Are electricity and air conditioning charged separately?

Are electricity and air conditioning charged separately?

No, electricity and air conditioning are not charged separately. At 3D ACADEMY, air conditioning is considered part of your overall electricity usage, and all electricity consumption—including air conditioner use—is calculated as one combined charge. This amount is then deducted from your initial dormitory deposit at the end of your stay.

Understanding how electricity usage works in our dormitories can help you avoid surprises and manage your energy consumption wisely.

How does electricity billing work at 3D ACADEMY?

All students staying in on-campus dormitories are required to pay a refundable deposit at the beginning of their stay. This deposit is used to cover any variable costs, such as:

• Electricity usage

• Damage to dormitory items (if any)

• Lost room keys or other school property

Electricity consumption is metered individually for each room. At the end of your stay, we check your room’s electricity usage and deduct the cost from your deposit. Any unused balance will be refunded.

❄️ Is air conditioning usage charged as a separate fee?

No. Air conditioning is not charged as a separate item. It is powered by electricity, and therefore any usage contributes to your total electricity charge.

So, the more you use the air conditioner, the more electricity your room consumes, and the higher your final bill may be.

This system gives you flexibility and control. You can use the air conditioner as needed, but we encourage students to be mindful of energy consumption.

How much is the electricity deposit?

The electricity (and damage) deposit is based on the length of your stay, regardless of your room type. This deposit is collected at the time of check-in and will be used to cover your electricity usage, any damages, or loss of property during your stay. The remaining balance is refunded upon check-out.

This deposit is standard and applies to all students staying in on-campus dormitories.

At the end of your stay, your total electricity usage will be calculated and deducted from this deposit. If there are no damages or excessive consumption, the unused portion will be refunded to you in cash.

How do I know how much electricity I used?

Each dormitory room has an electricity meter, and the school staff will record the meter reading when you check in and again when you check out.

The amount of electricity consumed during your stay is calculated in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and billed according to local utility rates.

You can ask the office to check your room’s usage during your stay if you are concerned about the balance or want to monitor your consumption.

Tips for saving electricity

Electricity in the Philippines can be relatively expensive, especially with air conditioner usage. Here are a few easy ways to save on your final bill:

• Turn off the air conditioner when you leave the room.

• Use the fan instead of the AC when temperatures are cooler.

• Keep doors and windows closed when using the air conditioner.

• Unplug chargers and devices when not in use.

• Turn off lights during the day or when not needed.

These simple steps can reduce your electricity cost and leave more of your deposit refundable.

What about hotel dormitories?

If you are staying in one of our off-campus hotel dormitories (MIT, Prestigio, or YELLO), electricity charges are usually included in the accommodation fee.

There are no separate electricity bills or metering in most hotel rooms. However, excessive or abnormal use (e.g., running the AC 24/7 with windows open) may result in warnings or fees depending on hotel policy.

Please consult the front desk or school office for exact rules if you’re staying in a hotel dorm.

What happens at check-out?

When you check out of your dormitory:

1. Staff checks the electricity meter.

2. Your total consumption (kWh) is calculated.

3. The cost is deducted from your deposit.

4. Any remaining balance is refunded to you.

5. If your usage exceeds the deposit, you must pay the extra amount before leaving.

This process usually takes 10–15 minutes. We recommend checking your balance a few days before check-out to avoid delays.

How much does electricity typically cost?

Electricity costs depend on usage habits, but here’s a rough idea:

• Low usage (fan only, minimal AC): ~300–500 PHP per month

• Moderate usage (AC at night only): ~800–1,200 PHP per month

• High usage (AC all day + other devices): ~1,500+ PHP per month

If you’re sharing a room, the cost is divided evenly among roommates. So a 2-person room using 2,000 PHP in electricity would result in a 1,000 PHP charge per student.

What if I think my electricity charge is incorrect?

If you feel the amount charged is unusually high, you may:

• Request to review the meter reading

• Compare with previous student usage for that room

• Ask the office for clarification on local rates

We aim to be transparent and fair. Mistakes are rare but can be corrected if reported early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I request a room with cheaper electricity bills?
A: Room electricity usage depends mostly on how often you use the air conditioner, not the room itself. However, rooms with better insulation or shade may naturally stay cooler.

Q: Is electricity free for short-term students (1–2 weeks)?
A: No, even short-term stays are subject to electricity deduction from the deposit.

Q: Can I avoid electricity charges altogether?
A: Only if your usage is very low—e.g., no AC, minimal electronics—you might use less than your deposit and get a full refund. But most students use at least some electricity.

Q: What if my roommate uses the AC all the time but I don’t?
A: Electricity is shared per room, so we encourage roommates to discuss usage habits early on. Communication is key to fair sharing.

Final Thoughts

At 3D ACADEMY, we believe in fair, transparent, and flexible electricity billing. By including air conditioning in the total electricity charge, we allow students to choose their comfort level while being mindful of cost and energy use.

As long as you:

• Monitor your usage

• Use the air conditioner wisely

• Turn off devices when not needed

—you’ll likely stay well within your deposit and receive a refund at check-out.

Our staff is always happy to explain your charges, offer tips, or help you track your meter during your stay. If you have any questions, just ask. Your comfort and peace of mind are important to us.