Jeff Stahler for April 06, 2021

Until you have to run the A/C.

We signed up for the “equalizer” bill system: Pay more than what we use in the summer, but less in the winter. And every August we get a notice about how much they owe us (or, alas, vice versa) to make it come even. I like it quite a bit: Budgeting is easy. But we are pretty careful anyway, so we don’t splurge on energy…

Dream on. Each of the last 5 summers has produced historical temps and that will likely continue this year. And with the increases in fuel and related prices, expect higher bills anyway.

We’ve had a mild winter here. The heating bill has been low.

In the summer time, we have a higher bill due to A/C and running the pool filter. However, since we have the pool, we do keep the A/C a degree or two higher than we would otherwise. So it sort of evens out.

Also, we are not adverse to opening windows in the evenings and turning off the A/C when it gets cooler.

Also, investigate using fans in conjunction with the A/C – you don’t have to crank the temperature down as much. Running a small electric motor is a lot cheaper than running a compressor and big fan to cool the whole house when only the room you are occupying needs additional cooling. (Also think space heaters in the winter – for your home office).

Time to get the snow plow out to remove all the yellow pollen.

Let’s not forget the allergies.

until AC is req’d.

I have whole house solar. Freaking love it. I pay less than $15 a month to be connected to the grid. Whether the heat pump is spewing out heat or cold – it’s (almost) always the same. If we have a bad winter it may affect the bill slightly because I can’t get the snow cleared off the panels – but I’m still way ahead.

Yeah I had to pay a lot out front but she’s paid for herself.

Put new insulation in the attic ($1,800) and that cut expenses further. All but I think one or two RARELY used lights are LEDs and it’s a pittance in usage.

Yeah, I’m bragging. But I’m happy.

Cherry trees blossoming earlier than before in DC and Kyoto. And they have been keeping records in Kyoto since the 1100s.

Not necessarily lower energy bills – the baton soon passes from the heating companies to the cooling companies…

Spring – two days between the heating and the cooling seasons.

I’m on the equal pay plan with the electric company. We usually have mild Winters and Summers. I always can tell the season difference by my electric bill. In the Winter they ask if you’d like to donate money for those needing help paying their bill and announcing they’ve been approved for a rate hike the following month. They don’t ask for donations in the Summer . . . .

Except in Texas.