Tank heating, Electric bill at $450 for last month.

[MccReefer]

Does anyone experience the same here duriing the colder months? I have a 200w heater running almost half the day. How can I heat the tank more efficiently?

 

[Reef_loco]

An average home uses 30-36kwh a day… roughly. Using ohms law 200 watts (1.67 amps) equals 2.4kwh for 12 hours of continuous use ( 30 minutes of every hour in a day). Youre not really using that much energy. The rates have just gone up drastically in the last few months.

 

[MccReefer]

An average home uses 30-36kwh a day… roughly. Using ohms law 200 watts (1.67 amps) equals 2.4kwh for 12 hours of continuous use ( 30 minutes of every hour in a day). Youre not really using that much energy. The rates have just gone up drastically in the last few months.

Yeah unfortunately I think it is my heater that caused it. Would getting a second heater help with lowering electricity price? In other words would it take longer for the water to cool vs a heater running constantly to maintain a stable temp?

 

[Flame_Angle]

Yep, natural gas price went up due to the war. My bill went from $80 last year to $450 this year.

 

[MccReefer]

Here are my rates. Why are there three rates?

 

[MccReefer]

Yep, natural gas price went up due to the war. My bill went from $80 last year to $450 this year.

Damn so it’s not only me. Makes me wonder if it’s worth it keeping a tank.

 

[Flame_Angle]

Damn so it’s not only me. Makes me wonder if it’s worth it keeping a tank.

You are not alone to got the high gas bill in So Cal. We all are getting hit with high natural gas bill from last 2 months.

 

[MccReefer]

You are not alone to got the high gas bill in So Cal. We all are getting hit with high natural gas bill from last 2 months.

Well I’m referring to electricity. Last month it was $60, this month $450

 

[Flame_Angle]

Same because electric company said they bought natural gas too. Last time I heard from some where

 

[JohnBRZ]

are you sure the increase is due to the tank and not from heating the house?
could try putting a lid on the tank to help retain the heat
how big is your system?

 

[JohnBRZ]

just set it to auto debit and don't look at it

 

[MccReefer]

are you sure the increase is due to the tank and not from heating the house?
could try putting a lid on the tank to help retain the heat
how big is your system?

It’s 50 gallons. That’s not a bad idea. I’m using a wall heater so I assume it’s all gas.

 

[Flame_Angle]

Also talk to your neighbors to see if their bill are up too.

 

[joseserrano]

We got up to almost $1000 during summer last year running ac. They’ll get you good on peak hours too.

 

[MccReefer]

We got up to almost $1000 during summer last year running ac. They’ll get you good on peak hours too.

Damn I can’t even imagine.

 

[Reef_loco]

Here are my rates. Why are there three rates?

They go by tiers.. so many kwh at one price.. then you step up to the second… then third. Dont run dishwasher, laundry, charge vehicle… etc..etc… until after 9 pm. I know… easier said than done.

 

[Smite]

I've got some reptiles in addition to my reef and a pool. We hit $700-750 for 2 months in a row. Our normal is around 4-450. Usually about the same winter/summer for us.
Peak hours kill for sure, so does getting into different usage tiers. It just starts to really add up. Turning off my heat (electric) during the day helped a ton. I also adjusted my tank's photo period earlier in the day to avoid peak hours. I got lucky with the heat off and running metal halides that is basically offsetting my 300w heater. My fan rarely kicks on, same goes for my heater during the day.

Moving my light schedule earlier, moving my pool equipment to run earlier and just paying attention to all the small things like lights ect in the house my last bill was back down to $450.

I'm thinking about going solar, but first I plan to insulate my walls. Ain't a shred of insulation in any of our exterior walls here!

 

[Letsgotothezoo]

Do you use any space heater in the house for heating ? I don't think 200 watts can cause such a spike in price. It's been cold lately. You might use electric heater(s) to heating the whole house. It might be the cause of it.

 

[joseserrano]

What are good solar options now a days? We rent, but our roof needs to be replaced. Want to talk landlord into considering it

 

[MccReefer]

Do you use any space heater in the house for heating ? I don't think 200 watts can cause such a spike in price. It's been cold lately. You might use electric heater(s) to heating the whole house. It might be the cause of it.

I’m using a gas wall heater. I’m not sure if that uses electricity though.