Fall is Here!
Lights Off, Bill High? Here’s What’s Really Using Your Electricity
Happy first day of fall! As cooler temperatures start to roll in, it’s a great time to take a closer look at how electricity is used in your apartment or condo—and how small changes can lead to meaningful savings.
If your furnace or heat pump is electric, your HVAC system is likely the biggest energy user in your unit. Even when you’re not home, the system continues to cycle to maintain your thermostat setting. In colder months, that background usage can add up quickly—especially if your heat pump relies on built-in electric resistance coils. These backup coils often kick in when outdoor temperatures drop below 35°F and can double or triple your heating energy use without you realizing it.
Electric water heaters also work around the clock to maintain hot water. As outdoor temps drop, they may work even harder to heat colder incoming water, adding to your usage—though they still use less energy than space heating overall.
Major appliances and always-on electronics (like TVs, routers, or gaming consoles) can quietly raise your bill too, even when not actively in use. Meanwhile, lighting usually represents a smaller share of total energy use than many people expect. Turning lights off is still a smart habit, but it’s your HVAC settings and efficiency that have the biggest impact.
The graphics below show a typical energy breakdown for a 900–1,100 sq ft all-electric apartment. Use them as a guide to see what’s using the most—and where small adjustments might help lower your monthly costs.
Check your Rates
Because heating and cooling your residence accounts for such a large share of your total electricity use, your energy bills will vary throughout the seasons. Hot summer heat waves and frigid winter cold snaps can profoundly impact your utility bill. When this happens, it is normal to question your bill and whether you are being charged fairly for your electricity use.
The good news is that if you live in Ohio, you can easily verify the accuracy of your electric rate. Nationwide Energy Partners is obligated to never charge more than the local utility’s rate for the same amount of usage.
You can find bill comparison calculators on the websites of major Ohio utilities, including:
Visit AEP Ohio’s rates page and scroll to the very bottom.
Look for the section titled “Submetering Bill Calculation Spreadsheet.”
Download the file labeled: “Submetering Bill Calculation Spreadsheet – Columbus Southern Power Rate Zone.”
Visit the AES Ohio rates and tariffs page.
Scroll to the “Bill Calculators” section and select “Download Residential Bill Calculation Spreadsheet.”
Duke Energy Ohio Rate Calculator
Visit Duke Energy Ohio’s rates and tariffs page.
Under “Residential Bill Calculators,” download the spreadsheet labeled: “Rate RS & RSLI, Residential Service, Sheet 30 & 36 (Excel).”
Visit the FirstEnergy rate comparison page to use the interactive calculator right on the webpage.
At the top of the page, you’ll also find a downloadable PDF titled “Bill Calculator Guide,” which offers step-by-step instructions.
If you need help locating or using these tools—or if you live outside Ohio—our resident support team is here to help. Call us at 877-818-2637, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST.
Finally, please visit our Conservation Tips Web Page for smart energy savings tips to help you better manage your winter electric bills.