Energy Usage in Therms: Caution, Engineer chatter may ensue.

[KingModem]

Anyone pay a lot of attention to their gas bill and energy usage? I just received a gas bill in the house that I just moved into.

It was for 14 days, when the average temperature was -4 F, and it was a total of 218 dollars (YES, in 14 days). That averages to 16 therms per day.

According to my bill, I used approx 224 'therms' in 14 days. This seems extremely high, but I was curious if anyone else has any other information as to what to expect for an average sized home.

My house is approx 1700 square feet.

Any nerds out there have any input?

Xcel Energy was unable to shed any light on this.

[KingModem]

Anyone pay a lot of attention to their gas bill and energy usage? I just received a gas bill in the house that I just moved into.

It was for 14 days, when the average temperature was -4 F, and it was a total of 218 dollars (YES, in 14 days). That averages to 16 therms per day.

According to my bill, I used approx 224 'therms' in 14 days. This seems extremely high, but I was curious if anyone else has any other information as to what to expect for an average sized home.

My house is approx 1700 square feet.

Any nerds out there have any input?

Xcel Energy was unable to shed any light on this.

Also note: I live in Minnesota. It is mother fucking cold here during Winter.

[instrument]

This gas or electric? Heating via electric is very expensive.

[Fezticle98]

I don't know. But a lot will depend on how well insulated your house is and what you set the thermostat at.

I don't have any experience with that kind of cold.

On the plus side, you are paying less than $1/therm. I think I pay close to $2/therm.

[KingModem]

Cost Of Gas 224 therms @ $0.768169 $172.07
Gas Affordability 224 therms @ $0.004470 $1.00
Distribution Chg 224 therms @ $0.182880 $40.97

Total of 217.54

[JPMNICK]

do you have a lot of windows? I am sure this all comes down to an insulation issue. Not to mention just being that cold outside will suck heat from your house. The rules of thermodynamics apply at any level, and then outside environment obviously wants to be at equilibrium with the inside environment.

try getting a programmable thermostat so at least when you are not around it will always adjust for you.

and just an FYI, a therm is equivalent to 1000 calories or 100,000 BTU which is a lot of power heating power. when it is that cold, i think you just need to expect it.

do you have high ceilings?

[KingModem]

do you have a lot of windows? I am sure this all comes down to an insulation issue. Not to mention just being that cold outside will suck heat from your house. The rules of thermodynamics apply at any level, and then outside environment obviously wants to be at equilibrium with the inside environment.

try getting a programmable thermostat so at least when you are not around it will always adjust for you.

and just an FYI, a therm is equivalent to 1000 calories or 100,000 BTU which is a lot of power heating power. when it is that cold, i think you just need to expect it.

do you have high ceilings?

We do have a high amount of windows in the house. You may have nailed it there.

Looks like the programmable thermostat may be the key. Thanks for the advice.

[JPMNICK]

We do have a high amount of windows in the house. You may have nailed it there.

Looks like the programmable thermostat may be the key. Thanks for the advice.

also buy some good silicon caulk and caulk the inside and outside of your windows, you will be shocked how much of a difference this makes.

[LordJezo]

Have you talked to your neighbors to see if your bill is in line with theirs?