Article: On the Level: Reducing units used will reduce electric bill

Q: My electric bill is out of control!

We currently own a 2,800- square-foot home built in 1986. Everything is electric and there is central A/C with a heat pump. We upgraded this unit four years ago. Our electric bill is approximately double that of our friends who have homes of similar sizes.

We recently remodeled our kitchen, which included re-routing some duct work. There is now a direct return from the second floor to the main unit in the basement.

We had hoped that would improve the air circulation and cool the second floor more efficiently. Unfortunately, that has not helped. A few years ago we relocated the thermostat from the living room, where the fireplace is, to the second floor.

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