January Heating Bill

[Asscherhalo_lover]

$600 to keep the house at ~63-65.

Our problem is windows. Our living room is more glass than wall - there’s a substantial amount of ceiling glass as well - and we spend most of our time there so we can’t not heat it! And even double-pane glass just can’t keep up. Curtains would be an easy solution, but one of the cats insists on going #1 on any sort of hanging material

Our idea was basically to Reynolds wrap the windows for winter... turns out this is A Thing and they make kits!

This is absolutely a thing! The house we rent was built in the early 1900's and we seal up all of the windows once it's in the 40's. My favorite part is when you use the hair dryer and the plastic gets all tight, it's kind of satisfying to watch.

 

[BlingDreams]

Our idea was basically to Reynolds wrap the windows for winter... turns out this is A Thing and they make kits!

Hahaha! Let’s us know if you try it! I’m trying to envision being on a tall ladder while using a hairdryer

 

[msop04]

Electric bill only...
Dec: $138.00
Jan: $402.00

...and we keep it on 68. Electric for heat. Only gas is for hot water and fireplace (which we don't use). Built my house in 2005, so no issues there. What a racket.

ETA: NOT a large home -- 2000 sq ft!

 

[Puppmom]

I forgot I have 4 stained glass windows. Very pretty and very drafty!

I’ve insulated the other windows before but I hate not being able to open them on unseasonably warm days or when my dog totally stinks up the place. :roll

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Now don't go thinking I'm crazy but I've heard you can use bubble wrap and windex! You cut the bubble wrap to fit the window, spray the glass and stick it on. Easy to remove if needed without any adhesive residue.

I haven't tried it but I might after I get my bill the end of the month

 

[ringbling17]

I just paid my bill on Friday. Our gas bill for December was $482 and our electricity was about the same. My water bill was less than $70.
We live in New Jersey. It was extra cold about two weeks ago here. We always go through extremes every winter and every summer.
In the summer my water bill is close to $500 (sometimes higher) and my gas drops down to below $70. My electricity fluctuates but I know it was higher for last month bc of all the extra Christmas lights.

 

[ringbling17]

$600 to keep the house at ~63-65.

Our problem is windows. Our living room is more glass than wall - there’s a substantial amount of ceiling glass as well - and we spend most of our time there so we can’t not heat it! And even double-pane glass just can’t keep up. Curtains would be an easy solution, but one of the cats insists on going #1 on any sort of hanging material

Our idea was basically to Reynolds wrap the windows for winter... turns out this is A Thing and they make kits!

We have some UV tint film on all our windows and glass doors. I’m not exactly sure what it’s for though as the original owners were the ones who had it installed. I believe it’s to both protect from the sun and also maintain heat(?).
It’s very lightly tinted, you almost don’t see it but there are some areas where my dogs scratched the back kitchen door and you can see the difference in color.
I only know about it bc the sellers mentioned they had it done and when we went through all the warranties they left for the house we found the original sales receipts and brochures. I should probably read the brochures to find out exactly the purpose of the film.

 

[kenny]

Now don't go thinking I'm crazy but I've heard you can use bubble wrap and windex! You cut the bubble wrap to fit the window, spray the glass and stick it on. Easy to remove if needed without any adhesive residue.

I haven't tried it but I might after I get my bill the end of the month

I love ideas like this.

We don't have AC, but there are a few weeks where I admit would be nice.
I'm too cheap to get it though, or pay for the electricity.
Instead of AC I do a few simple things ...

I have a thermometer that shows both indoor and outdoor temperatures.
In the summer I open windows in the evening when the two temps match.
Then in the morning I close them when the temps match.
This lets cool air in at night and keeps hot air out during the day.
Climate control using nature.

In the winter I do the opposite, windows open during the day and closed at night.
Makes a huge difference in comfort, and it's free.

Obviously this only works in a mild climate.
But still, most people in our neighborhood DO use AC and heat ... and pay those bills.
Using energy unnecessarily is a much less-green way to live, especially when you live where you don't have to.

Next, for the hottest months I tape cheapo mylar space blankets over all windows that get direct sun.
Be sure the more-reflective side is facing out.
Again, nearly free and easily keeps the house around 15 degrees cooler.
When people walk into our house on a very hot day they can't believe we don't have AC.

 

[Gussie]

Our bill this month was $545, kinda high for winter. Our summer bills can easily reach $700. 4000 sq ft, open floor plan. Texas heat is horrid!

 

[Arcadian]

Our bill this month was $545, kinda high for winter. Our summer bills can easily reach $700. 4000 sq ft, open floor plan. Texas heat is horrid!

Oh my goodness.. that would make me faint! How close to the coast are you btw? I'm 5 miles in as the crows fly. thankfully that also puts me behind the freeway and out of any major flood zones.

And of course, my house could fit into your house 2 times with room left over

 

[Gussie]

Oh my goodness.. that would make me faint! How close to the coast are you btw? I'm 5 miles in as the crows fly. thankfully that also puts me behind the freeway and out of any major flood zones.

And of course, my house could fit into your house 2 times with room left over

We're about 50 miles inland. I was looking at the energy costs throughout this thread and I think that the housing cost here in the houston area more than makes up for the high energy cost! Large houses are relatively cheap here as compared the NE and west!

Also I forgot that our Dec /Jan bill had the christmas lights on it. And we do lots of lights!

 

[yssie]

@Arcadian the house had gorgeous roman blinds when we bought it actually! I hadn't seen nice ones before Obviously the previous owners had the same heating problem... unfortunately they fell in line with whatever criteria our little wretch uses to determine whether or not to decorate something because they didn't last the week :roll

Our kits are shipping...

 

[Arcadian]

@yssie all I have is a lazy hound, so you have my sympathies. Cats are cats (in both the best and worst ways at times)

I've noticed some people talking about water bills in the 500's. WHAAAAAAT? thats HIGH! Is that with or without a pool???

 

[kenny]

@yssie all I have is a lazy hound, so you have my sympathies. Cats are cats (in both the best and worst ways at times)

I've noticed some people talking about water bills in the 500's. WHAAAAAAT? thats HIGH! Is that with or without a pool???

Dang!
$500 a month for water?

I use a bucket to save the 2.5 gallons of water that otherwise would go down the drain waiting for hot water to reach the house from the garage.
Then I use it to flush the toilet.
I haven't watered our "lawn" in many years.
Brown is the new green.