Are Heat and Electricity the Same Bill?
Clarify your home's energy statements. Understand the factors that determine whether heat and electricity bills are combined or separate.
It is common to wonder if your home’s heat and electricity appear on the same monthly bill. Understanding the distinct sources of energy for heating and general electricity consumption helps clarify how these services are billed.
Different Sources of Home Heating
Heat in a home can originate from several energy sources, not solely electricity. Natural gas is the most common heating fuel in the United States, used by nearly half of households, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast regions. These homes typically use natural gas furnaces, which deliver heat through a forced-air system or a boiler. The cost of natural gas is often lower than electricity for heating purposes, making it a popular choice where available.
Other prevalent heating fuels include electricity, propane, and heating oil. Electricity heats approximately 38% of U.S. households, especially in southern regions with milder winters, often utilizing heat pumps. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, providing both heating and cooling efficiently. Propane and heating oil, while less common nationally, are significant heating sources in specific areas, such as parts of the Northeast for heating oil.
Understanding Your Utility Bills
Electricity is typically billed by an electric utility company, covering usage for lights, appliances, and any electric heating systems. An electric bill itemizes charges based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed, often including a supply charge for electricity generation and a delivery charge for its transmission. If a home uses electric heating, such as a furnace or heat pump, that energy consumption is integrated into the overall electric bill.
When a home uses natural gas for heating, this service is generally billed separately by a gas company. Gas bills typically measure consumption in units like therms or cubic feet, reflecting the amount of gas used. Similarly, homes heated by fuel oil or propane receive separate bills from their respective delivery companies. These bills detail the gallons delivered and the price per gallon, which can fluctuate with market conditions. Some providers offer budget billing plans for heating oil and propane, allowing customers to spread estimated annual costs into consistent monthly payments. Therefore, while some homes with electric-only heating might receive one comprehensive bill, many households receive multiple statements for their distinct energy services.