General Discussion

I primarily use my electric blanket on my bed to stay warm when I watch TV or are on the computer (like right now). I bought my mom a new electric throw for when she is in the living room upstairs doing the same.

We only got the mini split this last year, so this is the first winter with it. My HVAC died a couple of years ago (actually just needed freeon - that is illegal to buy now, so I just let it die and went with the swamp cooler (cost around 1.5 K to buy/install), and then the Mini Split.. A Good Neighbor helped us get it and install it with my cousin. That also cost around 1.5K - But a New HVAC system would have been something like $30-40K, and that isn't even including the utility bills) The HVAC cost way too much to run anyway.

We have been pretty happy with the Mini Split since we got it. We just have to use it less. Maybe have it on for an hour or so when she first gets up. Just not turn on every morning until 4 pm. That will break the bank. She is conscious of the struggle with the bills (I haven't heard her turn it on yet today). It is about 62 degrees up there right now (52 outside), and we have pretty good insulation on the roof now (that was last years big project, new roof).

That is what broke the bank for me I think, I used up all my 'buffer' money for the roof. But at least it stays cooler and warmer up there as the seasons pass. So much better with this new steel roof with insulation under it. I live in a high fire possibility zone, so another reason why I went with the Steel roof. With the help of my cousin (and his son), the roof cost around $16 K (which is very inexpensive, especially for the area I live in - Napa CA).

My end goal is to get solar on the roof, but before I can even think of that, we had to put a new roof. Now I don't know if I will be able to afford Solar. Maybe by the time I can, we will have a better administration that gives tax credits for this again. I think the current admin has cancelled all these types of credits.

Sorry for rambling. This is all pretty boring stuff, but it sure does affect me, especially in my wallet.