That “Cheap” Old Apartment Might Be Costing You More Than You Think

If you’ve ever toured an older Dallas apartment that like a great deal, only to get hit with a $250 electric bill, you already know this story. Here’s the truth: when it comes to apartments, doesn’t just mean shinier countertops. It often means real savings, cleaner air, and fewer headaches.

The Energy Star Difference

Apartments built after 2009 are required to be LEED or Energy Star certified and meet modern efficiency standards that older properties just can’t touch. These buildings have:

• High-efficiency HVAC systems that use way less power

• Better insulation and windows that keep your unit cool without blasting the A/C

• Smart thermostats, LED lighting, and energy-saving appliances

That all adds up to serious monthly savings:

Bedroom	Old Property Electric Bill	New Property Electric Bill	Monthly Savings
1 Bed	$150	$50	$100 saved
2 Bed	$240	$80	$160 saved
3 Bed	$300	$100	$200 saved

Even if the rent is $100 higher, your total monthly cost stays about the same but your experience improves dramatically.

Real-Life Cost Breakdown

Old Property:

• Rent: $1,150

• Electric: $150

• Other Utilities: $160

→ Total: $1,460

New Property (Energy Star):

• Rent: $1,250

• Electric: $50

• Other Utilities: $160

→ Total: $1,460

Same monthly total. Very different lifestyle.

Quality of Life: It’s Not Just About Bills

When you go newer, you’re also getting:

• Modern finishes

- granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, hardwood floors

• Better air quality

- smoking in-unit has been banned in most buildings for 15 years

• Fewer maintenance issues

- less wear and tear, newer plumbing, no “mystery smells”

• Top-tier amenities

- pools, fitness centers, co-working lounges, and pet-wash stations

Basically, the energy savings are just the cherry on top of a better living experience.

Why 2009 Matters

That’s the year new federal energy codes really started raising the bar for building efficiency. So apartments built after 2009 were designed to meet higher standards for HVAC performance, insulation, and overall energy usage. Anything older? You’re probably cooling (and paying for) the Texas heat outside your walls.

The Bottom Line

Renting a newer, Energy Star apartment isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about spending smarter

You’ll likely:

• Pay the same overall each month

• Use less electricity

• Enjoy a cleaner, quieter, more modern home

If you’re comparing two properties side-by-side and the newer one costs a little more on paper, don’t skip it. Run the math, it might just be your best deal yet.

Need help finding energy-efficient apartments in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Dwellinc’s locators can match you with new, Energy Star-certified communities that fit your lifestyle

your budget.