How much is your electricity bill in winter if you heat with AC only?

electricityheatingbudgetenergy-saving

Diana_1980

Joined:
25.05.2021
Posts: 1322

Topic Starter

06.02.2025 22:17

Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out my budget for the upcoming winter months. My apartment doesn't have central heating, so I'm relying entirely on my AC units (heat pumps) for warmth this year. For those of you who do this, how much does your monthly electricity bill usually jump compared to summer or fall? I live in a moderately cold climate and work from home, so it would be running quite a bit during the day. Any tips on keeping the costs down while staying comfortable would also be super appreciated!

12 replies in this topic

deleted_user

Joined:
09.11.2023
Posts: 838

17.03.2025 00:40

My bill usually doubles compared to the fall, going from around $60 to $120 a month.

Eugene_D

Joined:
05.11.2024
Posts: 1203

10.04.2025 08:59

In reply to a previous post

That's not too bad actually! What size is your apartment?

SomeoneSomewhere

Joined:
29.08.2024
Posts: 1348

18.04.2025 08:05

In reply to a previous post

It's about 750 sq ft, decently insulated which definitely helps keeping the heat in.

mike_777

Joined:
27.12.2024
Posts: 1780

29.05.2025 04:24

Since you work from home like I do, get ready for a shock. My bill tripled last January because I kept it running all day long.

lone_wolf

Joined:
15.04.2021
Posts: 1437

03.06.2025 18:35

In reply to a previous post

Ouch, really? Did you find any ways to lower it after that?

deleted_user

Joined:
01.11.2022
Posts: 350

16.07.2025 11:53

In reply to a previous post

Yeah, setting it to a steady 68°F instead of constantly tweaking it made a huge difference. Also, invest in a good wool blanket for your desk chair!

camilo

Joined:
24.01.2023
Posts: 16

21.07.2025 15:36

In the Pacific Northwest, mine jumps to about $180-$200 in the dead of winter. Modern heat pumps are pretty efficient though, so it could be worse.

watcher_x

Joined:
27.03.2022
Posts: 2297

05.08.2025 00:51

Make sure you clean the air filters every month! A clogged filter makes the AC work way harder and eats up so much electricity.

Mike_B

Joined:
25.12.2022
Posts: 1087

11.08.2025 18:30

In reply to a previous post

Totally agree with the filter tip. Also, don't turn it completely off when you leave for a few hours; maintaining the temp takes less energy than reheating the whole room from cold.

Oli_S

Joined:
03.05.2022
Posts: 854

12.11.2025 10:41

I live in a studio apartment in the Northeast and my winter electric bill is around $140. Not terrible, but definitely noticeable.

Brian_Z

Joined:
20.02.2025
Posts: 1499

08.03.2026 18:12

Pro tip: use ceiling fans on the lowest speed in reverse to push the warm air back down. It helps circulate the heat so your AC doesn't have to blast as hard.

Kevin_M

Joined:
29.10.2025
Posts: 230

07.04.2026 13:39

In reply to a previous post

Thanks for all the great advice everyone, really appreciate the budgeting insights!

How much is your electricity bill in winter if you heat with AC only?

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