Estimated electricity bills winter (apartment)

bus5ojp · 2025-02-15T19:07:46+01:00

Find estimates on winter electricity bills for apartments in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. Share experiences about heating costs using AC and electric heaters.

bus5ojp Member

Member since 01 January 2023

bus5ojpMember15 February 2025 17:07:46

Hey all,

Been in Bulgaria (Sunny Beach) a few times before, but never in the middle of winter like I am now, and I'm having to use the AC and electric heater a lot in my apartment. It's one of those holiday apartments that's designed primarily for summer not winter so it loses heat quickly and I'm having to have the AC on maybe 8-10 hours per day plus electric heater sometimes to keep the place warm.

I know bills are much cheaper in Bulgaria but I was just looking for an estimate of costs from someone who's done that before themselves before or now, where you're basically having to use a lot of AC each day to keep the place warm in winter. What's the most you'll typically spend a month during these winter months when the AC needs to be on multiple hours a day? Any estimate from past experiences helpful, though I hope this cold snap ends soon. Was hoping it would start warm up mid Feb but maybe it'll be March before it does.

janemulberry ViP

Member since 23 January 2021

janemulberryViP15 February 2025 18:14:00

1765

@bus5ojp

I can't say for sure, and it depends to an extent if your apartment has it's own electricity meter and you pay the electric company directly or if this done via a site manager.

Judging by comments on the most recent聽 cost of living thread on the forum, it seems 125 to 200 leva a month is likely if you pay the bill yourself, but it could be quite a bit more if the property manager handles the bills.

I hope some of the forum members who also use AC for winter heat will give you a better reply!

JimJ ViP

Member since 07 December 2015

JimJViP16 February 2025 03:49:11

1164

It depends on how big the apartment is and where it's located, ie is it exposed on any side or does it have other apartments above and below it, and on both sides. Neighbours are good insulation, and all the more so if their properties are occupied (and hence heated) year round.

Are you saying that your apartment actually isn't insulated? I can't imagine buying one without at least adequate external insulation - and I suspect it'd be hard to find a modern block without any (and probably internal too).

More info needed! 馃檪

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert16 February 2025 14:52:45

2476

@bus5ojp

As others have said, it's a bit variable, mostly depending on your levels of insulation and your electricity cost (e.g. private vs. commercial).

My father is in an old panel block, but the apartment is renovated with internal insulation and new uPVC windows... and we've got neigbours above/below/side (only 2 external walls). This had one AC unit on all winter, and it was kept very warm (24-26 ish) as the old boy feels the cold these days. The apt has a separate electricity meter with the account in my name. The last bill was 130 lv.