July Energy Bill - 20.33% Savings over 2011

Update:  I just noticed this was labeled June, not July.  I've updated this post with the correct information.  Sorry for any confusion!

My dook energy bill came in yesterday and below are the results:

July 2011
Total kWh:  888
No. of Days:  28
Average Usage = 31.71 kWh/d 
Bill = $86.97

July 2012
Total kWh:  758
Days:  30
Average Usage = 25.27 kWh/day
Bill = $85.62

% Reduction from 2011 = 20.33%
Bill Savings:  $1.35

While this looks great, I need to preface that I went on vacation for 10 days so there's no doubt that has an effect on my total usage...especially since June was VERY HOT. 

Y'all may have noticed that I put in the bill savings too, but that isn't a good indicator given that rates have increased over 2011.  The way to think about the difference is rates is to do the simple math:

2012 Cost per kWh:  $85.62/758 = $0.11295 (say $0.113/kWh)
2011 Cost per kWh:  $86.97/888 = $0.0979/kWh
Increase in rates:  15.4%

July 2012 Bill if still at 2011 Rate:  758 kWh * $0.0979/kWh = $74.21.  Savings compared against 2011 if still at 2011 Rate:  $12.76. 

OR 

July 2011 Usage at 2012 Rates:  888 kWh * $0.113/kWh = $100.34.  Savings compared against 2012 based on 2011 Usage = $14.72

I'm sure we could play with the math more and create other ways to look at it, but I'll stop here.  To-the-Point:  We saved energy and money. 

Radiant Barrier



Radiant Barrier in the attic

 So last weekend, I teamed up with one my friends and installed a radiant barrier in both our attics.  It was a fairly easy project.  His attic has gables and a single gable mounted attic fan (no soffits), so we put the radiant barrier directly over the insulation.  In my attic (has soffits and attic fan), I had a contractor install  ridge vent and then I stapled the radiant barrier to the joists except for the small attic space over my bonus room, where I installed the radiant barrier over the insulation.
 
Like I said...it was an easy project.  Luckily, it was cool outside so we didn't kill ourselves, although I did sweat up a storm.  Above the attic duct work (which is high) we "tented" over it to keep the heat away.  I used atticfoil.com for the radiant barrier.  It was a good product and i have no complaints.



Looking at the top of the attic.  You can see my high duct work and the "tent" over the top

 I can't say for sure how well it is doing, although today when I came home after a hot day (sunny and a high of 91F),  I noticed for the first time since I can remember, the attic fans  were not on when I walked upstairs and the temperature was 82F (thermostat set at 84F).  Nearly all summer when I came home the upstairs temp was 84F and the HVAC was cycling.    We'll see after August and September.