If you’re renting an apartment, you likely know that rent & utilities are a big part of your budget. But do you understand what makes up your utility costs?
Check out your energy bill to find information on the type of heating used in your building. If your apartment uses gas for heating, look for a meter and metal exhaust vents.
Appliances
Most apartments are powered by electricity, but gas is used to heat some homes and run appliances. If your apartment uses natural gas, your bills will likely be higher in the winter months when you’re using heating and water heaters.
You may be able to lower your energy costs by taking advantage of a programmable thermostat and limiting the time the heat is on. Also, be sure to unplug any appliances or gadgets that you’re not using. These “energy vampires” still use electricity even when they’re turned off, and can account for up to 20% of your utility bill.
A few years ago, some condo owners opted to replace their old gas stoves with electric ones, and many co-ops have switched from gas to electric heat and cooling systems as well. There are a number of reasons why, including new indoor air quality standards, cost efficiencies and the need for periodic gas line sign-off inspections. If you’re planning to replace an appliance, check with your building and its governing body about the process. A professional plumber can ensure you’re properly capping and removing any existing lines and will file the necessary permits and request the appropriate inspections.
As the rental market becomes more competitive, savvy landlords can make their buildings stand out by offering amenities like natural gas that renters crave. Whether it’s a gas-powered oven, stovetop or dryer, these features give tenants the luxury experience they’re after without the expense and maintenance of owning their own home. And with young people and baby boomers moving to cities in record numbers, this trend is expected to continue for a while. It took millions of years for our planet to create natural gas, so it makes sense to save it wherever possible!
Furnace
The furnace in your apartment uses natural gas to keep your home warm during the colder months. It also helps to circulate air throughout your apartment and cleans the air by removing pollutants like dust, pet dander, and allergens from your living space. If you have a furnace, it’s important to take good care of it and change the filters regularly to avoid any leaks that could be dangerous.
The best way to determine whether your apartment uses gas for heating is by checking your utility bill. If you see costs for gas, your apartment likely has a gas-powered furnace, although some buildings switch to electric heating as the new standard. Another easy way to tell is by looking at the building’s exterior for a gas meter. If you don’t see one, your apartment is probably using electricity for its heating and hot water.
Despite its higher cost, gas has many advantages over electricity for heating apartments. It’s cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient at keeping your home comfortable year-round. Plus, it can provide backup power during outages. If you’re considering switching to electric heating, be sure to check your building’s bylaws and governing documents about changing the type of energy used for appliances like a stove or furnace.
While it’s difficult to completely change the way your apartment uses energy, there are a few things you can do to save a little money each month on your gas bill. For example, you can make sure your stove and oven are using the correct size burners and setting to conserve energy. You can also limit your hot water use by taking shorter showers and washing dishes in the sink. And you can put a reminder on your calendar to check your furnace’s filter regularly.
Hot Water Heater
The hot water heater in your apartment can use either gas or electricity. You can tell which type yours is using by checking the heat source on the appliance. If it says “gas,” you have a gas-powered unit.
If you’re not sure, look at your building’s meter. You’ll see a meter for both gas and electricity. Then, check your lease agreement or ask the landlord or property manager.
Most newer apartments use gas to heat and cook. But, older buildings may still use electricity to heat and cook.
In general, apartments that use gas are more efficient than those that use electricity. Gas systems tend to heat faster than electric ones and use less energy. Plus, the air in your apartment will stay warmer longer.
However, some renters prefer electricity because of safety concerns. Gas leaks can be dangerous. If you think there’s a leak, turn off your gas, and don’t use matches or anything with an open flame. If you smell gas, leave the house immediately. Don’t go back inside until a natural gas company representative tells you it’s safe.
It took millions of years for our planet to produce natural gas. You’ll want to do everything you can to save on your apartment’s utility bills. You should also keep in mind that these bills can change depending on the season. For instance, you’ll probably pay more to heat your apartment in the winter.
You don’t have a lot of control over your apartment’s gas bill, but you can try to lower it. Follow the tips in this article to save on your apartment’s utility bills. It’s worth the effort! You can even put some of these strategies into practice in your own home.
Stovetop
Many apartment complexes choose to use electric stoves instead of gas stoves because they are at a lower risk for unit-destroying accidents like fires and gas leaks. Unlike gas appliances, electric stoves don’t need to be vented, so they can work even during a power outage.
New research has uncovered the extent to which gas stoves pollute indoor air. This pollution is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups of people, including children and the elderly. In an effort to reduce exposure to this harmful pollution, many people have started switching from gas stoves to electric induction or infrared models. However, this isn’t an option for renters because they are typically unable to choose what appliances they live with in their apartments.
Fortunately, the city of New York is taking steps to address this issue. Beginning in 2024, new buildings under seven stories will be banned from using gas stoves. However, this ban does not extend to existing buildings, so renters in the meantime are living with dangerous gas stoves that may be leaking pollutants into their homes.
Some landlords are choosing to replace the gas stoves in their buildings with electric ones as they undergo renovations or when tenants move out. Others, like Jeffrey Weber, the property manager of a multifamily building in Brooklyn, are encouraging the owners of their properties to get rid of gas stoves entirely and switch all of their units over to electric. While this might cost them more upfront, he says that it could save them money in the long run because electric appliances tend to be more energy-efficient than their gas counterparts. In addition, many cities and states offer rebates for apartment owners who switch over to this type of appliance.
Oven
Many apartment complexes outfit their buildings with electric stovetops instead of gas ovens, simply because they’re less likely to catch on fire. But that doesn’t always fit tenants’ needs or desires, especially those who love to cook and want the option of a gas oven in their new home.
If your building is in the process of replacing all of its appliances, then you can have the kitchens outfitted with either gas or electric cooktops. However, if you have to replace just one or two appliances in a room, it’s best to go with electric to avoid the hassle of getting the gas lines properly capped.
Some landlords remove ovens because they’re worried that tenants won’t take care of them, which can be an issue in NYC apartments where there’s a large population of college students who move in and out every year. However, if you’re confident that you’ll find tenants who will take good care of the appliances you have installed, then it may make sense to stick with your current setup.
Also, some landlords get rid of their ovens because they’re concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning in their tenants. They can have their gas lines capped by a professional before, or at the same time as, having them removed to ensure there is no risk of CO poisoning. The city’s Greener NYC initiative is urging all new construction to ban gas in buildings under seven stories, and 2024 for those taller, which is an effort to cut greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.