What Is an Example of a Utility? Know What Counts and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever moved into a new home or filled out a form asking for a utility bill, you’ve probably paused for a second and asked yourself: What is an example of a utility?

It’s a simple question, but it’s one that trips up a lot of people—especially when you’re budgeting, renting, or managing household expenses. Not everything that shows up monthly in your inbox counts as a utility bill. And when it comes to setting up a home, knowing what’s what makes a big difference.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the real-world definition of a utility, offer clear examples, and answer related questions like “Do you pay for utilities in a house?” and “Do houses include utility services?” Let’s get into it.

What Is a Utility, Exactly?

A utility is any essential service that supports the day-to-day function and livability of your home. These services are typically delivered through fixed infrastructure—wires, pipes, cables, or city pickup routes—and billed regularly, usually monthly.

Think of utilities as the background services that keep your life moving. You might not think about them until they’re missing, but once they are, everything else comes to a halt.

What Is an Example of a Utility?

Let’s go straight to the answer.

✅ Examples of common utilities include:

• Electricity – Powers your lights, fridge, appliances, outlets, and air conditioning
• Water and sewer – Provides clean water and handles wastewater
• Natural gas or heating oil – Fuels heat, hot water, stoves, or fireplaces
• Trash and recycling – Picks up household waste and recyclables
• Internet – Provides digital access for work, entertainment, and communication

These are the classic “can’t-live-without” services. If any one of them is missing, your home stops feeling like a functioning space.

What Does Not Count as a Utility?

Just because you get a bill every month doesn’t mean it’s a utility. Here are common charges that don’t count:

• Rent or mortgage payments – These are housing costs, not service costs
• Cell phone bills – Mobile service is personal and not tied to your house
• Streaming subscriptions – Netflix is fun, but not essential
• Cable TV (in some cases) – If it’s bundled with internet, it may partially count
• Home security systems – Important, but not typically classified as utilities
• Groceries, gas for your car, or insurance – All necessary, but separate from utilities

So if you’re ever asked for a utility bill for verification or budgeting purposes, don’t submit your Spotify invoice.

Do You Pay for Utilities in a House?

Yes—you definitely pay for utilities in a house.

Whether you rent or own, utility services don’t come free. Someone has to cover them, and in most cases, that someone is you.

Here’s how it works based on your situation:

🏠 If You Own the House:

You’re responsible for setting up all utilities in your name and paying each provider directly. That includes choosing plans, tracking usage, and handling maintenance (or repair) if something goes wrong.

🏠 If You Rent the House:

Things are a little more flexible. Sometimes the landlord covers one or two utilities—like water or trash—but you’ll usually pay for the rest. Always check your lease to confirm which services are included and which ones you’ll need to manage yourself.

So when you ask “Do you pay for utilities in a house?”, the answer is yes—but how much and how often depends on where you live and what your rental agreement says.

Do Houses Include Utility Services?

Another common question: Do houses include utility?

Not automatically. The house might have utility hookups—like electrical wiring, plumbing, or internet lines—but that doesn’t mean those services are turned on or paid for.

When you move into a house, either as a renter or a buyer, it’s up to you (or your landlord) to:

• Contact each provider to set up service
• Schedule service start dates
• Pay for monthly usage

Even homes with utilities “included in rent” are still getting billed. You’re just paying for them indirectly, bundled into your monthly rent check.\

Types of Utility Bills You Might See

Once services are up and running, here’s what your actual utility bills might look like:

1. Electric Bill

Usually comes from a regional power provider. Includes:

• Service address
• Usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
• Delivery charges and taxes
• Total due

2. Water & Sewer Bill

Usually billed by your city or local water authority. Includes:

• Gallons used
• Sewer/wastewater charges
• Stormwater or environmental fees

3. Gas Bill

Sent by a gas company or heating oil provider. Includes:

• Therms or gallons used
• Service charges
• Seasonal adjustments

4. Trash/Recycling

Sometimes included with water or billed separately. Shows:

• Pickup schedule
• Bin sizes or volume
• Special collection fees

5. Internet

Provided by a broadband company. Shows:

• Plan name and speed
• Router/modem rental
• Data usage (if limited)

Each of these qualifies as a utility bill and can be used for things like address verification, tax deductions (in some cases), or proof of residency.

How Much Should You Budget for Utilities?

Utility costs vary by region, season, and household size. Here’s a ballpark average for single-family homes in the U.S.:

If you’re budgeting, it’s smart to add a little cushion for months when heating or cooling usage spikes.

Why It’s Important to Understand Utilities

Whether you’re signing a lease, applying for assistance, or simply planning your monthly expenses, knowing what counts as a utility helps you:

• ✅ Track essential household costs
• ✅ Prepare for move-in or service setup
• ✅ Avoid billing surprises or missed payments
• ✅ Understand what’s covered in “utilities included” rental listings
• ✅ Submit proper documentation for tax or ID purposes

Real-World Scenarios: What Utilities Look Like

Scenario 1: You’re Renting a House

Your lease says “utilities not included.” You’ll need to:

• Set up accounts for electric, gas, water, trash, and internet
• Pay each bill monthly based on usage
• Coordinate with providers for setup or repair
• Possibly split costs with roommates

Scenario 2: You Just Bought a Home

You’ll need to:

• Transfer or open new utility accounts
• Pay deposits or connection fees
• Track usage and make adjustments (like setting a thermostat)
• Maintain or upgrade infrastructure over time (pipes, HVAC, etc.)

Scenario 3: Your Landlord Covers Some Utilities

Let’s say water and trash are included in your rent. That’s great—but you’ll still need to pay for electricity, internet, and gas. Always check which services are your responsibility.

What Is an Example of a Utility?

Here’s your clear, simple takeaway:

✅ Examples of utilities include:

• Electricity
• Water and sewer
• Natural gas or oil
• Trash/recycling collection
• Internet or broadband (in most homes)

❌ Not utilities:

• Rent or mortgage
• Cell phone plans
• Streaming subscriptions
• Insurance or groceries

And yes, whether you rent or own, you do pay for utilities in a house—unless your lease clearly says otherwise.

Set Up or Switch Utilities with Get Home Utilities

If you’re moving into a new home—or just trying to find a better deal—Get Home Utilities makes the process fast, easy, and stress-free.

✅ Instantly compare electricity, gas, and internet providers
✅ Search by ZIP code
✅ Explore bundle options to save
✅ Get connected before move-in day

Visit Get Home Utilities and take the guesswork out of managing your home’s essential services.