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Started By
Message
Help - power bill has gotten out of control
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:05 am
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:05 am
Just to give the basics, I live in about a 3500 square foot house. House had 14 original windows remaining and a 18 year old 4 ton gas pack unit to heat/cool downstairs when we moved in.
Since moving in, the old unit died so we replaced it and went with a 5 ton unit because the previous owners added a master suite on to the house and the old unit barely pushed any air in there at all. We were assured this would actually be more efficient since it wouldn't have to run as much to keep the house cool.
Aside from that, we replaced the 14 original windows because they leaked air like crazy.
After doing that, our power bills have gone nuts. In the most recent billing cycle, we apparently used 4500kWh of energy. I can't figure out the issue. I've had the power company come do their little survey and two different hvac companies come check my system to see if something isn't running properly. The only useful feedback I've gotten so far is that I need to add some more attic insulation, but that would've been the case last year when I burned 3300kWh in July.
Anybody have any ideas? My last best guess is that I needed to upgrade my duct work to let the bigger unit run efficiently, but two different hvac companies have come out and nobody actually recommended that we do that.
Since moving in, the old unit died so we replaced it and went with a 5 ton unit because the previous owners added a master suite on to the house and the old unit barely pushed any air in there at all. We were assured this would actually be more efficient since it wouldn't have to run as much to keep the house cool.
Aside from that, we replaced the 14 original windows because they leaked air like crazy.
After doing that, our power bills have gone nuts. In the most recent billing cycle, we apparently used 4500kWh of energy. I can't figure out the issue. I've had the power company come do their little survey and two different hvac companies come check my system to see if something isn't running properly. The only useful feedback I've gotten so far is that I need to add some more attic insulation, but that would've been the case last year when I burned 3300kWh in July.
Anybody have any ideas? My last best guess is that I needed to upgrade my duct work to let the bigger unit run efficiently, but two different hvac companies have come out and nobody actually recommended that we do that.
11
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:28 am to HoldenOversoul
quote:
but that would've been the case last year when I burned 3300kWh in July.
Give a more clear timeline, it might help.
1. HVAC replaced
2. 3300kWh last July
3. Windows replaced
4. 4500 kWh this June?
Trying to nail down cause here...
Looking at trended energy usage year over year comparing same months might be helpful as well to really pin point it. The growth % June 22 over June 21 and June 23 over June 22, for example.
This post was edited on 7/26/24 at 8:30 am
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:28 am to HoldenOversoul
You'll need to provide a tiny bit more info:
1. Where do you live?
2. Do you keep your windows uncovered throughout the day?
3. What are you setting your air to throughout the day?
1. Where do you live?
2. Do you keep your windows uncovered throughout the day?
3. What are you setting your air to throughout the day?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:30 am to HoldenOversoul
quote:
HoldenOversoul
Stop worrying about a screen door on the back porch and close the damn door.
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:33 am to BilbeauTBaggins
quote:
You'll need to provide a tiny bit more info:
1. Where do you live?
2. Do you keep your windows uncovered throughout the day?
3. What are you setting your air to throughout the day?
Anyone at home during the day who could possibly be lowering the thermostat to "Stupid Levels" the unit can't reach this time of year and running constantly????
Posted on 7/26/24 at 8:56 am to CottonWasKing
quote:
HoldenOversoul
quote:
CottonWasKing
Enough with the jokes. Let's get down to business, shall we?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 9:04 am to HoldenOversoul
You should install a smart thermostat and track the usage and temps.
As said, someone at home leaving the doors open? Turning the AC down?
Any trees cut down that had been shading your roof?
Any new appliances or devices that may need power?
As said, someone at home leaving the doors open? Turning the AC down?
Any trees cut down that had been shading your roof?
Any new appliances or devices that may need power?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 9:06 am to HoldenOversoul
3300 and 4500kWh seems ridiculous to me.
My house is only 2500sqft. I've got more windows than you, lots of cathedral cielings, and i've got a 4.5 and 3.5 AC, and I used 2200kWh last month when it wasn't raining and it was hot as shite, and i leave both AC's at 73 during the day and 68 at night. My doors are horrible and leak air.
