Hot Austin Summer!

[daveinaustin]

Totally off any back topic; however, we are having a record hot Austin Summer!

We had a $400 electricity bill, and the upstairs barely gets below 84 degrees during the afternoon/evening! So, we just had the air conditioning service guy stop to check out and service our system!

Once things cool off, we definitely need to add more insulation!


-Dave

[Justin]

Totally off any back topic; however, we are having a record hot Austin Summer!

We had a $400 electricity bill, and the upstairs barely gets below 84 degrees during the afternoon/evening! So, we just had the air conditioning service guy stop to check out and service our system!

Once things cool off, we definitely need to add more insulation!


-Dave

Holy Cow, Dave! That's one hefty bill. We are going through our first heat wave here in Philly and the humidity is the absolute worst part in my opinion.

Luckily, we installed central air in our house last year. I hope the AC guy helped. Stay cool!

[daveinaustin]

I'm with you, and hate hot and humid days!

Although we've been having a record level of 100-106 degree days, we are fortunate that the humidity in Austin is moderate.

I'm getting an estimate tomorrow morning for extra insulation and potentially a radiant barrier. This would be both better for the environment and hopefully cheaper in the long-run!

-Dave

[KBear]

Ours was $520 last month (ours includes our water) and I'm sure it will be the same this month. We have all fluroscent bulbs in our house, programmable thermostats, new energy saving appliances, we use all our ceiling fans, a sprinkler system (which with the way hubby loves his gardening, heaven forbid our grass goes brown), and it was only built in 2001 (which means it's pretty well insulated). This is still a 'good' bill for us, as our last house was built in 02 and had new appliances; but no fluroscent bulbs, programmable thermostats or sprinkler system and we would pay $500 a month in the summer their and it was only 1,500 sq ft. We now have 3,000 sq ft., so to be paying the same it good! I am a huge advocate of all the above mentioned things, as it really does make a difference.

I think we have had maybe 7 days in the last 60 where it wasn't above 100 degrees. It's too hot for the kids to even go out and play, unless it is early,early morning or late, late evening or we go swimming.

[Dave]

West Michigan here. It has been "hot" and humid for the last 3 days, but, it is the first time this summer. Most of the time it has been very cool.

Hot for us is 90-95F, but the humidity is horrible. The air moving over Lake Michigan picks up major moisture. Reminds me of the years I spent in Houston.

I've only had to use my central air 3-4 times this summer, which has been great since we got our hours slashed in May, so I have not had major electric bills. On the flip side, our heating bills can run 300-400 $ a month from November until April.

[dalhousie]

All this talk of hot weather is making me yearn for slightly sunnier climes . We had a heatwave at the end of June when it was very hot & sticky (most of us in the UK don't have air con) but it's been pretty dismal since especially in the north west.

[daveinaustin]

I do not miss the humidity! Growing up in the Chicago area had its share of hot/humid Summers.

KBear, Thanks for the good tips! We've been trying to keep our grass green, but the heat is winning.

It looks like most of us In the US are going through a hot and/or muggy Summer. Sorry to hear about the dismal weather in Lancashire. Hopefully, some sunny September days will be here soon for you.

-Dave

[KBear]

I do not miss the humidity! Growing up in the Chicago area had its share of hot/humid Summers.

KBear, Thanks for the good tips! We've been trying to keep our grass green, but the heat is winning.

It looks like most of us In the US are going through a hot and/or muggy Summer. Sorry to hear about the dismal weather in Lancashire. Hopefully, some sunny September days will be here soon for you.

-Dave

I would also love to do the radiant barrier and more attic insulation. Oh, and we have solar screens on all our windows. You know, the bulbs are expensive; but I know they save us big. It cost us several hundred bucks to put them in; but I haven't had to replace a one in 3 years of living here. The thermostats start as low as $40 or $50 each and are also a big saver.

[Justin]

I would also love to do the radiant barrier and more attic insulation. Oh, and we have solar screens on all our windows. You know, the bulbs are expensive; but I know they save us big. It cost us several hundred bucks to put them in; but I haven't had to replace a one in 3 years of living here. The thermostats start as low as $40 or $50 each and are also a big saver.

Kathy,

We had our attic insulated with 18 inches of blown-in insulation (R50) from Home Depot and it has kept the house cold in the summer and keeps the heat in during the winter. Definitely worth 99 cents per square foot! :thumpup:

Home Depot Blown-in Insulation

[daveinaustin]

Thanks for the extra tips!

We have two estimators come in tomorrow. I'll ask them for estimates on both the radiant barrier as well as extra insulation. The additional insulation would provide benefit for both the Summer and Winter.

BTW, We do have the programmable thermostats. I'll definitely look into the lightbulbs!

-Dave