We had an ever-increasing bill that was heading to $500 per month. It topped out at $304.18 and we got it down to $24.38. Thank God.
So we saved over $3,300 per year, and assuming 5% inflation the equivalent of $229,824.75 over 30 years.
Here is how we did it.
Identify high energy users
In our case it was the HVAC system, Freezer, Fridge, Dryer, Dehumidifier and water heater. The builder refused to fix various issues and prevented us from getting an independent evaluation.
To identify we used the utility website, which provides usage in 15 minute intervals. Then by turning off the breakers or noting when the usage changed we were able to determine the high usage devices.
Additionally we got a watt-meter to check devices at the plug level
Finally a thermal camera.
Corrective Actions
We scheduled the water heater and turned off when not in use, such as overnight.
We used the thermal gun to identify the areas, that needed more insulation. Then added insulation where possible.
We also heavily insulated the water heater.
We upgraded the Dryer to a Heat Pump Dryer, the HVAC to Solar, Dehumidifier to Energy star model, Freezer to Chest Freezer and The Fridge and to a modified chest freezer.
Additionally we turned off devices when not in use using smart plugs and the breaker to reduce phantom energy use. Basically most devices use power when plugged in and even if nothing is plugged in energy is used at the breaker level.
Finally we added solar panels.
Lesson learned going forward
Design / Pick an energy efficient home.
Get multiple inspections during the build or quality inspector for built homes. DO NOT use the realtor’s inspector. Also, if the inspector charges extra for a thermal camera, do not use.
Sonic Electric Toothbrushes for Adults and Kids , 8 Brush Heads Electric Toothbrush with 40000 VPM Deep Clean 5 Modes, Rechargeable Toothbrushes Fast Charge 4 Hours Last 30 Days
Home Air Quality Monitor
Airthings 2960 View Plus – Battery Powered Radon & Air Quality Monitor
Home Massage Chair
iRest 2024 Massage Chair, Full Body Zero Gravity Recliner with AI Voice Control, SL Track, Bluetooth, Yoga Stretching, Foot Rollers, Airbags, Heating (Black)
Elliptical
SOLE E35 Elliptical
2 year Warranty, Lifetime for frame and flywheel, 10.1″ Touchscreen, Sole App and integration with Youtube, Netflix, Spotify, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+ and more.
Home Appliances / Tools
Air Fryer / Oven
COSORI Smart 13-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, Airfryer Rotisserie Sous Vide Convection Oven Countertop, Bake, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, 134 Recipes & 4 Accessories, 32QT, Silver, Stainless Steel
LG 7.8 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load Dryer with Dual Inverter HeatPumpâ„¢ Technology and Inverter Direct Drive Motor System
Home Tech
Wireless Router
ASUS RT-AX3000 Ultra-Fast Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router – Next Gen WiFi 6, Adaptive QoS, and AiProtection by Trend Micro | 1x WAN, 4x 1G LAN, 1x USB 3.0 – AiMesh Compatible
Low Cost, Dual Wan, VPN and Mesh Ready
Mobile Phone
Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera
Low Cost, 5G cellular, Stylus, MicroSD, USB-C and NFC
Mobile Provider
Mint Mobile
Smart Home – Govee * Pick the Bluetooth, or Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options.
Govee Smart Plug 15A, WiFi Bluetooth Outlets 4 PackGovee Smart Light Bulbs, WiFi & Bluetooth Color Changing Light BulbsGovee Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer, Large LCD
Home Security – WYZE
WYZE Cam v4, 2.5K HD WiFi Smart Home Security CameraWYZE Floodlight Camera v2, 2800-Lumen LEDs, 2K HD Outdoor Security CameraWyze Home Security Core Kit: Hub, Keypad, Motion Sensor, Entry Sensors (x2)
Pros Keeps PM1 and PM2.5 at zero. Last months without need to replace. Inexpensive – depending on sales as low as $50 or less Filter size is in many cases 6 times or more larger than the competition In the bedroom becomes “white noise” machine
Cons You have to make it yourself (10 minutes) Noise when use in the bedroom etc. Depending on skill unfinished look.
