How can I possibly run up $130~$150 electric bill per month in summer?

Question

I live in high rise condo in California. My energy bill has been $130~$150/month since I stopped using heaters. My neighbors say their bill is $50 at most during summer, which sounds right after calculating energy use on PG&E's website.

There is no washer/dryer in the unit, and hot water is paid through HOA. I have done "breaker test" to see if meter is faulty. It seems to be working fine. The way my meter runs looks normal compared to other units'. What else can I do to find out what is going on with my bill?? Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Have the AC checked.

Answer 2

It's the AC.  And as far as comparing bills with the neighbor, that's probably not a fair comparison.  How cool is their condo?  Are they of level pay system?  Lots of variables.

Answer 3

Someone could be stealing your electric? You should call or go into your supplier's place and ask them to help you figure it out. After all, it is their expertise.

Like someone else had listed, there are a lot of things that can add to this:

non-energy efficient light bulbs are one of the biggest problems. Did you know that running christmas lights for a month (turning them on only at night) would run your bill almost double, compared to using energy efficient bulbs for almost two months?! {my hubby works for a lighting company - its amazing what I learn through him - he had a heart attack when i wanted to do christmas lights! lol}

Using the oven! Constantly running fans. Not turning lights off when you're not using them. Computer on all the time. Refrigerator, DISHWASHER!! - especially if they're not newer. You could always ask your landlord to replace them if they're older. It never hurts to ask. Using older appliances, period.

IDK. I'd definitely go ask your provider. Tell them everything you know, and have them work you through it. That's pretty scary!

Also, lastly, our energy bill slowly has crept up since about May, but we didn't notice until this month. Did you check that?

Answer 4

With condos and apartments it does also matter what floor and orientation your unit is.  if you're on the bottom floor of the building facing north with a unit on each side and one in back, it'll cost a lot less since you have four out of six sides with other condos close to the same temperature, and the ground won't produce heat.  If you're on the top floor, on the corner, you'll have three of six sides exposed to heat, and have more thermal losses.  Also if you keep your blinds open during the day, sunlight will act to heat your apartment.  in addition to checking the AC, you'll want to check around your doors and windows for drafts.  Cooking can also make a difference (not huge but some).  If you use appliances like the oven during the day, you will put more load on your AC unit than a microwave will due to the type of heating.  waiting untill the evening to use your dishwasher and dryer will also reduce AC loading.  Another way to save a little on your electric bill (longer term) is to use CFL lights vice regular.  CFL lights do use much less energy, but what a lot of people overlook is the power that is dissapated as heat into the room when in use.  CFL lighting generates very little heat, meaning you can have a well lit, but cool room, and save money.  Ensure your AC filter is clean to ensure you're getting proper air flow, and make sure you don't have leaves and debris blocking airflow on your condenser coils (outside part of the unit).