Our total kWh in June was around 153, which came to a $32 bill. This is compared to last June's usage of 371 kWh. I just started using our electric service's mobile app, and it estimates that our usage for July will be down some 90% compared to last July. I am quite excited about that.
The number one driver of costs in the summer is the AC, obviously, which we have now all but eliminated. I did not grow up on AC, which makes living without it easier for me. My wife did grow up with it, so I have had to convince her that we can keep the house cool without it. Here is how we did it.
1. A really big tree in our front and back lawns. These trees must do most of the work, seriously. They block out the sun and keep our house in the shade. My thanks go to the original owners who planted them some 50+ years ago.
2. Close the blinds during the day and open them at night. It is amazing how much of a difference this makes.
3. Switched to LEDs. I converted all the old bulbs to LEDs and a few CFLs. Our power company provided almost half the bulbs at no cost.
4. Turned off lights in rooms when not in use.
5. Killed all phantom power. I unplug all unnecessary items when we leave the house or go to bed. Since we live in a 1000 sq/ft ranch this doesn't take long. The only things continuously drawing power, that I am aware of, are the the stove (clock), fridge, and a clock radio. I usually keep the router/modem on as well, but have started unplugging that from time to time.
What amazes me above all is how easy it was to do all of this. Our usage dropped like a dead fly, our bills are down, the house is cool, the wife is happy, and the money can be put to better uses!
