One of the most commonly used energy sources in the United States is natural gas, thanks to its effectiveness and dependability. But did you know that you consume up to seven times as much gas in the winter as you do in the summer? This will significantly raise your annual gas costs.
Many Americans have larger natural gas bills than they would like, both in the winter and throughout the year, as a result of several factors. Luckily, lowering gas prices doesn’t have to be expensive and difficult.
If you’re wondering how to use less natural gas at home and would like to save money on your gas bill, this post can lend a hand. Continue reading to see how you can lower your energy expenditures, including getting a smart thermometer and looking for cheaper natural gas rates near you.
1) Explore Alternative Gas Suppliers
There’s a significant likelihood that you’re overpaying for your gas bill if you’ve been on the same gas plan for a long period. Your home and heating system may not be the main cause of your high heating expenses, but rather the pricing policies of your energy provider.
Natural gas in parts of the US is deregulated. For example, Georgia natural gas is deregulated, and you have to pick a supplier. Look for different gas companies and compare their rates. Choose the most financially sound option that meets your gas needs.
2) Get A Smart Thermostat
Using your thermostat to its full potential is one of the best methods to lower your gas costs. To achieve this, you must heat your home while your home, keep it cool while you’re gone, and, if you want to go the extra mile, heat only certain areas when they’re occupied while maintaining a cold temperature in other rooms.
Purchasing a smart thermostat is the most effective course of action. Wi-Fi-connected smart thermostats can be operated from a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. This entails that you can change the temperature of your home whether you’re there or not, giving you a great degree of flexibility that manual thermostats can’t possibly offer. The optimum thermostat settings for the winter to reduce your gas costs are as follows:
- When At Home: Aim for a winter set point of 68 degrees, although 72 degrees is a decent place to start.
- When Away from Home: Heating a vacant property is pointless. When you leave the house, you can lower it to between 55 and 60 degrees.
- When Sleeping: Set the thermostat to 65 degrees when everyone is tucked under the blankets. According to studies, this temperature is ideal for sleeping.
3) Shut Off All Outlets
Insufficient insulation may allow the heated air produced by your natural gas heating system to escape through gaps in the walls, through open doors and windows, and even through the attic and garage. Insulating your home can reduce such expenses. Your outlets are also one of several clever locations in your house where air from the outside can sneak inside.
Your heating and cooling system might be stressed by even a little stream of outside air since it’ll acquire or lose heat unintentionally, increasing your energy expenses. On a chilly day, go around to all of your outlets and place your hand in front of them. If air is coming through the outlet, the temperature outside isn’t being effectively blocked by it. Fortunately, you can immediately rectify this with some plastic outlet covers.
4) Make Use of a Portable Heater
It can be worthwhile to think about getting a portable electric heater if you live alone or are frequently the only one in the house. This is a terrific money-saving technique because you can significantly reduce your gas costs by only heating the room, you’re in, as opposed to using central heating to heat your entire home.
5) Optimize The Use of Household Appliances
You can save money by being more mindful of the hours you operate some essential household gadgets. Running significant electricity and water guzzlers like your dishwasher at night will save you a ton of money over time if rates are higher during peak hours. Another thing to think about if your gas bills are unexpectedly high is that your water heater may be set too high. Consider adjusting it to a much lower setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of reasons why your gas bill may be on the high side. Using some of the information and tips offered, you can reduce your natural gas bill, save money, and take steps toward a more energy-efficient future.
