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December 19, 2005
Heatin Bill Sounds High?
We just moved into our 4 story brownstone this Fall and received our first winter heating bill. Do we have serious insulation problems or is this just the going rate for gas? For 50 days of hot showers, gas washer/dryer usage and 3 floors of heat (top floor unused) does $1300 sound reasonable? We've had a reality check.
Comments
Sounds high to me. I'm in a freestanding house in Ditmas Park- exposed on all four sides, wood frame, and little if any insulation at all and our first bill was much less than that. Also, if it's the first bill, I assume that this covers a period including October/Nov. which are not the most energy taxing months. What kind of heat do you have? Has the boiler/furnace been serviced? If these are not adjusted to maximize efficiency, they can cost you.
Posted by: pk at December 19, 2005 1:39 PM
Is your bill based on an actual meter reading or is it estimated? That can make a big difference. Also is it possible the previous owner left behind an unpaid bill?
Posted by: Anon at December 19, 2005 4:59 PM
We have the same configuration and the same shock at the price. I think ours was running about $650/mo in the winter last year. I haven't looked this year.
Posted by: sandstone at December 19, 2005 5:28 PM
Seems high. My bill was a lot less for a similar size house (top floor also unheated.) And we've been cranking the heat -- at least by our standards -- for the comfort of an elderly family member now living with us.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 19, 2005 8:21 PM
sounds high to me. we have been spending about $3000 a year for gas for heat and hot water. we have a 4 story brick attached on 2 sides. we were on a level payment plan with Keyspan at $139/mo for the heat and our other unit averaged $150 bimonthly.
Posted by: anon at December 20, 2005 7:42 PM
We have 2 1000s.f. floors and a basement rental 600 s.f. and last year was $214 a month, this year they guess it will be $250ish (thats heat and hot water dryer stove etc)
Posted by: Anonymous at December 21, 2005 2:31 PM
it sounds a little high but not much. I keep my heat on at 68 (for a 3 floor, 2 family frame house). I use gas heat and I know that in the winter the prices are ridiculous. I made sure that I was on the level billing plan (which I pay $300 per month all year). Good luck
Posted by: Stacey at December 22, 2005 4:12 PM
Possibly accurate. Keep your thermo low and you may save on some bucks but heating is high. We're at 62-68 and the monthly is $300 for 2 floors but we are vigilant about leaks and insulation.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 23, 2005 1:25 AM
Sounds low to me - my bill is higher
Posted by: Anonymous at January 17, 2006 7:31 AM
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