Electric Bills

[L.West]

Does anyone know if running the flexwatt and/or oil filled heaters really runs up your electric bills??

I've never noticed any real difference in my electric bill until this past winter - I'm in a new house and I ran an oil filled heater all winter in my snakeroom along with flexwatt - I couldn't believe how high my electric bills have gotten.

I am assuming it is the oil filled heater because how much could flexwatt really take to run.

What the average keepers electric bills looking like.

Any input on this.

Thanks

[Tzeentch]

I don't run a heater, but 11 inch flexwatt is 20 Watts per foot I think, (typically 5 feet), so 100 Watts.

Heaters are typically 750-1000 Watts.

My electric is included in my rent so I cant say how much I pay, but the landlord would have said something if my 2 racks were drawing enough power to make a noticeable difference.

[JohnNJ]

It's not the heater really. It's the room. Spend a little time and money to seal it up so the heat stays in and the heater will run less often. Also, a ceiling fan to circulate the hot air.

[Homegrownscales]

^ excellent suggestion.
I have way more than just a few feet of flexwatt. So my electric bill is rediculous (350.00 monthly) . But you can expect a rack to run you at least an extra 50-100$ a month. Alot of that depends on your home, and your wiring. Poor or old wiring if I'm not mistaken cause cause fluctuations in your electric usage. I'm not an electrician though so I could be wrong on that one.
Keep in mind that oil or even propane heaters need thermostats too. It might help your flex run a little lighter but the heaters can run you some extra expenses as well.


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[dart]

Running an oil heater is like leaving 10 light bulbs on at all times during the winter. It's definitely going to affect your bill, the flexwatt is minute though. My electric bill actually decreases in the winter since I'm not running my a/c 24 hours a day like I am during the summer. If you're not already running the heater off of a thermostat and using a ceiling fan it definitely will help.

[Annarose15]

This past winter was the first time I've used my oil-filled heater (with Ranco therm), but it was so mild in Georgia that I really can't comment on how it impacted my electricity. When I used a regular space heater (1500w) with built-in thermostat, though, my bills went up ~$40/month. I have since sealed the room better and switched to the oil-filled, so I will know more next winter. I do use a ceiling fan at all times, too.

[Jabberwocky Dragons]

Does anyone know if running the flexwatt and/or oil filled heaters really runs up your electric bills??

I've never noticed any real difference in my electric bill until this past winter - I'm in a new house and I ran an oil filled heater all winter in my snakeroom along with flexwatt - I couldn't believe how high my electric bills have gotten.

I am assuming it is the oil filled heater because how much could flexwatt really take to run.

What the average keepers electric bills looking like.

Any input on this.

Thanks

You can go to your Power Companies website to get your rates and figure out exactly what it costs you. Make sure to add the distribution, generation, and transmission costs.

[Quantum Constrictors]

My Electric is included in my rent. Thankfully haha because I am sure it would be quite a bit.

[L.West]

It must be the oiled filled heater that is causing the $50 a month increase. I ran it all winter 24/7 hooked to a Ranco to keep my snakeroom at 81 degrees all the time.

Next winter I may buy some of that plastic to put up over the windows to insulate the room better. I am just renting this place so I don't want to invest a bunch of money in upgrades.

Now that summer is approaching I can turn the oil filled heater off but then again - I will be running the AC so you just cant win with utilities.

Thanks to all for chiming in.