800sf brick ranch home in Chicago -- heating costs? (to rent, houses)

[summer22]

Hi,

I'm looking into renting a 800sf brick ranch in Chicago (800sf upstairs and 800sf in the basement... not sure if the basement will have full-time heat.) It's a 1940s/50s yellow brick ranch, the typical kind you see on the southwest side with the concrete steps and the big picture window in the living room.

Is there anyone who lives in one of these and could tell me what to expect for heating costs? I haven't lived in Chicago for a while so I am out of touch with utility prices... I like to keep it warm in winter (72-74 degrees)... thanks!

[tonythetuna]

There are many variables like how good the windows are and if the heat is air forced or radiator. If you have trouble paying high heating bills in the cool and cold months, you might want to get on a budget plan.

I am not sure how anyone on here can give you an accurate estimate, but maybe someone could.

[tcubed]

Originally Posted by summer22

I'm looking into renting a 800sf brick ranch in Chicago (800sf upstairs and 800sf in the basement... not sure if the basement will have full-time heat.) It's a 1940s/50s yellow brick ranch, the typical kind you see on the southwest side with the concrete steps and the big picture window in the living room.

Is there anyone who lives in one of these and could tell me what to expect for heating costs? I haven't lived in Chicago for a while so I am out of touch with utility prices... I like to keep it warm in winter (72-74 degrees)... thanks!

These are classic, solid, buildings. I live in a comparable, North Side ranch. It is bigger, about 1200sf, and expanded on (800sf is really tiny for a house; verify that figure.). Anyway, I have a new, high efficiency gas forced air furnace, and I keep temps set at 68 or so. I pay $200 per month in the winter, and $50 or so in nonwinter months. Figure $100 per month.

Best to just ask to see a few gas bills before you sign the dotted line.
HTH

[MannheimMadman]

Weird, I thought I responded in this thread.

Anyhow, there are indeed some houses this small. My fiancee lives in a prewar brick house that is about 900 sq ft.

The wildcard is how new the windows, furnace, etc.. are. Luckily for her, her house was rehabbed with new andersen windows, new furnace and some other stuff. They have an electronic thermostat, so from 7:30 to 6:30, it's set to 60. However, at night and when they are home, it is set to 70. This has allowed them to cut their winter bill significantly. I think she pays an average of 85 bucks a month.

[Drover]

Hard to generalize without knowing the state of the place such as age of windows, amount of insulation in walls, amount of insulation (if any) between the basement and first floor, whether basement will also be heated, etc. Could be anywhere from $75 to $200+ per month in winter.

[summer22]

Originally Posted by tcubed

These are classic, solid, buildings. I live in a comparable, North Side ranch. It is bigger, about 1200sf, and expanded on (800sf is really tiny for a house; verify that figure.). Anyway, I have a new, high efficiency gas forced air furnace, and I keep temps set at 68 or so. I pay $200 per month in the winter, and $50 or so in nonwinter months. Figure $100 per month.

Best to just ask to see a few gas bills before you sign the dotted line.
HTH

Thanks. That's exactly the info I was looking for!

The costs aren't unreasonable either... that's reassuring.