What are the Average Monthly Utility Bills?

How Much Are The Monthly Utility Bills?

I’m a licensed real estate broker in the State of Oregon.  That license allows me to “broker” the purchase and sale of real estate.  Beyond that . . . I’m not licensed to give tax advice, legal advice, or energy audit advice.

See:  Energy Trust of Oregon

From time-to-time I get asked questions that I am incapable of answering.

These are actual questions I’ve been asked over the years:

• when do the buses run
• how good are the schools
• how much will the property appreciate in years to come
• will the cleaning crew clean the fan blades
• are the neighbors planning to have children
• . . . and yes . . . what is the “average” monthly utility bill

I understand the need to budget.  Matter of fact, I budget too!  But sometimes, when I get asked this question, I can not answer with a pat and firm reply, other then:   Weatherization is the key!

The utility usage average of the current owners may not be your utility usage average  

There are many variables:

• What’s the sq. ft. of the property?
• Where is the property located?  (500′ above sea level, 1,500′ above sea level, 4,500′ above sea level)
• How has it been insulated?  (Attic, crawlspace, walls? What’s the R-value? Are the ducts wrapped?)
• What kind of windows are installed?
• Is there a crawlspace, basement, slab?
• What is the primary heat source?
• How many people live in the house?
• How many times does the toilet get flushed?
• How often is the lawn watered?
• Is the dishwasher used daily? (major energy drain)
• What temperature is the thermostat set in winter?
• How long does the furnace run?
• Are the windows / doors properly caulked, sealed and weather stripped?
• Is the house heated at night?
• Is every TV, radio, computer running 24/7?
• Is there a hot tub used on the premises?
• Does hubby tinker in the garage and use 220 amp toys?
• on and on and on . . .

——> YOU CAN NOT BASE YOUR  PERSONAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION ON ANYONE ELSE’S ENERGY CONSUMPTION! <——

There are organizations that can provide information on ways to reduce the energy costs in a home. Energy Trust of Oregon is a good starting point.

I can, and do, provide referrals to qualified vendors in the Portland Metro area who will be able to change windows, update furnaces to 95% efficiency units, blow in insultation, etc.  I  direct people to the right source for information.

But remember: Weatherization is the key!

Hope this makes sense.