The reliability, efficiency, and comfort of natural gas make it one of the most popular energy sources in the US. In fact, a report shows that almost 50% of American households use natural gas as their main heating source. That percentage is even higher in colder areas with up to 60% of homes using natural gas to keep them warm.
That said, no one enjoys receiving their gas bills, particularly when it’s a lot higher than you expected. With natural gas bills getting more expensive and winter right around the corner, homeowners are now looking at how to cut their natural gas consumption and save some money.
This article shares a few tips and ways to lower your gas bills today!
Table of Contents
Do An Energy Audit
Reducing your natural gas bill can feel like an uphill battle if you don’t know what’s causing the hike. Is it your HVAC system or water heater? Do you have a draft? Is it time for re-insulation? Thus, the first step is to do an energy audit to identify possible issues in your home.
You can hire a professional to do this for you. Your energy provider may also offer this for a discount or free. If you want to save money, you can go the DIY route and follow this energy saver guide from the US Department of Energy.
Shop Around
Changing your gas supplier may seem like a hassle, but it may help you save significant money in the long run. This is particularly true if your current provider has inflated prices compared to others in the market.
Consumers in some parts of the US can take advantage of natural gas deregulation to shop for their gas suppliers. For example, consumers in Georgia shop for natural gas supply, since they can’t get it from the utility. It’s important to compare natural gas rates in Georgia to make sure you’re getting the best price.
A simple Google search can provide a list of the best providers in your area. You can also use online web tools that allow you to find and compare the best gas pricing plans in your area.
Get A Smart Thermostat
Optimizing your thermostat use can help in lowering your gas bill. This means heating your home when you’re using it and keeping it cool when you’re not at home. To further reduce your gas bills, you can only heat specific rooms that are in use.
That said, it can be a laborious task. The best way to do this is to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust your home’s temperatures based on your settings, allowing for better flexibility and efficiency.
Most smart thermostats also have a multi-zone functionality that allows you to control the temperature in specific rooms. Choosing the more advanced ones also allows tracking and creating a personalized schedule of heating and cooling use.
Keep Up With Regular System Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your existing home systems can help save on natural gas bills. Water heaters, HVAC systems, furnaces, and other appliances tend to become less energy-efficient over time.
Without proper regular maintenance, these home systems accumulate dirt and become worn out that adding strain on their system and reducing their efficiency. As these systems work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, their financial operation costs also increase.
By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can keep your appliances working at maximum capacity and efficiency. In addition, during maintenance service, a professional can check and catch any potential issues before it gets worse, saving you from costly repair and early replacement.
Do Something About The Cold
It can be quite difficult to save on your gas bill during the winter. That said, maybe it’s just a chilly afternoon and not that freezing cold. If that’s the case, you don’t have to pump up your heating system, and consequently pump up your gas bill, too.
There are ways to stay warm without pumping your heating system. For instance, you can try wearing more layers and putting on socks. You can also add an extra blanket. Make yourself a warm cup of coffee or chocolate milk. Not only will this help you feel cozier and more relaxed, but it also prevents you from seeing extra dollars on your next gas bill.
If you need to turn the heating on, consider heating key areas of your home instead of heating your whole house. This can cut the amount of energy needed to keep you and your family comfortable during winter.
Takeaway
Natural gas prices are already at record levels and are only expected to rise further in the coming months. With big chunks of your household budget spent on these bills, it only makes sense to look for ways to help cut the amount of gas you use. So, make sure to follow the above tips to help reduce your natural gas consumption and gain more savings per month.
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