PV Gap

Kyle Said:

what is the cheapest way of reducing my home energy bills?

We Answered:

I have lived all over the US - renting/owning many types of dwellings. I have always enjoyed the 'challenge' of implementing ways to reduce my energy bills, month to month - wherever I've lived. It's a contest that I have (with myself) -

I have records of all utilities mapped on graph paper, showing the past 5 years of gas, electric, water/garbage, phone, taxes, repairs, etc. Sounds like a lot of work - but it's really easy. I write the info for each bill as I pay it - then calculate the monthly and annual totals. . . it's amazing how one can watch the increases in fees (usage and taxes) 'inch up' gradually with this system!

Getting back to your question - cheap ways of reducing bills. . .

We had solar panels in NM, where the sun shines almost constantly. They did NOT save us any money. Unless you can get really reliable records for their use (in your area), I'd not go to the expense.

I'm assuming you already have UV tinted windows, and good seals on all doors and windows (new house)? Efficient heat a/c system? With these high dollar items being new - you are saved those expenses already. Now --

I keep my a/c set around 78 days -74 nites; using ceiling fans year round. AR is brutally hot in summer; icy cold in winter.
Heat (gas central) in winter = 70 days - 65 nit es
We shower rather than tub bathe; installed a Toto toilet (Japanese/uses less water); use dishwasher every other day; have stacked, front-load washer, (gas) dryer, blanketed gas hot water heater (set at 'med'), electric yard tools.

Our monthly utility bills total about $200 (year round).

Hope this info helps --- oh, we have bicycles, a motorcycle, and compact, high mpg vehicles (27mpg and 45mpg).