Ideas for saving money??

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jahilliard

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I have a customer with a home approx. 4500 sq ft, has had multiple remodels/additions on her house, and now has 5 CU and AHU's to supply her home, she also has two tank water heaters currently that are heating as needed (no time clocks) and her electric bill is around 900 a month. She has recently palced her t-stats at 78 deg. and that lowered it to about 600-700.
She does have a pool and I am currently unsure if its heated or a spa, etc. I am physically going to the house on Wed. I am trying to collect any input on what all of you have seen to help lower the electric bill. Would timers help enough on the WH's. Maye insta-hots or tankless WH's??? any ideas that you guys have seen work in the past would really be helpful, thank you.
 
Does she really need two water heaters, how about more insulation. Try calling a GOOD HVAC company and get a rep. there that could maybe have a system that would solve the numerous AHU and CU problem.
I worked in a home like this what a nightmare, a whole home of "who did it and ran".
 
Just my opinion, but 4500 sq. ft. is a HUGE house, they shouldn't have added on so much without considering the cost to run it.

Occupancy sensors, timers on lighting, CFL bulbs everywhere.
Closing doors and closing vents on unused rooms, good wall insulation
Assuming it's heated, thermal cover on the pool, solar pool heater

4500 sq. ft. means a lot of roofing, they might want to consider solar PV as a supplement.
 
Jraef said:
Just my opinion, but 4500 sq. ft. is a HUGE house, they shouldn't have added on so much without considering the cost to run it.

Occupancy sensors, timers on lighting, CFL bulbs everywhere.
Closing doors and closing vents on unused rooms, good wall insulation
Assuming it's heated, thermal cover on the pool, solar pool heater

4500 sq. ft. means a lot of roofing, they might want to consider solar PV as a supplement.
Click to expand...



Chick-ching, solar PV or pitch a tent in their big back yard. That must be one heck of a house :roll:
 
How old are the AC units?
This is usually the largest of all expenses here in South Florida.
My electric bill is usually around $300.
last month it was under $180 due to the nice weather and being able to keep the windows open 24/7 for a couple of weeks.

I would start by getting into the AC units first.
If its 7 to 10 years old, it must go!
All of the equipment over three years old, must be cleaned.

Then see if the water heaters are set properly.
My dishwasher heats its own water, all laundry is cold only.
My water heater is set around 115 to 117 degrees. Im thinking of going lower!
I'm not a big fan of water heater timers.

If the HO has gas service, check into the tankless water heaters.
Tankless electric are not really a good idea with the smart meters on the way in here 2012.

Check out the exterior lighting. How much is on and for how long?
Any quartz lighting that can be trashed?
Pool equipment running efficiently?
How old is the pump head? Could be worn out of partially clogged.
How long is the filter cycle? 6-8 hours or 24/7?
 
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