The biggest savings happen before you sign the lease, not after. Choosing the right apartment — newer HVAC, double-pane windows, metered billing, north- or east-facing unit — saves $50–$150/month on cooling costs. Austin apartment electric bills range from $80/month in efficient newer builds to $250–$300/month in older units with worn-out A/C systems. Behavioral habits (thermostat management, fans, blackout curtains) save another $15–$40/month on top of that.
Every article about saving money on apartment A/C tells you the same thing. Close your blinds. Set your thermostat to 78. Change your filter. Done.
That advice isn’t wrong. But it’s like telling someone to drive slower to save gas while ignoring that they bought a truck that gets 12 miles per gallon. You can adjust your habits all you want — if your apartment has single-pane windows facing west in a 1990s build with a 10-SEER A/C unit, you’re fighting a losing battle.
I’ve toured 500+ Austin apartments, and the A/C situation varies wildly from one property to the next. I’ve walked through brand-new units where the A/C barely kicks on in July, and I’ve walked through places where the system runs nonstop and still can’t get below 78. Same neighborhood. Same rent. Completely different electric bills.
This guide covers both sides — the apartment-selection strategies that save $50–$150/month and the behavioral habits that save another $15–$40/month once you’re moved in. If you haven’t signed a lease yet, the first half of this article is where the real money is. If you’re already locked in, skip to the tips that work from inside your current unit.
What Your Electric Bill Actually Looks Like in Austin, Texas
Most of the “save money on A/C” advice floating around is written for a national audience. That’s useless in Austin, where the heat isn’t a two-month inconvenience — it’s a five-month reality. Your A/C runs hard from May through September, and June through August it’s working overtime.
Austin Energy is a municipal utility, which means you don’t get to shop for electricity providers like people in Houston or Dallas do. You’re on Austin Energy’s tiered rate structure, and that matters. The more electricity you use, the higher your per-kilowatt-hour rate climbs. A typical Austin residential customer uses about 860 kWh per month on average — but in July and August, apartments with older A/C systems can blow past 1,200 kWh easily. That bumps you into higher-cost tiers where every additional kilowatt-hour costs more.
Here’s what actual apartment electric bills look like in Austin, based on what I hear from clients and what leasing offices report:
| Season | Efficient 1BR (Newer Build) | Average 1BR | Inefficient 1BR (Older Build) | Average 2BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | $60–$80 | $80–$110 | $100–$140 | $110–$150 |
| Spring/Fall (Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov) | $70–$100 | $100–$140 | $130–$170 | $130–$180 |
| Summer (May–Sep) | $90–$130 | $150–$220 | $200–$300+ | $180–$280 |
Electric bill ranges based on Austin Energy residential rates (effective November 2025) and client-reported data as of early 2026.
That spread between an efficient 1BR and an inefficient one? That’s $100–$170/month in summer. Over five months of Austin heat, you’re looking at $500–$850 in extra electricity costs just because of the building you chose.
And electric isn’t your only utility. Most Austin apartments tack on mandatory monthly fees — valet trash ($25–$45), pest control ($5–$15), and water/sewer ($40–$70 through RUBS or flat-fee billing). Your “electric bill” is just one piece of a total utility burden that runs $150–$300/month depending on the property.
The Apartment Itself Is the Biggest Variable
This is what every other guide on this topic gets wrong. They assume you’re already living in your apartment and jump straight to thermostat tips. But the apartment you choose determines 60–70% of your cooling costs before you ever touch the thermostat.
I think about this in terms of property class — a framework I use to help clients understand what they’re actually getting at different price points.
Class A properties (built 2018 or later) have modern HVAC systems rated at 16+ SEER, double-pane low-E windows, current building code insulation, and LED lighting as standard. These buildings were designed when energy efficiency was a selling point, not an afterthought. Your A/C doesn’t have to fight the building to keep you cool. If you want to see what newer Class A buildings look like in Austin, I put together a guide to 69 new apartment complexes with modern amenities and energy-efficient features.
