We have a 4-unit building that has separate gas meters but only one furnace. Three units have small bills as their only measured usage is for hot water and cooking. The fourth unit has a super HIGH bill as it includes heat for the entire building.
We’re trying to figure out how to cover the costs of the new and improved gas prices we’ve been told to expect. The obvious answer to me is to average the costs for each unit then add that to the rent… Concerned about that because of possible softness in the rental market (holiday season).
We are trying to figure out a way to have each unit pay their own way… what am I missing???
Based on the info that you posted…It would appear that the most logical way to do this is to “split it” evenly among the apartments.
You should be able to obtain an average for the hotwater and cooking usage (based off of the 3 units). subtract that from apartment 4 then divide the balance over the 4 units.
If it’s old (more than 10 years) you will be amazed at what the newer high efficient models can do for your gas bill. In some cases an efficient furnace can pay for itself over just a couple years, expecially with the rising costs of fossil fuels.
Thanks for the replys. We just replaced the old furnace with a brand new energy efficient one. So hopefully I’m frettin’ over nothing. We’ll find out in a month or so…
Splitting the bill does seem to be the best solution for passing on the costs.
I would determine what percentage of the whole that each apartment takes up (unless they are all EXACTLY the same size) and just multiply that percentage times the number that you got from Mark’s suggestion (“You should be able to obtain an average for the hotwater and cooking usage (based off of the 3 units). subtract that from apartment 4 then divide the balance over the 4 units.”)…that will give everyone an equal split.