Common expenses are one of a household’s most stable costs, but they are not fixed. With a few organised changes, many buildings noticeably reduce their monthly bill. Here are ten practical ideas, from the easiest to those that need a general assembly decision.
1. LED lighting in common areas
Replacing old bulbs in the stairwell, entrance and pilotis with LEDs is one of the cheapest changes, with an immediate effect on the common electricity bill.
2. Motion sensors and timers
Lights that switch on only when there is movement, and pilotis or outdoor lighting on a timer or light sensor, prevent waste when nobody needs them.
3. Boiler servicing and tuning
A boiler that is cleaned and properly tuned before each winter burns less fuel for the same heat. Ask the technician to measure and record combustion efficiency.
4. Autonomous heating
When each apartment pays for its own consumption, everyone becomes more careful. Installing autonomous heating has an upfront cost, but it often reduces the building’s total consumption. See the methods in our guide to heating cost allocation.
5. Group heating-oil orders
A larger order, or coordinating with neighbouring buildings, can secure a better price per litre. Always compare at least two suppliers and record the tank level before and after delivery.
6. Compare energy suppliers
The common electricity bill is a contract like any other. Check periodically whether a better tariff exists for the building’s consumption profile.
7. Renegotiate contracts
Cleaning, lift maintenance, boiler servicing: ask for new quotes every few years. Even if you stay with the same provider, comparing helps you negotiate.
8. Check for water leaks
A shared meter that keeps running while all taps are closed signals a leak. Check the meter one evening when there is no consumption and fix whatever you find straight away.
9. Energy upgrades
Roof insulation, insulating pipes in the boiler room or upgrading the heating system cost more but bring lasting benefits. When subsidy programmes are active, it is worth checking whether the building qualifies. For such expenses, a reserve fund makes all the difference.
10. Digital management
Printing and distributing statements, calculation errors and the manager’s time all cost money. With electronic statements every resident sees immediately what they pay, and transparency helps spot excessive expenses quickly. See what you gain with online common expenses management.
Where to start
Start with the low-cost changes (1, 2, 6, 8) that need no big decisions, and bring the larger ones (4, 9) to the next general assembly, with quotes and an estimate of the savings.