Class B properties (built 2005–2017) have decent but aging systems. SEER ratings typically fall in the 13–15 range. Insulation meets the code standards from when they were built, which were lower than today’s requirements. Windows might be double-pane but aren’t low-E coated. The A/C works, but it works harder than it should.
Class C properties (built before 2005) are where electric bills get ugly. Many still have single-pane windows. Insulation has settled or degraded over 20+ years. A/C units may be on their second or third replacement, and not always with high-efficiency models. I’ve seen Class C units where the A/C runs continuously from noon to midnight in August and the apartment still hits 80 degrees.
| Property Class | Typical Build Year | HVAC SEER Rating | Window Type | Estimated Summer Electric (1BR) | Estimated Summer Electric (2BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 2018+ | 16–20+ SEER | Double-pane, low-E | $90–$130/month | $120–$170/month |
| Class B | 2005–2017 | 13–15 SEER | Double-pane | $140–$200/month | $170–$240/month |
| Class C | Pre-2005 | 10–13 SEER | Often single-pane | $200–$300+/month | $240–$330+/month |
Estimated ranges based on Austin market conditions as of 2026. SEER ratings reflect installed equipment typical of each building era.
But building age isn’t the only factor. Unit-level variables matter just as much.
West-facing units get hammered. Austin’s afternoon sun is brutal from 2–7 PM, and if your living room windows face west, your A/C is fighting direct solar heat gain during the hottest part of the day. North- and east-facing units stay meaningfully cooler. I’ve seen identical floor plans in the same building where the west-facing unit runs $30–$50/month higher on electric.
Top-floor units absorb roof heat. The unit directly below the roof gets radiant heat from above all day. Middle-floor units are insulated by neighbors on both sides — above and below. Ground-floor units stay coolest but come with other tradeoffs (less privacy, potential for pest issues).
Floor-to-ceiling windows look great on Instagram. They also let in massive heat gain. A unit with standard windows and a solid wall on the sun-facing side will outperform a unit with a glass wall every time from a cooling cost perspective.
Here’s where the net effective rent math gets interesting. Say you’re comparing two apartments:
- Apartment A: $1,400/month rent, Class C build from 2001, west-facing, RUBS utility billing. Summer electric: ~$250. Add mandatory fees ($80/month). True monthly cost: $1,730.
- Apartment B: $1,500/month rent, Class A build from 2022, north-facing, individually metered. Summer electric: ~$110. Add mandatory fees ($65/month). True monthly cost: $1,675.
The “more expensive” apartment saves you $55/month — $660/year. The cheaper rent was never cheaper.
Want Help Finding an Apartment That Won’t Destroy Your Electric Bill? Let’s get a few details about your upcoming move so we can match you with energy-efficient communities that fit your budget. [GET YOUR FREE APARTMENT LIST →]
What to Ask Before You Sign the Lease
If you’re still apartment hunting, these questions will save you more money than any thermostat adjustment ever will. Ask them at every tour. Leasing agents won’t volunteer this information, but they’ll answer if you ask directly.
“How old is the A/C unit, and what’s the SEER rating?”
Most leasing agents won’t know the SEER rating off the top of their head, but maintenance will. A SEER rating of 15 is the current federal minimum for new installations in the South as of 2023. Anything below 15 means the unit was installed before current efficiency standards. Anything above 16 is genuinely efficient. If the unit is over 10 years old, ask whether it’s been serviced recently — older units lose efficiency even if they still “work.”
“How are utilities billed — RUBS, flat fee, or individually metered?”
This question alone can save or cost you hundreds per year. Here’s why:
| Billing Type | How It Works | Your Control Over Cost | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individually Metered | You pay exactly what you use, billed by Austin Energy directly | Full control — your conservation pays off dollar for dollar | Rewarding conservation-minded renters |
| Flat Fee | Fixed monthly amount regardless of usage | Zero control — you pay the same whether you blast A/C or not | Benefiting heavy A/C users (ironically) |
| RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing) | Total building usage split by unit square footage | Partial — your savings get diluted across all units | Being common but frustrating for conservers |
RUBS is the one that catches people off guard. You could be the most energy-conscious person in the building, but if your neighbors run their A/C at 68 all day with windows open, your bill goes up too. About 40–50% of Austin apartments use RUBS for water/sewer billing, and some use it for electricity too. Ask specifically.
