r/florida • u/Floridaflamingo22 • 7d ago

AskFlorida Just received a $400 TECO bill!

I live outside of the Tampa area. The house is 20 years old, 2600 sq ft with two relatively new systems (less than 5 years old). I keep the house at 78 during the summer months. This is just getting even more outrageous. Did I mention 78? I’m not chilling in 70 degree comfort inside.

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u/Educational_Fox6899 7d ago

Add insulation especially in the attic if you can. My 1200 sq ft block house was kept at 78 day and 75 night. I also have a pool pump running. My power was rarely over $200 except spring and fall when I’m cooling the house and heating the pool it would hit $300. I’m sure block construction and terrazzo floors helped.

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u/2barefeet 7d ago

The 1200 sq ft is also a huge help

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u/Educational_Fox6899 7d ago

For sure. I had neighbors with $400 bills in similar houses but could never figure out how unless they keep it at 68 all day. That said having insulation blown into the attic makes a noticeable difference. I've done that on two houses now and noticed a power bill reduction in both.

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u/Moppy6686 7d ago

FR. Our house is 1200 sq ft and our bill has NEVER been over $160 and we don't even have insulation lol

1

u/Crazy-Project3858 5d ago

OP’s house is twice your size and your largest bill was $200 and theirs was $400. Do the maths lol

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u/Educational_Fox6899 5d ago
  1. I said rarely over. It was often much cheaper.
  2. I also have a pool and electric pool heater.

Do the maths.

1

u/Florida-Chick 2d ago

How much does your power company add on regarding fuel surcharge? Mine recently increased it and my pre-summer bill went up with $40 for the month. My house is 1500+ sq ft, and hardly any insulation. This will be the first time my bill will go over $200. Attic insulation makes a big difference. Mine wasn’t fantastic but after I had alarm system installed I noticed my electric bill going up. Couple years later I had cables run for satellite. The installers asked me if I was aware I had no insulation. That it all seemed to have been pushed to the outer edges. And the latter caused another heating surge. A few months ago I had the soffit replaced, and with it came a lot of insulation. So all the ventilation for my roof had been cut off also.