Many people overlook utility costs when choosing a home, focusing only on rent or mortgage. Today, I will summarize the reality of electricity and heating costs in the Chino area.

Electricity is supplied by Southern California Edison (SCE). The customer service number is 1-800-655-4555. Just a note! SCE's electricity rates vary by tier based on usage.

The structure applies a lower rate for basic usage and a higher rate for excess usage. In hot inland areas like Chino, electricity costs can rise significantly during the summer due to heavy air conditioning use. It's not uncommon for summer electricity bills for single-family homes to exceed $200 to $400 per month.

Gas is supplied by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). The customer number is 1-800-427-2200.

Chino has mild winters, so heating costs are lower compared to Korea or the East Coast. If the heating system is central heating, winter gas bills typically range from $50 to $150 per month. There is a significant difference in rates between well-insulated new homes and older homes.

From a financial health perspective, when calculating the total annual utility costs, it turns out to be a surprisingly large item. Especially considering summer electricity costs, budgeting around $100 to $250 per month is realistic.

Some people are considering installing solar panels, and in sunny California, there are long-term cost-saving benefits. In conclusion, choosing a new home or one with a high energy efficiency rating is advantageous for saving on utility bills in the long run.