when you are at work
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:53 pm to J Murdah
quote:
Close bedroom/bathroom doors when you'r not at home.
Get a smart thermostat
Set the a/c to 80 when you are at work
This is where I started. Got a nest (watch out for CAD about to say that's where I went wrong) and I've been tweaking it. Was letting it get up a bit higher. Recently backed it down to only allow it to get to 78 while I'm away 75 when I'm home and 73 at bedtime. No improvement there.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 1:54 pm to lsugrad35
Please edit your thread title to make it more complete.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 2:24 pm to lsugrad35
Mine dropped a lot when I replaced my entire AC unit and water heater also to one thats much more efficient. Also I installed an attic fan that has greatly reduced the heat in the attic throughout the day.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 2:44 pm to 4WHLN
quote:
Also I installed an attic fan that has greatly reduced the heat in the attic throughout the day.
the problem with these is that you are using energy to save energy. yes, it will reduce the attic heat load but there are other ways to do this. ridge vents alone DON'T provide enough ventilation for an attic. i installed big whirlies as well and dropped the attic heat almost 10 deg. a solar powered attic fan is available but i have not looked at the cost/benefit ratio so no opinion.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 2:49 pm to mack the knife
quote:
a solar powered attic fan is available but i have not looked at the cost/benefit ratio so no opinion.
This is what I installed. IIRC it was about $300 and I installed it before it got hot so I cant say exactly how much money it saves me but I can assure you the heat in the attic has been greatly reduced.
Guess I should have been more through.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 2:54 pm to Layabout
quote:
cut my bill almost in half when I replaced my main A/C unit with a high S.E.E.R. unit.
A lot of electric companies will reimburse you for part of the cost when you do that.
Another thing to watch is how many windows face south and try to shade those as much as possible. Fast growing shrubs for the first floor windows.
Could also put window units in, and cool only the rooms you're using.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 3:23 pm to lsugrad35
Our bill went down quite a bit when we replaced our appliances.
Does your new pad have electric everything's and your old one have gas? That could affect it.
Does your new pad have electric everything's and your old one have gas? That could affect it.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 3:23 pm to lsugrad35
Cheap tip is to make sure your windows and doors aren't leaking
Posted on 8/31/16 at 3:51 pm to Bestbank Tiger
quote:
Could also put window units in, and cool only the rooms you're using.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 3:59 pm to lsugrad35
We are slowly switching all lights to LEDs. Started with the accent lighting halogens that run on a timer outside from dusk til dawn. Now slowly replacing interior floods and regular lamp bulbs with led bulbs. Took a little trial and error to see which brands had warmest light. I hate white light. Phillips brand 650 lumens in regular indoor floods are perfect. We already have radiant barrier and 18 seer? No spray foam though. Would like that. The only problem we have run into is that when the outdoor lighting is on we have trouble getting into garage. LEDs cause interference with garage door openers. Just have to drive closer before opening garage.
Posted on 8/31/16 at 4:02 pm to Tortious
During the construction process of my house I found out about this guy
LINK /
I ordered the information and did what I could, it was already too late for somethings. I doubled my Sq. Ft. and still cut my utility cost almost in half. My old house was built in the 50's so I doubt it was very efficient.
I spent $2.5k on his recommendations ten years ago and reduced my energy bills by at least $75/month in winter and $200 in summer. I don't need to put my central heater on unless the air temp. gets below 30 degrees.
Of course the info is for homes under construction but you certainly can do some of it.
LINK /
I ordered the information and did what I could, it was already too late for somethings. I doubled my Sq. Ft. and still cut my utility cost almost in half. My old house was built in the 50's so I doubt it was very efficient.
I spent $2.5k on his recommendations ten years ago and reduced my energy bills by at least $75/month in winter and $200 in summer. I don't need to put my central heater on unless the air temp. gets below 30 degrees.
Of course the info is for homes under construction but you certainly can do some of it.
This post was edited on 8/31/16 at 4:17 pm
Posted on 8/31/16 at 4:03 pm to alajones
Spend $2k+ to save $20/mo?
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