Ultimate Guide to Apartment Utilities

Making sense of utility bills can sometimes feel overwhelming. In some apartments, essential services like electricity, water and waste management are included in your monthly rent, while other apartments require you to pay them separately. 

So, what are standard utilities? How much should you pay for them? And is there a way to save some money? This ultimate guide to apartment utilities will answer all your questions to help make your rental experience much smoother.

Essential Apartment Utilities

Utilities are the core services that keep your apartment comfortable and functioning. The most essential utilities for apartments are:

• Electricity: Electricity powers essential systems like kitchen appliances, lighting, heating and cooling. A monthly bill for electricity depends on energy usage, the season and the efficiency of an apartment’s appliances. 
• Water and sewer: This utility provides access to clean water in showers, toilets, bathrooms and kitchens. Used water and waste are disposed of for treatment.
• Gas: Some buildings use gas and heating oil to fuel heating systems, water heaters, and sometimes stoves or ovens. These fuels can be beneficial in colder months, keeping the apartment warm and comfortable. Natural gas is common in residential buildings.
• Recycling and trash: Trash and recycling services keep your apartment and neighborhood clean and clutter-free. Most apartments provide designated bins for regular trash and recycling, often in a shared area. 

Other Important Services

Some apartment buildings include more services that can improve your rental experience. In addition to the above services, the utilities list for apartments can include: 

• Internet and Wi-Fi: Internet connection is essential for staying connected, streaming and working from home. The cost of internet service can vary based on connection type and speed. Whether your internet is bundled with other services like cable TV can also affect the price.
• Parking: Some buildings offer free parking spaces, while others have reserved spots for an additional fee. 
• Security: Your safety should always be a top priority. Before signing your lease, ask about what’s currently in place at the apartment. You might want to invest in security cameras if they are not included. 

Additional amenities like lounges, gyms, in-unit laundry machines and pools can make apartment living more enjoyable while saving you the cost of paying for these services elsewhere. Some buildings also offer bike storage, package lockers and more. Often, these types of amenities do not come with a price tag. 

While searching for apartments, consider which amenities you need and will use so you’re only paying for what adds value to your daily life. 

How Much Do Apartment Utilities Cost?

Multiple factors will affect how much you end up paying at the end of each month for your services. On average, Americans spend around $430 per month on utilities. Your cost will depend on what utilities you pay for in an apartment, plus:

• Your usage: The more you use utilities like heating, cooling and large appliances, the higher your bill will be. 
• The time of year: Utility costs often spike during extreme weather conditions. For example, air conditioning can drive up the electric costs during the summer, while heating your home can increase your electric bill during winter.
• The size of your apartment: Larger apartments require more energy to heat, cool and light, so you can expect your utilities to be slightly higher.
• Location: Urban areas and those that experience extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility bills.
• Your utility provider: Some areas have multiple providers, giving you options to shop for the best rates that suit your budget and needs.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Knowing which services you need to pay for and which are optional is a great way to help you budget and accurately assess the cost of living in your desired apartment. In addition to being clear on what the utilities for an apartment are, take the following two steps before committing to any rental.

1. Read Your Lease

Your lease will outline which utilities are included in your rent and which you’ll need to pay separately. In some cases, you may need to set up an account with the provider. For example, you might have to create a separate internet service account. Reviewing this information before signing your lease helps avoid surprises and ensures you know what you need to pay from day one.

2. Budget for Utilities

Your utility bill won’t be the same every month. However, you can save an amount from your monthly paycheck to pay for these essential services. A great way to estimate your monthly utility bill is to consider the state where you live. For example, according to data from Forbes, California has the highest monthly water bill, while Iowa leads the way with the highest monthly internet bill. 

What if You Have a Roommate?

If you find a roommate or two, the utilities will be split among you. You will need to determine which utilities are covered in your rent and which you must pay separately. 

In addition, check if the utility accounts are already set up or if you’ll need to transfer them to your name. Whatever the case may be, clear communication from the beginning can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings.

Tips for Saving on Utilities

Wise choices and minor lifestyle tweaks can add up over time and save you money. To make your utility bill more manageable, you can:

• Layer up during winter: Instead of increasing your heating, use blankets or add an extra layer of clothing. 
• Mind the thermostat: Heating and cooling increase the energy bill, so try to adjust the thermostat a few degrees when you’re out or asleep. Even small changes can make a big difference to your bill.
• Use energy-efficient lights: LED bulbs may cost a little more upfront, but they use less energy than traditional bulbs and last longer.
• Watch your water usage: Fixing leaks, shortening showers and only running the laundry when you have a full load are just a few simple yet effective ways to lower your water bill.

Find Your Ideal Apartment With Triple Crown Corporation

Navigating apartment utilities doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is understanding what is included in your rent, how much to budget and clever ways to save. 

Ready to discover your perfect apartment home? Triple Crown Corporation is here to help with an array of contemporary, quality apartments and townhouses across Pennsylvania. You can check out our residential communities to learn more about what we offer. Contact us today to find your next home sweet home.