Ping !!
We remodeled last year. Added 4 inches of foil faced rigid foam insulation to exterior of the home and 6 on interior by sistering the exterior wall shells 2x4’s w/ new 2x6 framing and using expanding foam system. Good seal on the homes shell, siding etc , new windows & doors and storm windows and doors have made a massive difference in our utility bills.
As well we went after ghost wattage big time. Yeah the microwave will blink,and the TV takes a little longer to come on and off but only thing drawing power right now in the home is fridge and freezer, ceiling fan , the TV I am watching and the LED desk lamp. We surf the net on cellular media cards and laptops. We have a large amount of hickory stored and use that to heat the homes radiant floor system with a combination wood and electric gasification boiler that allows such when we are home and is all electric if we are gone and the switch is thrown. Also we have a small glass faced door wood stove to back that up. All winter long we were able to use very very little electricity. Home is very comfortable even when extreme cold and high winds are about.
Heating up for summer will raise the bills due AC costs of course but we have lots of shade from large eaves and porches as well as trees and shade from plants etc . Stays cool on all but the really hot days . Looking at foggers and misting systems when humidity is low and evaporation will augment other systems to keep us cool .
We observed this fiasco coming first hand on the power companies. Our next expense we have saved for is to go off grid 100%. Cut the wire altogether. Right now researching and looking at combination solar panels that heat water and produce power. They are new designs and stand up to large hail as well. Plan B.
I know everyone can’t do as we have be lucky enough to get done. Yet ........insulation, awareness of whats being used and better planning can make a massive difference in utility bills !
Don’t give the utility companies anything ya don’t have to .
Stay safe and Thanks for the ping !