We moved from an apartment (approx 1000 sq ft) in NH to one in MA (approx 1200 sq ft) to be closer to work (Boston). Our old apartment electric bill used to hover between $70 and $110 monthly. Our provider is the same in NH and MA (Eversource). The new place is new-ish, the building having been constructed in 2006.
Today I received the electric bill for the new place and to my horror, it came up to $278.93. Here's the bill:
Important factors that I can think of:
-
The old apartment had individual room air conditioners while the new
place has central air. We keep the temp at 72 degrees all the time. -
The old apartment had a common laundry room for the whole building
while the new one has a W/D within the unit but we don't do laundry more than once a week anyway - The new place has a lot
more lighting, but we're pretty good about keeping lights off when we
don't use them - Most (if not all) electric appliances in the new place are newer.
Flooring is hardwood throughout
Now, my questions:
- Is it advisable to keep the central air off or at a higher temperature when we're at work for the day?
- Is such a high delivery charge normal for the Boston area?
- Are there any other tips to help bring this insane cost down?
EDIT: Adding more details based on comments…
- Most (if not all) lights in the new place are fluorescent/LED
- The older apartment was on the first floor, corner unit. The current one is on the second floor, corner unit
- Air conditioning at the older place was used on an as-needed basis, so during the day the ACs would be off while we were at work and when we were home we would turn them on. But usually since both of us were always in the same room most of the time while we were home, only one AC was on at any given moment. Also, the ACs were ancient and had no temperature settings, only dials on a 1-10 scale for cooling. We always set them to 6-7.
- I'm not able to access our prior bills to view the billing rates. I had signed up for e-billing and whenever I click on the 'view bill details' link in the email, it takes me to my new apartment's billing. Eversource has different sub-websites for different states and it looks like my account is now MA only, and the NH part has been deactivated.
Best Answer
In answer to your first question: Yes. If there is no one occupying an area you should set you T'stat lower while you are out.
In answer to your second question: I have no idea anymore as to what is a fair rate, but I will say your bill makes no sense. We all get the $145.79, but according to the breakdown of your Delivery Services, it only adds up to $110.82 not $133.04. So where does the extra $22.22 come from? Look over your bill and see if it mentions that charge and if it doesn't, I would spend some time on the phone having someone explain it to me.
On you third question: The first thing I would do is go online, make phone calls, and find any social sites that are discussing this problem. When I say go online and make phone calls, I am talking about directing them to the service provider. I would not try and be rude or mad, but be firm and ask detailed questions about your billing. Also expect and be firm about getting detailed answers.
On matters of saving energy, first as you originally proposed. Set your T'stat to prevent you AC/Heat from coming on as often if you are not in the residence. I use a programmable T'stat and have mine set for 58F in the winter and 80F in the summer. Also I would suggest you don't need it so high if you are sleeping in a bed under covers. I would suggest an electric pad or blanket to keep you warmer in the winter and set the AC for say 60F and come back up to 72 an hour or so before you get up.
Also orientation is everything as brought up by @1006a. Windows and their exposures are key, you might look and make sure you have heavy insulated curtains to keep conditioned air in especially on extra cold and hot days.
Hope this helps, good luck.