I do have efficient AC units, Diakan true variable speed units. I know my house is smaller in sqft, but i've got almost twice the ac tonnage you do, and i'm using half the electricity you are. And I know i'm leaking air out my doors. I have 3 french doors that need replacing, the back door has a giant doggy door, and my front door litearlly has a crack in the middle of the door that you can see through, i just been too lazy to fill that crack in.
I think you need to keep asking around to you find an AC guy that has the experience and knowledge to give you some educated answers to your issue. You'd be surprised how many of them out there don't know what the hell they are talking about. I had 7 quotes when i got my new ac system. It was obvious who was experienced and who didn't have a clue.
My house is only 2500sqft. I've got more windows than you, lots of cathedral cielings, and i've got a 4.5 and 3.5 AC, and I used 2200kWh last month when it wasn't raining and it was hot as shite, and i leave both AC's at 73 during the day and 68 at night. My doors are horrible and leak air.
I do have efficient AC units, Diakan true variable speed units. I know my house is smaller in sqft, but i've got almost twice the ac tonnage you do, and i'm using half the electricity you are. And I know i'm leaking air out my doors. I have 3 french doors that need replacing, the back door has a giant doggy door, and my front door litearlly has a crack in the middle of the door that you can see through, i just been too lazy to fill that crack in.
I think you need to keep asking around to you find an AC guy that has the experience and knowledge to give you some educated answers to your issue. You'd be surprised how many of them out there don't know what the hell they are talking about. I had 7 quotes when i got my new ac system. It was obvious who was experienced and who didn't have a clue.
Posted on 7/26/24 at 9:08 am to TeddyPadillac
Yeah now that I think about it, 3500 sq ft and you only had a 4 ton? It’s usually 600 sq ft a ton? The 5 ton seems inadequate also?
But even with those running full time, that seems like an excessive amount? Did you have another unit you forgot to mention?
But even with those running full time, that seems like an excessive amount? Did you have another unit you forgot to mention?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 9:23 am to baldona
To answer some questions:
The 5 ton unit handles downstairs. We have I believe a 2 ton unit that handles upstairs. We didn't replace that and have had it inspected twice. One said it's totally fine, one said it could stand to be cleaned but otherwise seems to be running properly.
Timeline wise, we replaced the downstairs unit in February of this year, and the windows were installed in March. We didn't replace all windows, as about half were replaced when the previous homeowners renovated prior to us buying.
My wife and I both work from home, and both units are set to 73 degrees 24/7. Live in South Carolina, so it's been hot as shite - but it's always hot in July. No doors left open, many windows are uncovered but that's not a new development. The only changes from last year to this year are the new downstairs unit and new windows. We've checked the windows and nothing is leaking air. We do have one entry door that leaks air, but again that's not a new development.
July of 2023, we used 3,436 kWh of energy. Avg. temp was 81 per the power company website. July 2024, same avg. temp but we used 4,572 kWh. Thermostats were set to 73 then as well. We're home more now than we were then, but I don't imagine more time with a few lamps on and using our laptops for work would create a 1,100 kWh difference?
The 5 ton unit handles downstairs. We have I believe a 2 ton unit that handles upstairs. We didn't replace that and have had it inspected twice. One said it's totally fine, one said it could stand to be cleaned but otherwise seems to be running properly.
Timeline wise, we replaced the downstairs unit in February of this year, and the windows were installed in March. We didn't replace all windows, as about half were replaced when the previous homeowners renovated prior to us buying.
My wife and I both work from home, and both units are set to 73 degrees 24/7. Live in South Carolina, so it's been hot as shite - but it's always hot in July. No doors left open, many windows are uncovered but that's not a new development. The only changes from last year to this year are the new downstairs unit and new windows. We've checked the windows and nothing is leaking air. We do have one entry door that leaks air, but again that's not a new development.
July of 2023, we used 3,436 kWh of energy. Avg. temp was 81 per the power company website. July 2024, same avg. temp but we used 4,572 kWh. Thermostats were set to 73 then as well. We're home more now than we were then, but I don't imagine more time with a few lamps on and using our laptops for work would create a 1,100 kWh difference?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 9:26 am to HoldenOversoul
quote:
We're home more now than we were then, but I don't imagine more time with a few lamps on and using our laptops for work would create a 1,100 kWh difference?
