HOUSING PROJECT:

UTILITIES

What are utilities?

- Household services provided by companies. In any house or apartment, you will have to
access and decide what services you want or need. Electric, gas (heat/kitchen), internet,
cable, water, snow removal, etc all add to your monthly housing bill.

“Utilities based on usage”

Electric and Gas can be the most unpredictable bills, if you aren’t paying attention to how much
you are using the utility. (Water is another one that is based off of usage. Landlords often
include water- but it is always good to check with them before signing a lease!) Think of as
many things as you can that would use gas or electric in a house and enter them into the
appropriate categories below.

Gas Could be either... Electric

heat Lights
Cooking Refrigeration
Internet

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Heating Units
1.http://smarterhouse.org/heating-systems/types-heating-systems
When looking at an apartment, it’s a good idea to ask what kind of heating system they have.
Check out the link above and scan the types of heating units. Which one seems most efficient?

Gas more efficient, cheaper to run it but a little more expensive to install, so in the long run,
gas is better than electricity.
2. Gas vs. Electric:
https://www.mge.com/images/PDF/Brochures/residential/RentersGasVsElec.pdf
Based on the link above, what are three ways to save money when it comes to heat?

Use gas heating, turn the thermostat down when you are sleeping or gone, and if you have
more than one thermostat, lower the temperatures in the unused rooms.

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Saving Energy
https://www.thebalance.com/lower-your-electric-bill-1388743
What are some ways you can conserve the amount of gas or electric you are using? (Out of the
list from the article, which ones do you feel are the most reasonable - 5 examples)
● Get an energy Audit

● Get dimmer switches

● Keep your fridge and freezer full

● Install ceiling fans

● Line your laundry

● Eliminate phantom loads

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Last step! Create a RESOURCE GUIDE for yourself based on the current city you imagine
getting your first apartment in:

Utility Company (City: _________)

Gas Vermont gas

Electric Burlington electric department

Internet Xfinity

Cable TV Xfinity

Snow Removal (?) A shovel