$178 electric bill for a one-bedroom apartment

[alarimer]

Last month it was $169 and the month before that 140. They last put freon in it in May and before that last August when it wasn't cooling at all. I keep the temp no lower than 76 (and even then the thing runs constantly and it is still uncomfortably warm). I am of the opinion that it needs coolant again. I think the apartment complex should replace the unit or fix the leak. Should I even ask about that or I am out of luck? I have looked at the a/c unit in question and it is pretty old-looking, not that I know anything about them. I know rates have gone up but this is ridiculous. And turning it off is not really possible, as I have no cross-ventilation so it would be very uncomfortable (and vey difficult to sleep). I use ceiling fans; they run all the time. I try to keep the lights off unless I need them.

[Broken_Hero]

1. Just got ours

101.49, for a three bedroom house...not bad, I thought it was going to be worse, but next months will be bad...but not as bad as some of the posters here on DU, I have seen threads were people have 400 dollar plus bills!...crazy!

[alarimer]

2. I expect to be over 100 every month, even 120

But I think something is wrong with the a/c unit and I want them to replace it with a new, more efficient model. I can't see how I can get them to do that though.

[Broken_Hero]

3. I don't know

when I lived in an apartment complex and complained about a applicance going out, they came in with a new one, and took the old one away, and fixed it...maybe your super is the same way? Or its just wishful thinking. I got three window units in the house, all are the best energy effieceny that I could find...during the summer our bill is around 100 bucks, give or take five bucks. We had a lot of visitors this summer though, so all three AC's were going hot/heavy through july, but we won't get that bill in until september.

During our first summer here, we used nothing but fans/attic fan, and our bill was still 100 a month during the summer, and now we got ac's, and our bills are about the same. Energy effeciency was a must, when I was looking for window units...

[LeftyMom]

4. You need to send the property owner or manager a request in writing

If you don't get a response to the first, send the second registered mail. If you offer to get the estimates yourself that might help to move your request up the que.

[alarimer]

12. I'll do that

after I talk to the maintenance person today, see what he says to do.

[Nicole]

5. That's high

Mine was about half your's & I live in a 3 bedroom house. If they have to add freon twice in a year's time, I would say they need to repair or replace it. I would definitely ask them about it since it is causing your bill to increase.

In the meantime, is there anything you can do to cut down the amount of heat coming in? Do you have room darkening blinds? Have you sealed up the doors & windows? Insulated your wall sockets? Using florescent bulbs?

You can cut down your electric usage elsewhere to save for the AC usage. I unplug all appliances when I'm not using them. That includes the stereo, tv, dvd, computer. Plugged in they still pull some electricity even when turned off.

I do all of the above & can keep my house a cool 75° for less than $100. I'm in Oklahoma so it's not like it's cooler here than there.

[alarimer]

7. I do keep the blinds closed

Especially in thebedroom which receives more sunlight. The upstairs balcony shades the living room windows. I have heard of window film that you can get to shade the windows even more. I run the ceiling fans constantly. I don't know if I should but it seems to keep things cooler anyway. I think I will try to turn the temp up when I am not here during the day, maybe that will help too.

[bottomofthehill]

6. We hit $212 last month

And I am afraid that this month will be a little higher. I need to get a vent fan in the attack, I think that will help vent out some of the hot air.

[LibertyLover]

8. Mine went from $170 last billing cycle

to over $300 this one for a very basic center hall colonial house. Thank you Gov. Erhlich and BGE!

[Misunderestimator]

9. Wow.. We have a four bedroom, two-story house, and with AC on...

nearly fulltime this past month... our combined electric/gas bill came to $136. And we've kept a pretty steady 73-75 degrees in the house with central air. Definitely sounds like the AC should be replaced at your apartment building.

[mad-mommy]

13. I agree

something is out of whack there. can you ask around and compare your prices with someone in a similiar unit? It sounds like the AC unit is the cause, but maybe something else? if your unit is listed as having "AC" I would think he /she would have to repair. In some states, if they don't respond to something that needs repairing, you can hire someone and deduct from the rent. Call a lawyer before you do that just to make sure.

[seemunkee]

10. $370 this month

Down from 450 the month before.

Has your utility company had a rate increase recently?
Ours just went up 38% which is better than the next county over which had a 78% jump.

[alarimer]

11. There may have been a rate increase

if there was, I didn't know about it. They said deregulation would DECREASE prices. HA! Once again, the Republicans sold us a bill of goods and most people bought it! But I think it has to do with the increase in natural gas prices as well.

[seemunkee]

15. Tell me about it

I have a good friend that works on power issues all across the country and is telling be stories. The utility commision here in MD has been packed by our Repug govenor and is beyond worthless. The gov even wants some of the board members to quit because they are an embarassment but they refuse.

[Dora]

14. A few things....

I haven't read the other responses, so forgive me if I'm repeating other people's advice....

Turn off your ceiling fans when you're not going to be home.

If your windows are drafty, closing the blinds may not be enough. Plastic can look annoyingly crappy, but taping a sheet of clear plastic to your window frame can keep hot air out and cool air in. My husband had to do this in a rental he lived in for a few years, and it made a huge difference with those old, ill-fitting casement windows.

What kind of windowblinds do you use? Mini-blinds and most other blinds aren't effective insulators. Lined curtains are the best at keeping out hot sunlight and keeping in cool air.

Put compact fluorescent light bulbs in those light fixtures you use most often. They burn much cooler than incandescent bulbs, and they take less energy. You'll get used to the change fast.

Use candles as nightlights and gentle area lighting in the evening. You'll see well enough to get around your house, and they won't put off as much heat as a light bulb.

Plug your computer, peripherals, stero, television set, etc. into surge strips. When those appliances aren't in use, turn off the surge strip. This prevents them from continuing to draw power - they all do, even when "off."

Summer electric bills and winter gas bills suck.

[bigwillq]

16. An all electric house

with ACs in the three bedrooms, downstairs and one in the kitchen and the bill was about $225.

Not so bad.