Last week, we shared tips on saving money on your electric bill. Today, we’re sharing ideas for saving on your gas bill. If you rely on gas to heat your home or business, the expense can be significant. In winter, you’re heating the premises; in summer, you’re cooling them off. Not to mention a year-round need for hot water. But there are some ways to reduce your costs. Here are nine ideas to help you save money on your future gas bills.
- Install a programmable (Smart) thermostat: Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to automatically set the temperature higher during hot months when you are away from home and then set it lower when you are home. Why cool down your house when nobody is home? The same applies in winter. If you’re going to be away from home for a long period, adjusting your thermostat to allow your home to get colder can save energy and money.
- Turn down the water heater: You can lower the temperature on your water heater to 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is still hot enough to shower or wash dishes. However, be cautious, experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria.
- Check for leaks: A leaky gas line can be a significant source of wasted energy and, thus, wasted money, as well as a serious health and safety risk. Inspect your gas lines for any potential leaks, if you find any, contact a licensed plumber or your gas company immediately.
- Insulate your home: Properly insulating your home can reduce the energy used to heat or cool it. When you’re trying to save money, adding insulation may seem like a considerable expense, but investing in insulation can save you money on your gas bill in the long run.
- Close your curtains: Curtains and blinds can help keep the warm summer heat from entering your rooms and keep your home cooler overall. And in the winter, curtains can help shut out drafts.
- Update gas appliances: When it’s time to replace your old gas water heater, look for one with the ENERGY STAR label. They use about 10 percent less energy than typical gas water heaters, saving you money. ENERGY STAR products have helped families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs since 1992. Don’t buy a water heater bigger than you need. You save money from day one by not paying for more capacity than you require.
- Check for blocked vents: Ensure your home’s furniture and appliances aren’t blocking vents or restricting airflow. Your natural gas system may be working overtime because of a blockage. Free-flowing heat also helps you feel warmer and can help prevent you from turning up the heat higher than you need. Try turning on your ceiling fan if you have one; it can push warm air down from the ceiling to help you stay warm.
- Take care of your furnace: And it will take care of you. Have your furnace cleaned and checked out annually to ensure it’s running at its best. Be sure to clean and replace the furnace’s air filter regularly. A dirty or clogged filter will use more energy and heat more slowly.
- Monitor your usage: Monitoring your gas usage is critical to understanding how to save money on your gas bill. Tracking your usage can help you identify areas where you are using more energy than necessary and help you make changes to reduce your energy consumption.
By implementing these nine simple tips, you can save money on your gas bill and make your energy usage more efficient. Of course, if you need funds to get energy savings or other projects started, your Credit Union has exceptional loan rates and terms on fixed rate home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC). Give us a call at 800.877.2345 or go online to start your application now
