If an apartment advertises central air / heat, does that mean that the AC and heat are included in the price?

Question

If not, why would an apartment building brag about such an ammenity, is this more energy efficient? I've lived in a dorm with central heat and some students would open their windows and the thought of such possibilities scares me when it comes to my electric bill. Thanks

Answer 1

No, it just means that it has central heat and air. You'll only be paying the bills for your own unit so if your neighbor leaves his windows open it won't have any affect on your utility bills.

Some older units may still have space heaters and window AC units. Central heat and air is generally considered preferable. It's usually more efficient, it looks better, and is often safer.

Answer 2

Better check with the building manager or rental agent on this one...sometimes all it means is that both heat & cooling are piped in [i.e., no little gas heater, no window a/c] but you'll be getting the bill. Rarely if ever would this be included with the rent. Another good question is to ask what the average monthly power bill runs to...if the apartments aren't well insulated, or if your apt. faces south or west [a/c would have to run more in summer] you'd be paying umpteen more than the folks on the north side of the building. Never hurts to ask!

Answer 3

Central AC means there is a thermostat and a cooling system throughout the apartment rather than a window air conditioner. Of course the landlord would not pay your AC bills.

Answer 4

The idea is that it would be included..but unless you ask.. and you are told that it is.. I wouldn't count on not paying for it..

Some building are regulated as a whole.. the AC runs the entire bulding .. other times.. each unit has thier own..

It's not a rule.. but kinda of a thought.. if the unit has it's own AC Unit.. then it's more then likly going to cost you to run it.. if the AC is run for the entire building.. your probably billed in the assessment fees..

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Not necessarily....they are advertising the fact the there is central air and central heat as opposed to window air conditioners or no air conditioning at all and central heat as opposed to electric baseboard, or other heating sources.

Answer 6

depends on whgat your lease states. our building offers central air and heat. we provide the unit but you pay for your own electrical use. normally most building offer central air (the capability of it) but most tenants are responsible for paying electric.

Answer 7

not all apt.come equip with ac like mine..i had too buy a window ac too keep my apt cool. and if they say heat it should mean the heat is included with the rent.for all apt..should come with heat...

Answer 8

if u don't want central air/heat, look for some other place. most people find it preferable.

Answer 9

no