Average Utility bills

Hi all: Trying to get a sense of a budget for a purchase. Can anyone give me what would be average cost for a small (1800 sq ft) 2 family house with an older gas boiler for Con Ed and National Grid. I know there are a lot of variables here but just trying to get a ball park. thanks

bqeresident1

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 2 months ago

9

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

presidentstps | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5113 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4868 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182578"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "presidentstps"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BkPJwIgLlhOiSBLDPB.wwJZSeQKOqV0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "presidentstps"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "arthurmichel@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:27:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "presidentstps"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182578)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

For our 4 floor brownstone (18×46′ on each floor) attached on two sides we pay the following for the last 12 months: Electric (only upper triplex): $3600 Gas (both units): $1600 Water/Sewer (both units): $1700 High efficiency gas boiler with indirect hot water tank, radiant floor heating.

bqeresident1 | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5112 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5110 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "183073"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "bqeresident1"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BkkzFhqXs/xN/yhZx5gYtSIEJrdK9X/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "bqeresident1"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(30) "michael.v.piscitello@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:26:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "bqeresident1"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(183073)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks for all the responses I had accounted for some variables but now realize I overlooked plenty. Bk1lnite – Thanks for the link and benchmark numbers that was helpful. So like most things with house searching I will budget for the worst and hope its better than that. thanks again.

NeoGrec | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5108 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5114 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1741"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "NeoGrec"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOvBZSSoDDccMCffw1igzkiT0t5s1D."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "neogrec"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "rparr@randomhouse.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(36) "http:///forums/users/grandarmyredux/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "NeoGrec"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1741)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Resident2 is correct. Without knowing more about the condition of the building, it’s meaningless trying to come up with an estimate. Ask the sellers.

bk1lnite | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5110 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5113 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179741"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "bk1lnite"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BYVxphPiNO4nE09E/IAsvY4SqeNyz90"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "bk1lnite"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "bklnite@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "http:///forums/users/bklnite/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:04:27"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "bk1lnite"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179741)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A mortgage broker recently gave as “reasonable benchmarks” $1,000 per unit on W/S $1.50 / sq. ft. on oil heat $1.25 / sq. ft. on gas heat The context was multifamily (i.e. apartment buildings, not a 2-family) but may still be reasonable ballpark numbers. As resident2 says ymmv.

bk1lnite | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5112 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179741"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "bk1lnite"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BYVxphPiNO4nE09E/IAsvY4SqeNyz90"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "bk1lnite"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "bklnite@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "http:///forums/users/bklnite/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:04:27"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "bk1lnite"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179741)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Too many variables for an “average” con ed or national grid bill for a 2 family to be meaningful. You can look up water payment history (& yes, water bill includes sewer charges) for any building in NYC here: http://nycserv.nyc.gov/NYCServWeb/WaterChargeHistorySearch.jsp You need to enter acct # or BBL. If you search by address here: http://webapps.nyc.gov:8084/CICS/fin1/find001i You’ll get property tax statements and the page will show BBL ––

resident2 | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5108 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5116 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181002"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "resident2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BYKCrEpDU34.3RJghRPk8/Xp1XpCve/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "resident2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "Jamanda1255@Yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "resident2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181002)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

There is not enough information provided. It can be a huge difference of 100% +/- depending the type of heating system; steam, hot water, forced air. Along with the insulation, windows, is it attached, detached. Frame, Brownstone, new construction? Well maintained or sloppily maintained etc. Any seller should be able to provide average annual bills, it is easy to pull them off both National Grid & Con Ed with on line accounts. Oil of course they should still be able to provide. Bare in mind hot water costs a lot especially if there are many people taking showers & baths etc. The water & Sewer bills you cannot estimate as a “one family” or “two family” it depends on how many people are flushing toilets etc. I always estimate about $50.00 per quarter per person & add on $100 for their minimum and usage charges.. For example my household is two people, some of my neighbors live in the same size one family house with two adults, four children, a full time housekeeper and many visitors and their water & sewer bills are 10 times what I pay for the same sized one family house. So you cannot estimate by if it is a one family or a two family etc.

mario71 | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5115 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5110 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180976"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "mario71"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJ286Z0uUzUvLeLzErH4LQI.lAr/sR."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "mario71"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "mario.michelena@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "mario71"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180976)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I guess. It really depends on whether you’re actually going to use it as a 2 family, meaning a total of 8 to 10 people living in the house, and if the rental is a permanent one or an airbnb type thing. And how careful you are about detecting and addressing leaks in your rental. That’s key. An unattended leak increases your water bill 3x. But those numbers sound about right.

bqeresident1 | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5112 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5117 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "183073"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "bqeresident1"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BkkzFhqXs/xN/yhZx5gYtSIEJrdK9X/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "bqeresident1"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(30) "michael.v.piscitello@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:26:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "bqeresident1"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(183073)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thank you – i looked at the DEP site and it estimates $1000 year for a 1 family or $660 a year per unit for water. So i figure a 2 family would be about $1500 a year – does that seem accurate? Are sewer charges part of the “water” bill? thanks again for the response

mario71 | 10 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5108 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180976"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "mario71"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJ286Z0uUzUvLeLzErH4LQI.lAr/sR."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "mario71"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "mario.michelena@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "mario71"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180976)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

about $200 to $250 for gas during the winter. Maybe $120 for electricity. If you have a separate hot water heater your gas expenses the rest of the year should be minimal. But then you should also consider water & sewer as a “new” monthly expense if you’re coming from a rental or co-op.