We just got our electric bill for July/August, and we were pleasantly surprised! It was $250. Last year for the same month, our bill was $366. That is a 31.7% savings! And that savings was on top of adding a chest freezer in our garage, so you would think our power bill would have gone UP.
This summer has been just as hot as last summer, so what did we change?
1. We had our AC units serviced in June. We have been in the house for 6 years and didn't have the freon checked until this year. We have learned our lesson. One unit was down 2 pounds, the other was down 2.5 pounds of freon. Because of that, our units ran all the time and the house never seemed to cool off. It feels completely different now.
2. In April, we were hit with the craziest hail storm I could have ever imagined. We had to get a new roof and 2 sides of the house replaced. Since we needed the new roof, we lightened it 2 shades from black to grey. There are mixed reviews on the effects of lightening your roof, but I have read where it can reduce your power bill by 20% in some climates.
3. We don't watch television. Last year the girls watched it for a couple of hours a day while I was cleaning house and making phone calls. This year we have left the television sets unplugged.
4. We unplugged appliances that aren't being used. I rarely use the docking station and monitor on my desk, so I just unplugged them. I also unplug cellphone chargers when I get a chance. Phantom power can add up!
We are strongly considering adding a powered attic ventilation fan next year. It would draw hot air out of the attic and help control the heat coming into the house from the attic.
What are some things you have done to reduce your energy consumption?
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