I figured at least 2/3 of the increase would be the HVAC. It hasn't even been cold here yet, some cold nights but usually sunny so heat rarely kicks on during daytime. I'll have to check the basking bulb again. I think it's 75watt. I know the uvb tube uses like zero electricity. I was floored when I saw the latest bill! If it doesn't drop closer to normal next month, may call power co. Just had something added to meter also. Something that helps cycling in the summer when the power grid is under pressure, plus a new smart meter.claudiusx":2b825q5e said:Hi Dee,
It will be easy to calculate. What is the wattage of the basking bulb you use, the uvb bulb, and the CHE if you use one?
More than likely, you are noticing the effect of increasing your house heater 2 degrees.
Across the US, the Average cost per kWh is 12c per kWh. So lets just say for easy math, your basking bulb is 75w and your uvb is 25w. You are using 100w right there. If you run those lights for 12 hours a day, you are using 1.2kW. So, you are spending 14 cents a day on Peteys lights. Or, less than 5 dollars a month
But of course, for more accurate measurement, you can look at what you actually pay your electric company per kWh, and find exactly how much wattage peteys setup takes.
-Brandon
I appreciate that. Will be paying the latest bill next week. Wonder how much difference moving HVAC back down to 66 will make. I was just flaborgasted at the $40 increase. Have never had that. At most, $30 when summer kicks in using a.c.. Summers are tough in NC.JumpinJellyfish":18l8tqno said:FWIW, I'm about to try attaching (with velcro, so I can take it off when it's not needed) foam insulation board to the outside surfaces of Norbert's enclosure. At least the bottom and back, and probably the sides. Not front (obvs) or top. It's a 4x2x2 Zen Habitat, with the pvc panels, and I've been struggling with temps when it's cold out (and the lowest HVAC temp I use is 72 - Florida). The higher watt bulbs make the basking spot too hot but don't send enough warmth across the tank. If I remember after it's been up a while, I'll come back and let you know how it does. :0)
I'm guessing electric heat? With that low an ambient, I'd definitely be thinking about insulating Pete's enclosure--back, sides, and top except where lights & ventilation are. It'll help keep him warmer with lower wattage basking bulb, and fewer on-cycles with CHE if you have one.DragonPete":32dvo7kl said:Just an update. Current bill dropped $30 since I lowered the HVAC heat back to 66F. Can't believe what 2 degrees did to my bill. SMH
Don't bother with the bottom; heat loss is negligible. Top obviously depends on whether we're talking about front opening or top opening, and the lighting & ventilation setups.JumpinJellyfish":2501a49k said:FWIW, I'm about to try attaching (with velcro, so I can take it off when it's not needed) foam insulation board to the outside surfaces of Norbert's enclosure. At least the bottom and back, and probably the sides. Not front (obvs) or top. It's a 4x2x2 Zen Habitat, with the pvc panels, and I've been struggling with temps when it's cold out (and the lowest HVAC temp I use is 72 - Florida). The higher watt bulbs make the basking spot too hot but don't send enough warmth across the tank. If I remember after it's been up a while, I'll come back and let you know how it does. :0)
MrSpectrum":3ct1xaer said:I'm guessing electric heat? With that low an ambient, I'd definitely be thinking about insulating Pete's enclosure--back, sides, and top except where lights & ventilation are. It'll help keep him warmer with lower wattage basking bulb, and fewer on-cycles with CHE if you have one.DragonPete":3ct1xaer said:Just an update. Current bill dropped $30 since I lowered the HVAC heat back to 66F. Can't believe what 2 degrees did to my bill. SMH
He's probably thinking, "Dat's one messed up lizard!" :laughhard:DragonPete":ghbpa8li said:....very curious about the cats, especially the kitten that is the same color as him. Wonder what he thinks?
LOL ? That's exactly what I was thinking! Or he's fallen in love with what he thinks is a VERY unique lady Dragon! ?MrSpectrum":1ocnoh2l said:He's probably thinking, "Dat's one messed up lizard!" :laughhard:DragonPete":1ocnoh2l said:....very curious about the cats, especially the kitten that is the same color as him. Wonder what he thinks?
On fixed income, $40 is a chunk I'd rather avoid. Not everyone can afford that. I have a strict budget I need to stick close to.kingofnobbys":3ozo85ok said:$40 per month increase …. not worth worrying about.
Well, that brought back some forty-mumble yr. old memories.kingofnobbys":309gxb7k said:Take a squiz at this ( money saving thread ) : viewtopic.php?f=34&t=236332&p=1816614#p1816614
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