Utilities (gas, water, electricity, refuse) in Taipei

Electricity is the most expensive utility. Expect a huge difference between summer and winter electricity bills if air-conditioning is used instead of fans.

 

All homes have gas for cooking purposes and water is also heated by a gas powered geyser. Be aware that hot water temperature can be adjusted on the geyser. If you suddenly do not have any hot water be sure to check the batteries in the geyser before calling your landlord. Geysers batteries are disposable and easily purchased at any convenience store.

 

Refuse is required by law to be separated according to different recyclable materials e.g. plastic, glass, paper, cans. Some apartment blocks have a communal refuse area where refuse can be left at any time and is collected by refuse trucks. However, if you do not have such an area, residents are required to personally take out refuse when the trucks come around and throw rubbish bags into the truck themselves. Trucks service different neighbourhoods on specific days and times and - amusingly -  play Beethoven to alert people of their approach.

 

Utility bills do not come every month but every two to three months depending on the utility company. They can be paid at any 7/11 convenience store, which are open 24 hours.