“Can you share average utility bills for this unit?”
Texas law doesn’t require landlords to disclose this, but many properties track it and will share if asked. If they won’t give you specifics, that’s a yellow flag. Ask current residents in the parking lot or check apartment review sites — people love complaining about high electric bills.
“What kind of windows does the unit have?”
Double-pane windows are standard in anything built after 2005 or so. Single-pane windows in an Austin apartment are a dealbreaker for cooling costs. You can feel the difference standing next to the window on a hot day — single-pane glass radiates heat into the room.
“Are smart thermostats allowed, or are they already installed?”
Some properties install Nest or Ecobee thermostats as an amenity. Others allow you to install your own (you just swap the old one back when you move out). A few older properties with proprietary HVAC systems won’t allow any thermostat changes. Ask before you buy one.
“What floor and orientation is the available unit?”
Don’t just ask what’s available — ask for options. If they have the same floor plan on the second floor facing north AND on the fourth floor facing west, take the second-floor unit. The rent might be identical but your electric bill won’t be.
I covered what to look for on apartment tours in my guide based on 500+ Austin apartment visits — and A/C quality is one of the first things I check. If you want help narrowing down apartments with lower utility profiles, give me a call at 512-320-4599 — I know which buildings have modern HVAC and which ones don’t.
How to Lower Your A/C Bill After You’ve Moved In
Already signed the lease? Here’s what actually works from inside your current apartment. I’m giving you specific dollar savings for each strategy based on Austin electricity costs, not vague “you might save some money” advice.
Thermostat Strategy
The Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees. In Austin in August, 78 feels warm. But here’s the math that matters: the Department of Energy estimates roughly 1–3% savings per degree you raise your thermostat above 72. If your summer electric bill is $200/month, bumping from 72 to 78 saves $12–$36/month.
The real savings come from what you do when you leave. Set it to 82–85 degrees when you’re at work. Your A/C barely runs. Then set it to cool down 30 minutes before you get home. A programmable or smart thermostat automates this — and that automation is worth 10–15% savings on cooling costs, which translates to $15–$30/month in a typical Austin summer.
One thing I tell clients: don’t set it to 68 when you get home from work because it’s hot. Your A/C doesn’t cool faster at lower settings. It just runs longer trying to hit an unnecessarily cold target, and you blow past Austin Energy’s tier thresholds in the process.
Use Your Ceiling Fans (the Right Way)
Most Austin apartments have ceiling fans. A lot of renters never turn them on. That’s a mistake. A ceiling fan costs about $0.01 per hour to run. Central A/C costs roughly $0.36 per hour. Running a ceiling fan lets you raise your thermostat by about 4 degrees without any comfort loss — because the wind-chill effect makes the room feel cooler on your skin even though the air temperature is higher.
Two rules: Make sure the fan spins counterclockwise in summer (pushes air down). And turn fans off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms. A fan running in an empty room is just wasting electricity.
Estimated savings: $5–$15/month in summer.
Block the Sun Before It Heats Your Apartment
This one is simple and it works. Blackout curtains or thermal-lined curtains on your west- and south-facing windows reduce heat gain significantly. The Department of Energy reports that highly reflective blinds cut heat gain by around 45%, and awnings on west-facing windows can reduce it by up to 77%.
Close them by noon and keep them closed until sunset during summer months. In Austin, the worst solar heat gain happens between 2–6 PM. If you’re at work during those hours, close the curtains before you leave in the morning. A $30–$60 set of blackout curtains from Target or Amazon pays for itself in the first month.
If you want to go further, removable window film (the static-cling kind, not adhesive) adds another layer of heat rejection without violating your lease. It peels off clean when you move out.
Estimated savings: $10–$25/month in summer.
Stop Heating Your Apartment From the Inside
Your oven radiates heat into your kitchen for hours after you use it. Running it at 400 degrees for an hour during an Austin summer afternoon forces your A/C to work overtime compensating for the extra heat load.
