How to Lower Your Heating and Electric Bills in a Columbus Apartment
With cooler weather settling in, the question on many renters' minds is what winter will cost. The answer depends heavily on how your home is heated, which is why it's worth understanding both the forecast and the small habits that move your bill.
What the Federal Forecast Says
The U.S. Energy Information Administration's Winter Fuels Outlook, published in early October 2026, projects that Midwest households heating primarily with natural gas could spend roughly 10% less this winter than last, while households heating primarily with electricity could spend roughly 3% more. These are regional averages for the November-through-March season, so your own bill will differ based on your unit, your habits, and the weather.
Why Your Apartment's Setup Matters
Whether gas or electric is part of your rent changes your costs more than almost anything else. Water/trash and gas are included in rent in select units at Kingshill Court Apartments, which means heating costs in those homes are folded into your rent rather than arriving as a separate bill. Ask the leasing team which available homes include which utilities, and compare total monthly cost, not just base rent.
Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Use
• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when you're home — around 68°F is a common recommendation — and lower it while you sleep or are away.
• Open curtains on sunny days to let in free warmth, and close them at night to hold heat in.
• Seal drafts around windows and doors with weatherstripping or a door draft stopper, if your lease allows it.
• Swap incandescent bulbs for LEDs, which use far less electricity for the same light.
• Unplug chargers and electronics you don't use, or put them on a power strip you can switch off.
• Run the dishwasher and laundry with full loads, and wash clothes in cold water when you can.
• Use area rugs on hard floors and layer blankets before reaching for the thermostat.
Use Maintenance to Your Advantage
Small issues can quietly raise bills. A leaky faucet, a door that doesn't seal, or a dirty air filter all make your home work harder. Report problems through the resident portal rather than waiting. Kingshill Court offers online service requests and 24/7 emergency maintenance, so help is available when something goes wrong, including heating issues in the middle of the night.
Budget Ahead for Winter
• Ask your utility provider about budget billing, which spreads costs evenly across the year.
• Look back at last winter's bills, if you have them, and set aside a small cushion for the coldest months.
• Check whether your utility offers energy-efficiency programs or free home assessments.
Kingshill Court's rents range from $905 to $1,575 a month, with a one bedroom apartment and 1, 2, and 3 bedroom townhouses, every home with central air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and storage. Contact us to find a floor plan, and ask what's included, that fits your winter budget.
Come See Kingshill Court for Yourself
Kingshill Court Apartments is located in the Woodward Park neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, close to I-71 and I-270 and right on the COTA bus line. Our friendly, professional on-site team is ready to help you find the floor plan that fits your budget and your life.
• Call or text us: 614-885-7444
• Email leasing: leasing@kingshillcourtapts.com
• Visit us online: kingshillcourtapts.com
Pay rent and submit maintenance requests online, any time — leasing at Kingshill Court is built to be easy from application to move-in.
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