What Can I Do to Save on My Gas Utility Bill?

Natural gas is reliable, convenient, and efficient, making it a popular choice among households. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 48% of homes use natural gas as their main source of heating.

On average, households spend $100.53 per month on gas costs. This number is even higher in some states such as Georgia and Hawaii. If you’d like to save money on your next gas utility bill, we’ll discuss how you can decrease your gas consumption at home.

#1 Invest in Insulation

Trap warm air indoors with proper insulation. Simple steps such as sealing your windows with caulk and keeping your curtains closed during the day can help trap warm air inside your home. You could even consider installing an attic stair insulator to prevent warm air from escaping through the attic. As a result, you won’t have to use your heater on full blast, significantly reducing your energy consumption.

#2 Turn Off the Heat When Not in Use

The easiest way to lower your gas utility bill is by shutting off the heat. While it’s nice to come home to a cozy house, it’s not always ideal. If you are not at home for most of the day, or if you’re going on vacation, turn off the heat while you’re away (but don’t forget to make sure it won’t get cold enough for there to be further problems, like your pipes busting). Additionally, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. You can program it to adjust the heat according to a predetermined schedule. This way, you won’t forget to turn down the heat when no one is at home.

#3 Replace Old Windows

Drafty windows are useful during warm seasons, but they aren’t practical when it’s freezing outside. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafty windows are the culprit for 10% to 25% of your heating bills. Not only do they contribute to your gas utility bill, but they also force your heater to work twice as hard, leading to an overworked and inefficient heating system. If you live in the colder regions, consider replacing your windows with double-pane ones.

#4 Lower the Thermostat

Gas bills skyrocket during the winter. A useful tip to keep in mind is to lower the thermostat by a few degrees. This helps you save up to 10% on your gas bill. If you find that lowering the heat makes your home feel too cold and uncomfortable, you can reduce the temperature during the day or when household members aren’t around.

#5 Properly Maintain Your Heating Systems

Your heating systems should be included in your home maintenance checklist. A natural gas heater will become less efficient over the years, but regular maintenance should keep it running for as long as possible. Remember to schedule furnace inspections with your local HVAC technician at least once a year. Annual maintenance includes an examination of the furnace’s components, helping identify minor issues before they can turn into costly problems.

Conclusion

Need more specific advice? To save the most money on your gas utility bill, we recommend arranging for an energy audit with a professional technician. An energy audit will help you determine the specific ways in which you can reduce your home’s gas consumption.

Call your local HVAC technician today to learn more about energy audits and how you can save money on your gas bills.