Alternatives that don’t heat your apartment: microwave, air fryer, Instant Pot, outdoor grill. Same food, fraction of the heat output. Save oven-heavy cooking for evenings after 8 PM when temperatures drop. Same goes for your clothes dryer — it pumps hot, humid air. Run it at night or use a drying rack.
Your dishwasher generates heat too. Run it after 9 PM with the heated dry cycle turned off. Let dishes air dry.
Estimated savings: $5–$10/month in summer.
Filters and Maintenance Requests
A dirty A/C filter is the most common reason apartment A/C systems underperform. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forces the system to work harder, and can increase energy consumption by 5–15% according to DOE estimates. Most apartment A/C filters should be changed every 30–60 days during heavy-use months.
Here’s what renters get confused about: whose job is this? At most Austin apartments, you can request filter changes through your maintenance portal. Some properties provide filters and expect you to swap them yourself. Others handle it entirely. Ask your leasing office which model applies to your unit.
If your A/C is running constantly but barely cooling the apartment, submit a maintenance request immediately. Don’t wait. A refrigerant leak, a failing compressor, or a frozen evaporator coil won’t fix itself — and every day you wait is a day you’re paying premium electricity for an A/C unit that isn’t actually cooling your space. You’re entitled to a functional A/C system. Use your maintenance portal.
Estimated savings: $5–$10/month (filter changes); potentially $50+/month (if a real maintenance issue gets fixed).
Seal What You Can — Renter-Friendly Only
Air leaks around doors and windows can account for 25–30% of cooling costs according to the Department of Energy. That’s significant. But as a renter, you can’t rip out windows or re-caulk the building envelope.
What you can do: draft stoppers under exterior doors ($8–$12, removable), foam weatherstrip tape around window frames ($5–$10 per window, peels off clean), and outlet insulation gaskets on exterior walls ($3 for a pack of 12). These are all renter-friendly, removable, and they make a noticeable difference — especially in older buildings where gaps have widened over time.
If you notice significant drafts around windows or doors, report it to maintenance. Sealing issues are the property’s responsibility to fix, not yours. Document it in writing through your maintenance portal so there’s a record.
Estimated savings: $5–$10/month.
Here’s a summary of what each strategy is worth:
| Strategy | Effort | Upfront Cost | Estimated Monthly Savings (Summer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart thermostat + scheduling | Medium | $0–$50 | $15–$30 |
| Ceiling fan use | Low | $0 (most apartments have them) | $5–$15 |
| Blackout curtains (west/south windows) | Low | $30–$60 | $10–$25 |
| Reduce oven/dryer during day | Low | $0 | $5–$10 |
| Filter changes every 30–60 days | Low | $5–$10 per filter | $5–$10 |
| Seal gaps (draft stoppers, weatherstrip) | Low | $15–$30 | $5–$10 |
| Total if you do everything | $50–$150 one-time | $45–$100/month |
That’s real money. $45–$100/month over a five-month Austin summer is $225–$500 in annual savings — from behavioral changes alone.
The Moves Most People Miss
The tips above are solid. But there are a few things I see experienced Austin renters figure out that most guides never mention.
Austin Energy’s Tiered Pricing Punishes High Usage
Austin Energy uses a four-tier rate structure. The more electricity you consume in a billing cycle, the higher your per-kWh rate for the additional usage. The first 300 kWh is the cheapest tier. Once you blow past that, each additional tier costs more per kilowatt-hour.
What this means practically: the difference between using 800 kWh and 1,200 kWh isn’t just 400 kWh of extra cost — it’s 400 kWh at a higher rate. Keeping your total usage below the upper tier thresholds saves you disproportionately more than the raw kWh numbers suggest. Every strategy in this article is partly about staying in a lower billing tier.
Austin Energy also offers energy efficiency rebates and tools that can help offset equipment costs if your property allows upgrades.
RUBS Billing Means Your Conservation Gets Diluted
I mentioned RUBS earlier, but it deserves a second look here because a lot of renters don’t realize the implication. If your apartment uses RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) for electricity, your bill is calculated by dividing total building electricity usage across all units based on square footage.
