Question:
how are utility costs in your area? I know most all houses if
not all have air conditioning, maybe some older homes have the old swamp
coolers like I had at Fort Irwin in housing. I would think in Florida,
people would be running their AC about 80 percent of the time of not more.
That in my opinion would burn up a lot of KwH. Also, what's the scoop on
various brands of Air Conditioning units as far as economic figures? More
expensive units save on electricity?
Answer:
Swamp coolers here don't work because it's so muggy. They're great in AZ
because it's so dry. On a average our utility bill runs about one fifty
every two months. We have a heat pump or central air plus a air cond.
mounted in each bed room to use if needed. Winter time you really don't need
them as it stays around seventy most of the time and it's a lot dryer. It
can drop down to the forty's at times, but maybe only two or three days. So
we have the windows open in the winter time. If you live on the beach areas
lots of snow birds come down then too. Cost of living is about the same as
Fayetteville,NC area. Plus there is Military discount everywhere. Lots of
VA's and Military Bases to use also.
I don't recall the military bases except for McDill unless he
is speaking of the total state. Anyway, McDill has a nice commissary and a
routine PX. I do most of my shopping off post where we have many
competitors. BTW I live in Hillsborough county on the outskirts of Tampa,
Mike lives in St Pete...I think. You never notice when you go from County to
City or Tampa to St Pete except for the bridge.I am on an annual averaging
deal and pay about $100 a month for electric cooling and heat, roughly $60
for water and sewer (depends upon the weather for yard watering), tax exempt
for property but still pay roughly $300 annual for street lighting,
homeowners association and garbage disposal. Air conditioners are about like
anywhere else. Catch them on sale. I have about decided to replace mine and
am thinking of a straight unit for around $3000 3 or 31/2 ton. I don't do
enough heat to go the heat pump, but there is a good discount from the
electric company. Brand names vary with warrantees...some 10 years parts and
labor.....have to eye ball the dealership. Too much information to feed you
all of it so you will just have to ask specifics and Mike or I one will fill
you up. In general, there is a wide variety of most everything and the cost
depends upon you....perhaps the old rule...you pay for what you get
......unless you get screwed of course and there is some of that.
