Average Electric Bill for 1 Bedroom Apartment: Reduce Costs with EcoFlow
Regarding home electricity bills, one-bedroom apartments are often associated with some of the lowest costs. Because of their size and the small number of people who typically live in a one-bedroom apartment, their electric bills are much lower than those of larger homes with multiple residents. However, electricity is still one of the most significant ongoing costs.
Knowing what impacts your monthly electric bill and how much the average person in a one-bedroom apartment pays for theirs can help you manage your costs. Below, explore how various factors influence monthly electric costs and find ways to control your energy usage with EcoFlow solutions.
What Is The Average Electricity Bill in a 1 Bedroom Apartment
The average electricity bill in a one-bedroom apartment in Canada can range from $50 to $150 per month. In cities like Toronto, the average can be closer to $70 monthly. At the same time, other areas may cost more or less depending on location, local electric infrastructure, apartment size, season, energy efficiency, and building age and construction.
While this general average is a helpful baseline amount for initial budgeting, it’s essential to know what influences your bill so you can better identify opportunities to reduce your monthly cost and manage this ongoing bill.
While reduction of energy use can be a powerful way to cut costs, it often requires you to change your lifestyle and habits. For a lower lift, consider investing in backup power solutions to supplement your grid power, such as EcoFlow Portable Power Stations (PPS). You can leverage lower time-of-use rates, charging your PPS batteries when energy is cheaper. Then, you can use the PPS as a power source instead of wall outlets or traditional grid power during peak demand times with higher rates. It’s a simple way to work smarter, not harder, while saving money each month.
What Factors Influence The Average Electricity Bill in a 1-Bedroom Apartment
Several factors are considered when calculating your electricity bill in a one-bedroom apartment.
Size of Home
The square footage of your home makes a big difference. A one-bedroom apartment could be small, with just enough room for a couch and TV in the central area and a tight-fitting bed in the bedroom. Or, it could be a sprawling layout with plenty of space, requiring more energy to heat and cool. HVAC systems use the most energy in homes, so this impact is significant. Larger homes also require more lighting, which adds up.
The floor plan also comes into play. They can be more energy-efficient, while spaces with multiple small rooms require more effort and electricity.
Location
Your location affects regional energy costs, local climate, and urban vs. rural settings. Certain Canadian provinces or territories may have higher rates than others, and extreme climate zones are also critical. Apartments in northern Canada will require more energy to maintain heat, adding to overall energy costs year-round.
Additionally, the energy infrastructure around you also matters. Cities have better infrastructure, and bringing electricity to rural areas may cost more. Urban apartments also benefit from the insulation of neighbouring units, reducing costs further.
Energy Tariff and Rate
Another factor you can’t change is how much your electricity provider charges per kilowatt-hour of energy and their rate structure. Fixed-rate plans include consistent pricing no matter when the energy is used, while time-of-use plans charge higher rates during peak demand periods. Those on time-of-use plans should seriously consider investing in the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station to take advantage of off-peak rates.
The tiered rate structure increases the cost per kWh if you exceed a certain usage threshold. For these apartments, having another way of producing energy may be beneficial once you reach the initial threshold. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) is an excellent choice, as it can generate enough energy to power your entire apartment as needed.
Time of Year
Seasonal changes also bring fluctuations in electricity costs. The summer months, especially for southern Canadian apartments, can be hot, so air conditions can increase bills by up to 50%. Winter poses an even more significant threat, as electric heating can more than double your typical consumption, and everyone here knows Canada can get brutally cold.
Spring and fall shoulder seasons usually see the lowest bills because minimal heating and cooling are needed.
Appliances
Appliances are also big contributors to the electricity you pay for each month. As mentioned earlier, HVAC systems require the most energy, about 64-66% of usage in Canada. The water heater is also significant, making up 15-20% of the average bill. Your continuously running refrigerator consumes around 50-10% of your usage, and so does your lighting. Electronics like fans, TVs, and computers vary widely, with more equipped apartments using up to 15% of energy, while minimal apartments may only use 5%.
If you can pinpoint a specific appliance or system that uses a disproportionate amount of energy each month, consider investing in an alternative power source for that element. For example, you can run your refrigerator using a portable power station or solar generator rather than with grid power, helping you considerably reduce your usage. While solar power requires a significant upfront investment, you can quickly make a full return on your investment and enjoy free energy for years to come.
Gas vs. Electric
Some apartments in Canada may have natural gas connections, which can power things like heating, water heaters, and stoves. If these elements run on gas rather than electricity, you can expect a lower electric bill but also pay an additional gas bill each month.
How to Calculate the Average Electricity Bill in a 1 Bedroom Apartment
If you want to estimate your average electricity bill for your one-bedroom apartment in Canada, here’s what to do:
First, identify your cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). You should be able to find this on your utility bill.
Next, estimate your average usage. You can add up your monthly usage over 12 months and divide by 12 to get a monthly average or use a general average. A typical one-bedroom apartment can use 300-500 kWh of electricity monthly.
Then, multiply your usage by the rate you’re charged. This will give you your base electricity charge.
You also need to consider fixed fees, like service charges and taxes. You can average these out using the same method—add up total fees for a year, then divide by 12. Add this number to your monthly base electricity charge for a solid estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Electricity Does the Average Family in a 1 Bedroom Apartment Use?
A small family of 2-3 people living in a one-bedroom apartment can use between 300-700 kWh per month, while a single occupant may only use up to 500 kWh per month. Additional occupants mean more frequent use of appliances, electronics, lighting, and hot water, contributing to your monthly bill.
Final Thoughts
One-bedroom apartment electricity charges are on the lower end overall compared to larger homes with more occupants, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a significant cost each month for those who live there. Understanding what contributes to your monthly bill can help you pinpoint opportunities to reduce your usage or supplement with alternative energy sources, like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. You can keep monthly bills low by taking charge of these energy behaviours.