How can I keep my utility cost down in St. Petersburg apartments?

Choosing to live in one of the apartments near St. Pete gives you an advantage in utilities. Unlike a house, an apartment complex is constantly kept up to date by the staff running it, ensuring that it meets all of the current standards in power, gas, and water usage. Apartments give you utility efficiency, which generally means a lower bill.

Low utility costs is not always the case however in apartments, even in St. Petersburg apartments. Utility cost will still be dependent on your own responsible usage, as well as the usage by any roommates you may have. Awareness of not being wasteful is the key, and it is something that you and your roommates will need to think about, discuss, and make a habit of. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can be a responsible utility user, so that your next bill is the lowest one yet.

First let us talk about electricity. Stable electricity is a given in any of the St. Petersburg apartments, but that only reduces the cost by so much and the rest is up to you. One of the best ways to save money when dealing with electricity is simply by turning off the lights in the rooms you are not in. The only exception when turning off the lights when you leave a room is if you will be returning to the room relatively soon. Sometimes it is cheaper to leave lights on than to turn them on again, but that is only in cases of around thirty minutes or less.

If you are going to live in one of the St. Petersburg apartments that uses fluorescent bulbs, than you are in luck. Fluorescent bulbs use less power, burn brighter, and last long. If your apartment does not use fluorescents, you may want to consider making the switch as it will probably be cheaper in the long run. Also, keep in mind that you really do not need to use the indoor lights during the day. Open up your windows and make the sun do the work for you.

Another great purchase you may want to make in order to help save on electricity is a power outlet. You should probably have at least two of these, one for your desk and one for your media center. Not only will you have a lot more ports to choose from, you can cut off electricity to all of the devices connected with a single switch.

Now let’s talk real quick about how not to waste water in St. Petersburg apartments. Like electricity, saving on water is simply about awareness and making smart decisions. The most important rule is not to run the water when you don’t have too.

This rule applies to any appliance that uses water, such as a shower, sink or even washing machine. Take short showers, and only use machines such as the washing machine or dishwasher when there is a full load. Recklessly using such appliances is like leaving the TV on all day, it’s not smart and it’s going to end up costing you a lot of money.

In the end, awareness it the key until habit develops. Find a way to ensure that you and your roommates are vigilant about keeping your utility costs down. It may be hard in the beginning, but its some of the easiest money you will ever save.

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentTampaBay.com or any of our advertising partners.