Question: HELP! Electric bill randomly sky rocketed...?

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Answer #1:

I doubt its random. Air conditioners are expensive to run. Same electric company? Rates vary.

Answer #2:

Having an extra square footage will automatically add to your bill each month. You can call and ask what the average bill ran for the same period last year (sometimes this information is available on the bill itself). If you call the energy company they will be able to tell you what the average bill ran each month for that apartment.

Answer #3:

Cable won't do it, but extra square footage will. It could have to do with the insulation of the new apartment or even what floor you live on. Top floors tend to get hotter than the lower ones. Ask the apartment complex to check the air conditioner, in case it needs repair. Also check for drafts around windows and doors. The apartment can help, or you can do it yourself for pretty cheap. Check out foam weather stripping; it's foam strips with sticky stuff on one side and I've used them on all my apartment front doors. It keeps the cold air in, the hot air out and reduces hallway noise too.

If one room gets colder than the others, partially close the vent in that room. This is especially true if that room is separated from the thermostat. If one room is hotter than all the others, partially close the vents in the other rooms. That way the cold air is more equally distributed throughout the apartment.

Other ideas: buy a portable fan, close the doors to closets & cabinets when not used, keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day and when you're not home, buy thicker window coverings to keep the light/heat out. Turn up the thermostat a little (2 degrees max) before leaving for work.





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