10 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Gas Bill and Save Money

Seeing your gas bill spike during the winter can be disheartening, especially if money is tight. But with some smart strategies and simple adjustments, you can significantly cut your natural gas usage and costs. Follow these 10 tips to reduce your gas bill so you stay warm without breaking the bank.

1. Lower the Thermostat

Turning down your thermostat just a couple degrees can make a big impact on gas consumption. Set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and 60-65°F at night (or when away). For each degree lowered, you can save up to 3% on gas heating costs. Install a programmable thermostat to automate temperature changes.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Heat escapes and cold air enters through cracks and gaps around windows, doors, pipes, vents, and outlets. Seal these leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, insulation, and spray foam to prevent drafts. Tackle the worst offenders like drafty windows and doors first.

3. Upgrade Your Furnace

An older furnace can waste a lot of fuel. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR model. Also replace filters monthly and get annual tune-ups to keep your furnace running efficiently.

4. Insulate Properly

Ensure insulation levels meet recommendations for your home. Add extra insulation to exterior walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces, and basements to retain more heat. Seal insulation with caulk or expanding foam.

5. Utilize the Sun

Open curtains and blinds during the day so sunlight can naturally heat your home. Close them at night for an extra layer of insulation. Plant trees and shrubs to block cold winter winds.

6. Limit Fireplace Use

Burning wood may seem cozy but fireplaces suck warm air out of the home. Limit use and close the flue when not lit. Consider installing an insert or gas logs for better efficiency.

7. Adjust Water Heater

Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120°F. For every 10°F reduction, you can save 3-5% on water heating. Insulate pipes and tank. Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.

8. Cook Efficiently

Use stove burners that fit your pots and pans. Keep oven doors closed as much as possible. Microwave or use a slow cooker instead of the oven when you can. Defrost frozen foods first before cooking.

9. Monitor Usage

Review gas bills monthly to identify usage spikes. Install a smart thermostat to track usage trends. Check for high usage that indicates leaks or other issues.

10. Change Providers

Compare rates annually and switch gas suppliers if better deals available. But avoid variable rate plans that can increase costs over time. Consider fixed rate or green providers.

Additional Ways to Reduce Gas Usage

Beyond the basics above, you can take a few additional steps to cut gas usage:

• Install a smart or programmable thermostat to optimize temperature settings.
• Purchase a portable space heater to warm just the rooms you use rather than the whole house.
• Replace old windows with energy efficient models to prevent drafts.
• Add weatherstripping to exterior doors and storm doors for extra insulation.
• Consider plastic window film or thermal curtains to retain heat.
• Upgrade to a tankless water heater that only heats water on demand.
• Change traditional thermostats to motion-sensing units that reduce temperature when you leave a room.
• Insulate exposed hot water pipes to reduce heat loss before reaching faucets.
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air back down toward the living space.
• When away for extended periods, turn thermostat down further but leave set above freezing.

Be Proactive

Don’t wait for your gas bill to soar before taking action. Implement gas savings tips before winter sets in and monitor bills monthly to catch excessive use early. Take advantage of rebates and incentives from gas providers to make efficiency upgrades more affordable. With some strategic adjustments, you can stay cozy warm while keeping gas costs under control.