You could run your A/C at 80, use fans, blackout every window — and your bill still reflects your neighbor running their unit at 68 with the patio door cracked open. Your personal conservation effort gets averaged out across the building.
This is why I push clients to ask about billing models before signing. Individually metered apartments reward your efficiency. RUBS apartments punish it.
The “Break Your Lease” Math
Here’s something nobody else will tell you. If your electric bill is consistently $250+/month in a 1BR and you’ve done everything in this article, the apartment itself is the problem. At some point, the question isn’t “how do I save $20/month on A/C?” — it’s “does it make financial sense to move?” I’ve helped renters avoid costly apartment hunting mistakes by running the numbers before they commit.
Quick math: say you’re paying $200/month in electricity and you could be paying $110/month in a newer building. That’s $90/month, or $1,080/year. If your early termination fee is $1,500–$2,000, and you have 8+ months left on your lease, the move might pay for itself — especially if the new apartment also has lower rent or better concessions.
I’m not saying break your lease over a high electric bill. But I am saying run the numbers. Sometimes the financially smart move is to absorb the penalty and get into a building that doesn’t cost you $3,000/year in excess electricity.
If your electric bill is consistently over $200/month in a 1BR and you’ve done everything right, the apartment might be the problem. Call me at 512-320-4599 and let’s look at whether moving actually saves you money over 12 months.
The Honest Truth About Your Situation
If you’re already in a newer build — 2018 or later — with a modern HVAC system, metered utilities, and decent insulation, you don’t need a locator to solve this problem. Just use the behavioral tips above. You’ll keep your summer bills in the $90–$130 range for a 1BR and there’s not much more to optimize.
Where I help is when people haven’t signed yet and want to avoid picking the apartment that becomes a $250/month electric bill surprise. Or when they’re stuck in a building that’s costing them way more than it should and need to figure out the smartest exit strategy. That’s the stuff I do every day.
Saving Money on A/C in an Austin Apartment: FAQ
What is the average electric bill for an apartment in Austin?
For a 1-bedroom apartment, expect $80–$130/month in winter and spring, $150–$220/month in summer. A 2-bedroom runs $110–$280/month depending on season. These numbers swing dramatically based on building age, A/C efficiency, window type, and unit orientation. Apartments in buildings from 2018 or newer consistently run $50–$100/month less than units in pre-2005 buildings during summer months. Austin Energy’s tiered rate structure means high-usage months cost more per kilowatt-hour, not just more total. For a full breakdown of how your bill is calculated, Austin Energy’s utility bill explainer walks through each charge. And for a deeper look at what you’ll actually pay beyond rent, check out my guide to hidden costs of renting in Austin.
How much does air conditioning cost per month in Austin?
A/C accounts for roughly 60–70% of your summer electric bill in Austin. On a $200/month summer electric bill, about $120–$140 of that is cooling costs. In an efficient newer unit, A/C might only cost $55–$85/month. In an older unit with a low-SEER system and single-pane windows, A/C costs can exceed $180/month. The difference is the building, not your habits.
What temperature should I set my apartment A/C to in Austin?
78 degrees is the standard recommendation, and it’s a solid baseline for Austin. Every degree above 72 saves about 1–3% on cooling costs. But 78 feels warm to a lot of people, especially in a poorly insulated unit where the walls and windows radiate heat. If 78 isn’t comfortable, try 76 with a ceiling fan running — the wind-chill effect makes 76 feel like 72. When you’re away from home, set it to 82–85. When you’re sleeping, 77–80 with a fan works for most people.
Do newer apartments have lower electric bills?
Yes — and it’s not close. Apartments built after 2018 typically have HVAC systems rated at 16+ SEER, double-pane low-E windows, and insulation that meets current energy codes. All of that translates to lower cooling demand and lower electric bills. I regularly see $60–$100/month differences in summer electric costs between a 2022 build and a 1998 build at similar rent prices. Building age is the single strongest predictor of your electric bill.
What’s the best apartment floor for lower A/C costs?
