Moving into an apartment is an exciting experience, whether you’re moving out for the first time on your own or you’re relocating to a new living space. As you consider all the aspects of moving to a new place, it’s helpful to know what you might expect to pay for utilities. After all, your utility costs include the electricity and gas needed to keep your living space comfortable through the changing seasons, provide power to your devices, and allow you to relax and feel comfortable at home.
Understanding apartment utility costs
Before we dive into the specifics of estimating your apartment utility costs, it’s important to understand what utilities are and what they typically include. Utilities refer to the essential services required to maintain a living space. They generally include water, gas, electricity, and in some cases, internet and cable. Understanding what is included in your rent and what isn’t will help you determine what you need to budget for each month.
Researching average utility costs
Researching average utility costs in your area is an important first step in estimating your monthly expenses. Average utility costs can vary depending on where you live, the size of your apartment, and your usage habits. By researching the average utility costs in your area, you can get a general idea of what you can expect to pay each month.
Calculating your monthly utility costs
Once you have a general idea of what the average utility costs are in your area, it’s time to start calculating your own monthly expenses. To do this, you’ll need to take into account your apartment size, your usage habits, and any additional costs like internet or cable. You can use online calculators or speak to your utility providers directly to get a more accurate estimate.
What goes into an electric bill?
The electric bill is usually one of the highest utility costs for both renters and property owners, as several large appliances run on electricity. According to data presented by Electric Choice, a typical American resident will use about 41% of their home’s total electricity usage on heating and cooling. The lighting, electronics, and appliances account for about 35% of the total bill. Some of the biggest energy hogs include electric dryers and refrigerators.
The number of people living in your home will also impact the cost of utilities. If you live alone, you can maintain better control over electricity usage. Your lifestyle is another factor, as working away from home results in less time spent indoors and using electricity. Someone who stays home with kids all day or works from home would have higher bills than a typical renter who works in an office all day.
Your home’s efficiency and insulation levels factor into your electricity cost, as well. Insulation is the material used to prevent heated and cooled air from escaping through small gaps and cracks in the exterior walls. Without sufficient insulation, you may find that your electricity bills continue to rise, even when your habits aren’t changing. An energy-efficient home with eco-friendly appliances, plenty of insulation, and newer windows and doors will have lower energy costs than an older home or one that isn’t properly maintained.
Of course, your electricity usage is one of the largest factors in the cost of your bill each month. Being aware of your usage and looking for ways to trim costs can lower your bill, although certain elements of your home require electricity and do cost money to operate. The size of your space will also impact the cost each month, as more square footage translates to more space to heat and cool.
Average electric bill for one-bedroom apartment
As we mentioned, several factors impact your electric bill, including your usage, the efficiency and insulation of the space, the number of residents, and the size of your home or apartment. The climate of the area in which you live is also a factor, as many central air conditioners rely on electricity to operate. If you’re living somewhere with higher temperatures, your electric bill will usually be higher than someone living in a place that gets cold during the winter, as many furnaces are gas-powered. The U.S. Electricity Information Association collected the average monthly bill by state. In New York State you can expect a utility bill of $116.70, whereas in Texas the average monthly cost is $132.40.
Tips to keep your electric bill under control
In order to keep your monthly electric bill low, follow a few tips that will help reduce your usage. Air conditioning is a significant aspect of an electric bill, so running it constantly will quickly cause your costs to rise.
- If you live in an area where it’s hot and humid through much of the summer, you may not be able to do much about running the air conditioner. When you live in a more moderate climate, you may not have to spend as much on cooling costs. But whenever possible, limit your usage and look for ways to trim the costs.
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat (with your landlord’s permission) to maintain better control over the HVAC system. Set your indoor temperature a few degrees higher than you normally would and see if your body can adjust to the slightly warmer atmosphere.
- Use ceiling and floor fans to keep air moving and feel the comfort of air blowing on you, especially at night, without spending on air conditioning.
- Make sure you have your thermostat programmed based on your schedule so you’re not paying to run the air conditioner when you’re not home.
If you have access to the HVAC system in your apartment, change the air filter regularly. Energy.gov reports that replacing a clogged and dirty filter can reduce the air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15%, making it a worthwhile task. If you don’t have access, talk to your landlord about how often they replace the filter.
Since lighting, appliances, and electronics make up 35% of your bill on average, you can also make some adjustments in these areas.
- Switch your bulbs to LED options that use far less energy than other types of bulbs while providing plenty of light. Although LED bulbs are a bit more expensive, they last for years without replacement, so they’re worth the investment.
- Plug your electronics into smart power strips to reduce electricity usage. These units reduce the amount of standby power used by electronics that remain plugged in all the time.
- Hang your clothes to dry rather than using an electric dryer. If using the dryer, set a short timed cycle instead of allowing it to run for longer periods of time.
- Consider washing your dishes manually instead of throwing them in the dishwasher.
- Shorten your showers and wash your clothing on cool or warm cycles instead of hot to trim the cost of heating your water via electricity.
Frequently asked questions
This can vary depending on your landlord and the terms of your lease. Generally, water and trash are included in your rent, while gas and electricity are not. Internet and cable may or may not be included, so it’s important to clarify with your landlord or property management company.
You can estimate your monthly utility costs by researching the average costs in your area and calculating your own usage based on your apartment size and habits. Many utility providers offer online calculators to help you estimate your monthly expenses.
It’s possible to negotiate your utility costs with your landlord, but it’s important to do so before signing your lease. Some landlords may be willing to include certain utilities in your rent, while others may not. It’s always best to clarify the terms of your lease before moving in.
Some tips for reducing your apartment utility costs include turning off lights and appliances when not in use, taking shorter showers, washing clothes in cold water, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and keeping the thermostat at a reasonable temperature.
If your utility bills are higher than expected, it may be worth reviewing your usage habits and making changes to reduce your costs. Additionally, you can contact your utility providers to see if there are any discrepancies in your bills or if there are any ways to reduce your expenses.
Final thoughts
Although electricity is a necessity in every modern living space, understanding what you can expect to pay in a one-bedroom apartment helps you become more prepared and budget accordingly. Taking a few small steps to limit your energy usage and maintain a more efficient living space can also impact what you’ll pay each month in electricity costs.
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