Utility Bill Comparison
Instead of feeding the What on this bleak day, I figured it might be more interesting to start a discussion about utility bills. You got high bills or low bills? How do you even know until you compare stories with other people? Right now we are one couple living in a 2-family brownstone. We’re in…
Instead of feeding the What on this bleak day, I figured it might be more interesting to start a discussion about utility bills. You got high bills or low bills? How do you even know until you compare stories with other people?
Right now we are one couple living in a 2-family brownstone. We’re in the middle of renovations, so we are living in the garden apartment.
Our water bill seems delightfully low: $68 this quarter. But our gas bills seemed high this summer: around $150 a month for two people. I can’t tell how much money I am spending on electricity, because Con Edison is ridiculous. I overpay every single month because I can’t remember to phone in my meter numbers.
What are your utility bills like? How did you lower your utility bills? Anyone else think my gas bill is outrageous?
I’m having all kinds of problems with National Grid since I moved in January. Crazy bills when no actual meter reading had taken place in years, bills fluctuating wildly from month to month although actual use did not change, outside meter reading double the inside meters, bizarre accounting when National Grid attempted to adjust the bills. I cannot believe the company can legally bill people if they are not doing meter readings. It boggles my mind. This is in Brooklyn.
How much did your boiler cost, Denton?
I think a square footage comparison chart would be great, but there are so many variables that it might not be the best way to get at the information. Plus, you also get anecdotes about how people save water.
After reading the link above to water/sewer… it sounds like we are doing really well on the water front. This makes me feel good.
I blame my brand new toto 1.28/gal toilet. The thing could flush a brick!
BJennie, a modulating condensing boiler is the most efficient boiler out there. Modulating means instead of just firing on and off it can ‘modulate’ the flame from high to low as needed. Indirect water heater, instead of firing via gas or electric, works with the boiler. Basically it acts as a storage tank only, and the boiler works with it to provide hot water as needed.
I’m sure these are incomplete explanations, but now you have the correct terminology so Google is your friend!
Hi,
what is a mod-con boiler and indirect water heater?
thanks
Make sure you send in your readings! My estimates are usually around $30 more per month than the actuals.
I’m getting $150.00 gas bills, too. In the dead of winter my gas bill used to be $250.00 a month. What the heck is up with National grid?
Past rate comparisons from around these parts …
Water/Sewer:
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2008/09/watersewer_bill.php
Gas Heat:
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2007/12/replace_the_boi.php
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2008/07/oil_to_gas_conv_4.php
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2008/01/heating_costs_s.php
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2008/01/pricecheck_on_g.php
Oil Heat:
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2008/04/oil_bills_this.php
It’d be kind of nice to structure this a little, create a database of square footage, oil v. gas and what you’re paying. Because it is useful, not just to know if you’re paying more than others but to budget when you’re trying to sort out what you can afford, housewise.
Great thread topic Vanburen. Thanks. As I am just joining the wild and wooly world of home ownership I am anxious to figure out what my monthly expenses are going to be. I will study all of your answers and then post my own when I know.
Don’t feed the What!
Con Ed! Don’t get me started. Each year for the last several years I have reduced consumption and paid more.
Each time they electrocute a person or a dog, or when they are found to be responsible for a blackout, our rates go up to pay for the lawsuits!!