Middle floors. Top-floor units absorb radiant heat from the roof all day, which forces your A/C to work harder — especially in August when Austin rooftops can exceed 150 degrees surface temperature. Ground-floor units stay cooler but can have humidity issues depending on the building. Middle floors get insulated by the units above and below them, which means less heat transfer in both directions. If a middle floor isn’t available, ground floor beats top floor for cooling costs.
Does apartment orientation affect my electric bill?
Significantly. West-facing units take direct afternoon sun from roughly 2–7 PM — the hottest part of an Austin summer day. That solar heat gain forces your A/C to compensate, and I’ve seen $30–$50/month differences between west-facing and north-facing units in the same building on the same floor plan. North-facing is ideal for cooling costs. East-facing gets morning sun, which is less intense. South-facing gets steady sun all day but at a less direct angle than west. If you have a choice, avoid top-floor west-facing units — that’s the worst combination for summer electric bills.
Should I get a smart thermostat for my apartment?
If your apartment allows it, yes. Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically — cooling down before you arrive and raising the temperature when you leave. That automation saves 10–15% on cooling costs without you thinking about it. On a $200/month summer bill, that’s $20–$30/month. At $25–$50 for a basic smart thermostat, it pays for itself in the first month. Just check with your leasing office first — some older HVAC systems aren’t compatible, and a few properties don’t allow thermostat changes.
What is RUBS billing and how does it affect my utility costs?
RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System. Instead of metering each apartment individually, the property takes total building utility usage and divides it among units based on square footage (and sometimes occupant count). The problem: your bill reflects building-wide behavior, not yours. If you conserve energy but your neighbors don’t, your bill still goes up. RUBS is common for water/sewer billing in Austin apartments, and some properties use it for electricity too. If you’re choosing between two similar apartments and one has individual meters while the other uses RUBS, pick the metered unit every time.
Can my landlord increase utility fees during my lease?
Flat-fee utility charges and RUBS calculations can fluctuate month to month based on actual building usage — so yes, your utility portion can change even mid-lease. What can’t change mid-lease is your base rent amount. Mandatory fees like valet trash and pest control are typically locked in at the rate stated in your lease, but some leases include escalation clauses that allow small increases with notice. Read the utility addendum in your lease carefully before signing. If it says “estimated” anywhere near a dollar amount, that amount can change.
Is it worth breaking my lease if my electric bills are too high?
It depends on the math, not the frustration. If you’re paying $250/month in electricity in a 1BR and you could be paying $110/month in a newer building, that’s $140/month in savings — $1,680 per year. If your early termination fee is $1,500–$2,000, the move pays for itself in under 14 months. Factor in moving costs ($300–$800) and any rent difference at the new place. If the total first-year savings exceed the total cost to break and move, it makes financial sense. If you’re not sure, I can help you run the numbers — finding apartments is a free service, and I can compare your current total cost against what’s available in the market right now.
Your A/C Bill Doesn’t Have to Be a Surprise
The biggest money-saving move you can make on apartment air conditioning in Austin isn’t a thermostat adjustment or a pack of weatherstrip tape. It’s choosing the right apartment in the first place — a building with modern HVAC, decent insulation, metered utilities, and a unit that doesn’t face west on the top floor.
If you’ve already signed, the behavioral strategies in this article are worth $45–$100/month during Austin’s five-month summer. That’s $225–$500 a year in real savings. Not bad for changing some filters and closing some curtains.
But if you’re still looking — or if you’re realizing your current apartment is the expensive kind — the apartment itself is the variable worth focusing on. You now know more about how building quality affects your electric bill than most leasing agents do. Use that.
Finding the right apartment is a free service — I get paid by the property, not by you. If you want help matching with apartments that have modern HVAC, efficient builds, and billing models that reward conservation, call 512-320-4599 or fill out the form below. I’ll show you what’s actually available and what it’ll actually cost you.
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Screening criteria and rental pricing change frequently. The figures provided are based on Austin Energy rate schedules, client-reported data, and market conditions as of early 2026 and are subject to change. Austin Apartment Locators complies with all Fair Housing laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Ross Quade | TX Real Estate License #679806 | Brokered by Spirit Real Estate Group, LLC | Broker License #562021
