Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

texanchris t1_j6ifsyf wrote

My house is 2500 sq feet and we use 2200+ kw hours per month. Your usage isn’t crazy high but remember every area is different cost wise. Plus since you’re all electric that means that you do pay for hot water just as electric usage. Your unit might be incredibly inefficient. We can request the power provider to come out and do an efficiency review of our house to give us ideas how to make it more efficient.

9

BeyondSharp t1_j6ifzeh wrote

Thank you! So the landlord is supposed to pay for hot water. How would I know if they’re charging me or him for that?

1

A3thereal t1_j6igrgq wrote

The landlord probably is paying for it, covering the cost in the rent. It would be difficult to determine for certainty without an electrician to verify how everything is wired.

If you have access to the utility room you can check if there are separate water heating units for each apartment in the building. If a single unit, or fewer units than there are apartments it's probably through a separate meter, however it is possible it goes to one apartment's meter.

Out of curiosity, have you checked with your neighbors to get a sense for how much electricity they use? Is yours abnormal for your building?

Edit: If you have access to the circuit breaker and meter you could also turn off the power to your entire panel and check if your meter stops running up and if hot water runs out. I doubt the landlord would appreciate this test, however it could technically be done.

4

BeyondSharp t1_j6iio4s wrote

Gotcha! I appreciate all of the tips. My circuit breaker is inside my unit, so I could technically test it out if necessary.

2

A3thereal t1_j6ijivb wrote

You'll need to be able to read the meter as well to ensure it stops running. Is the water heating unit in your apartment as well? If the breakers are in the unit and the heating element is not, it's a safe bet that you aren't paying for the heating of the water.

3

texanchris t1_j6igh8i wrote

Water being included is normal. HOT water is not usually included. Hot water is typically generated at your unit by your hot water heater. In your case, it’s electric so most likely you are paying to heat the water you use.

2

DeluxeXL t1_j6iunty wrote

In apartments, hot water can be supplied centrally.

2