does 3rd floor get a lot more bills for A/C? (apartment complex, renters)

[mightymatty]

Hi, guys.

I'm moving to Arizona next month and I already found a descent apartment to rent, which is 3rd floor. I didn't really care a thing because that was the only unit I could rent at that time, but now there has been more options such as 2nd floor and 1st floor.

I would avoid both 1st and 2nd floor units since I am VERY sensitive to noise of footsteps. But I was told usually 3rd floor units in Arizona get much more bills for A/C than 1st or 2nd floor units since the sun hits 3rd floor first.

I have never lived in a hot area before, so I can't really imagine if that's true to even consider. If it does get much hotter, how much usually did you or do you pay for A/C?

Thanks, guys.

[elcajones]

My 2 bedroom 2 bath on the 2nd floor (top floor in my building) averages between $200-$300 in the hot months and I keep it comfortable (68-70) when I'm home. I also get sun exposure on 3 sides since I only share 1 common wall. November, December and January this year have all been under $100. This Feb bill is over $100 but, I don't remember running a/c as much this time last year. This is a 1985 building with dual pane windows. I'd bet you'd save by living below someone. It's added insulation for sure.

[adriver]

Its not just that you get the sun first, cause its still cool, but depending on the location you may get the sun for a little longer late in the afternoon when its hottest. However, that only lasts 5-15 minutes at the most. What will matter more is who lives below you. Heat rises, If the people below you keep it hot, or keep it hotter during the day, your place will get hotter. That will matter more than a few extra minutes of sun.

My electric bills during the winter are $40-$50 a month.. For a few months In the summer time, (June, July, & August) when its 90 degrees from 8 am ill 9 pm, and over 100 degrees from 10 am till 7pm.. your bill will probably be closer to $150-$200 a month if you keep your ac at a moderate level 72-75.. If you like it cold your ac will be on almost constantly in an apt, and if you like it below 70 you will be over $200 a month.

[hikernut]

There are plenty of considerations beyond which floor you are on. How good are the windows/insulation/weatherstripping? How new is the a/c unit and how well is it maintained?

If possible, ask some people living in the building what they are paying.

[adriver]

Originally Posted by hikernut

There are plenty of considerations beyond which floor you are on. How good are the windows/insulation/weatherstripping? How new is the a/c unit and how well is it maintained?

If possible, ask some people living in the building what they are paying.

Why? Those are going to be the same no matter what floor you live on. They all ready know where they want to live, just not what floor they want to live on.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by adriver

Why? Those are going to be the same no matter what floor you live on. They all ready know where they want to live, just not what floor they want to live on.

Not necessarily - I've seen some pretty jacked-up a/c units at apartment complexes. It's not unusual at all to see brand new units & units old enough to vote hanging on the same apartment roof.

[ajonesaz]

IT depends on the roof and insulation they are using. Most summer heat actually comes from the attic and not the windows.

[hikernut]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

Not necessarily - I've seen some pretty jacked-up a/c units at apartment complexes. It's not unusual at all to see brand new units & units old enough to vote hanging on the same apartment roof.

Certainly true. A friend of mine constantly complained about his summer electric bill. The apartment management of course would not replace the unit as long as it was running. Once it failed and they installed a new system for him the bills dropped dramatically.

With this in mind, it would be useful to know the historical electric bills of a particular unit, but I doubt one can get that information.

[RubyJune]

Originally Posted by mightymatty

Hi, guys.

I'm moving to Arizona next month and I already found a descent apartment to rent, which is 3rd floor. I didn't really care a thing because that was the only unit I could rent at that time, but now there has been more options such as 2nd floor and 1st floor.

I would avoid both 1st and 2nd floor units since I am VERY sensitive to noise of footsteps. But I was told usually 3rd floor units in Arizona get much more bills for A/C than 1st or 2nd floor units since the sun hits 3rd floor first.

I have never lived in a hot area before, so I can't really imagine if that's true to even consider. If it does get much hotter, how much usually did you or do you pay for A/C?

Thanks, guys.

I don't know if I'm paying more than my downstairs neighbour, but my highest bill was $200 during the hottest month. This was keeping it at 80 during the peak time (using ceiling fans of course), 75 from 7pm until bedtime, and 70-ish while sleeping. This was for a top floor 1100 sq ft apartment with only one common wall.

I can tell you right now though, if you're "VERY sensitive to the noise of footsteps", then you had better make that your priority because higher bills will be worth it to you. I spend a lot of time in the renting forum and I see people whine every day about "loud walkers". So, either accept the noise, pay more, or get a house, because renters do not like to be told they have to tiptoe because of someone who can't stand any kind of noise at all, but still rents apartments. Not at all trying to be rude, just being honest.

[adriver]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

IT depends on the roof and insulation they are using. Most summer heat actually comes from the attic and not the windows.

were talking about an apartment complex in this thread.