too expensive for retirees

mslovjoy

ggest andything wrong...all electric home...monthly bill up to 400. What should we do?

Jamie Hall

What can be done depends a lot on just where you are, and what you are using electric power for.

In some parts of the country (US), electric power is the most expensive energy option available, so changing to a different energy source, such as gas or oil heat, or even changing a ducted air conditioning system to a heat pump may be cost effective.

But… need to know a lot more about what you are using electricity for, and where you are located.

I might note that in colder climates, the most effective use of scarce cash is improving insulation and weather tightness of the home, particularly in post World War II properties.

SlamDunk

$400 sounds pretty decent if you have airconditioning, an electric stove, and electric water heater plus lights and other appliances.

Hot_water_fan

depend on the home. I’m all electric, run about $100 a month.

SlamDunk

$100/month? Do you have solar or doyou sweat in the summer?

Hot_water_fan

Neither, keep it at 70F. A kWh goes for about 14 cents

jumper

Turn electric heat way down and use plug in heaters in each room. Best are oil filled radiators. Many rooms are okay @ 55°. Also replace light bulbs with LED.

mslovjoy

Thanks for the comments. Live in 4 corners, nm. On Farmington Electric. Is one of the instant heat for wall even adaptable to system. Electric company said whatever I do, don't go to portable plugin heater, more expensive. Do the pipes ever redistribute heat to different areas and some stop? We do not have a working thermostat…it's off or on. It takes at least 3 hours to heat.

pecmsg

Start with a blower door test. Find and fix ALL the leakage.