No, but going in and out of the house a lot more could be part of it.
Still doesn't account for the huge rise. I think the HVAC installers made a mistake somewhere and ducts or something are leaking. Did they do all new ductwork?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 9:34 am to CatfishJohn
They did not replace ducts. The company who installed and the other folks I hired to take a look both said they were old, but ok and didn't look to be a problem.
Posted on 7/26/24 at 10:05 am to HoldenOversoul
What's the AC company have to say that did the installation? A 33% in electrical with a new unit is very questionable.
I just looked up a family member of mine that I pay their bills for, house is a little smaller about 3200sq ft but 3 stories total with 2 units that I'm not positive of the size. They used 3300Kwh in May and 4300 in June.
Its possible you were just very lucky in the past?
I just looked up a family member of mine that I pay their bills for, house is a little smaller about 3200sq ft but 3 stories total with 2 units that I'm not positive of the size. They used 3300Kwh in May and 4300 in June.
Its possible you were just very lucky in the past?
Posted on 7/26/24 at 12:18 pm to HoldenOversoul
Have you considered when you replaced those leaky windows the AC started pulling air from the attic? Just a thought.
Posted on 7/26/24 at 1:04 pm to HoldenOversoul
Close and lock all your outdoor outlets/
Posted on 7/26/24 at 1:07 pm to HoldenOversoul
quote:
We were assured this would actually be more efficient since it wouldn't have to run as much to keep the house cool.
Residential HVAC companies are the worst...I'm not pro big govt regulation but sometimes residential HVAC really tests my limits.
Posted on 7/26/24 at 3:00 pm to HoldenOversoul
quote:
They did not replace ducts. The company who installed and the other folks I hired to take a look both said they were old, but ok and didn't look to be a problem.
If the original ductwork was properly sized for a 4-ton HVAC and you upsized to a 5-ton unit with no change in the ductwork sizing you are still only getting 4-tons of cooling capacity - a common problem far too many make, and a good HVAC installer would have pointed this out to you.
That said you need to hire a reputable firm to do a comprehensive energy audit of your home, blower door test, duct leakage, thermal imaging & smoke pen tests for air infitration & leakage smoke pen tests, etc. - you need know where the problems are before directing additional $$ on guesses. If this is an old house I would suspect air infiltration & inadequate insulation are major issues.
Consider buying and reading this book “The Home Comfort Book” by Nate the House Whisper LINK - he has a Y/T channel & website. Easy to read & easy to follow.
Posted on 7/26/24 at 3:18 pm to HoldenOversoul
Did you check the number of days billed? I have Demco and one month last year I had a bill that was for only 22 days. The next one was like 38 days.
Still not sure why that happened, assumed all bills were around 30 days.
Still not sure why that happened, assumed all bills were around 30 days.
Posted on 7/27/24 at 10:30 pm to eatpie
quote:
Have you considered when you replaced those leaky windows the AC started pulling air from the attic?
^^
Been there.
Posted on 7/27/24 at 11:26 pm to HoldenOversoul
The feeder stock that runs your power plants that send you power may have gotten much more expensive.
I've built (via builder) two houses since 2009. I paid under $2k each time to tint the windows on at least 3/4 of the house each time (last tint job was 2014 ish.) I had 5500 sq ft for seven years, and used a bit more than you did (smart thermostats, since nobody was upstairs most of the day, etc.) I had awful windows with no blinds or curtains which got direct sun for 10 hours a day during the summer, too.
I'd suggest dealing with sunlight first, if that's an issue.
I've built (via builder) two houses since 2009. I paid under $2k each time to tint the windows on at least 3/4 of the house each time (last tint job was 2014 ish.) I had 5500 sq ft for seven years, and used a bit more than you did (smart thermostats, since nobody was upstairs most of the day, etc.) I had awful windows with no blinds or curtains which got direct sun for 10 hours a day during the summer, too.
I'd suggest dealing with sunlight first, if that's an issue.
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