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Ways to Lower Your Natural Gas Bill
Save Energy, Stay Comfortable
The less energy you use, the less you spend on bills—it’s that simple. But using less energy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Here are some ways to save energy and lower your natural gas bill.
How To Reduce Natural Gas Usage
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees.
For every degree you lower your thermostat below 70, you’ll save between 1% and 3% on your heating costs. Just a 2-degree decrease, from 70 to 68 degrees, could cut as much as 6% on your heating costs.
With that said, don’t turn the heat off while you’re away. It takes more energy to bring your home back to a comfortable temperature, and your pipes could burst if the temperature drops below freezing. Instead, simply lower your thermostat down a few degrees.
Bonus tip: Making smart choices at the thermostat can help you save on your cooling bills, too. When it's hot outside, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or warmer with the fan switched to auto. For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or warmer when you're away. You can also invest in a smart thermostat to help you save on your heating and cooling bills.
Wash full loads on eco-friendly settings.
Running laundry loads on a cold or warm water setting will help you save on hot water usage. And in the kitchen, use the "energy saver" switch on your dishwasher and set it on the low temperature setting when feasible.
By making sure you only run full loads, you’ll cut unnecessary usage —and you’ll see savings on your water and electric bills!
Wear the right clothes.
This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to lower your gas bills during the winter. As we mentioned above—and in agreement with most energy efficiency websites—we recommend a maximum heating temperature setting of less than 70 degrees. If this feels a little chilly, wearing a light jacket, sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt or sweater can help keep you warm and cut natural gas usage.
Bonus tip: Seasonally appropriate clothes can help you save in warm months, too. Avoid cranking the AC (and running up your energy bill) by wearing lightweight summer clothes.
Open blinds and drapes during the day and close them at night.
During the day, let the sun shine in through your windows for added warmth. At night, make sure all windows are covered to prevent drafts and loss of heat through the glass.
Be mindful of wood-burning fireplaces.
It may be warm right by the crackling flames, but all the heat being exhausted up through the fireplace pulls cold air into the house elsewhere. Be sure to use a glass front for your fireplace and remember to keep the flue closed when the fireplace isn’t in use — you’ll want to seal it up to keep your warm air from escaping, even if it’s been closed with a damper. You can temporarily seal your chimney or flue off with an inflatable chimney balloon or a chimney flue plug (foam insert or inflatable). This helps keep most of the heated air in your home from escaping up the chimney once the flames have gone out.
If your chimney has a damper to help seal in the warmth, be sure it’s sealing correctly. If not, you can use weather stripping or foam insulation to close any gaps. If you’re certain you’ll never use your fireplace again, you can have your chimney/flue sealed up permanently at the top with a chimney cap or masonry seal. Then seal the fireplace itself off by covering it with drywall or bricks and mortar.
Take advantage of a warm oven.
If you’re already cooking or baking for a large group, prep meals for the rest of the week by cooking multiple items at once — helpful during the holiday season! Whether you have a natural gas oven or electric, you’ll save money on your bill — and have a well-stocked fridge to boot.
While you cook, be sure to keep the oven door closed tightly. As tempting as it can be to take a peek in there, the temperature inside can drop by as much as 25 degrees each time you open your oven. Also, try ceramic and glass cookware. They retain heat better than metal and let you cook at lower temperatures and for shorter times.
Bonus tip: When you’re done cooking, you can make that oven heat go even further by leaving the oven door ajar and letting the heat vent into your kitchen.
One-time Upgrades Around the Home
Beyond seasonal tips and daily habits, investing in strategic home upgrades is an excellent way to maximize your energy efficiency while minimizing costs.
Seal ducts and plug door and window leaks.
In the U.S., air leakage can account for up to 40% of the energy used to heat (and cool) the average home. Sealing any leaks you might have means you’ll save money, increase comfort levels for you and your family and reduce issues related to cold-weather condensation that can damage your home—when warm air escapes and mixes with cool air inside your walls and attic. In most cases, the cost to seal those leaks is relatively inexpensive compared to what you might lose otherwise.
Common problem areas where heat can escape include windows, doors, attic hatches, edges around dryer vents, HVAC send and return vents, recessed lighting, fixtures, light switches and outlets. Leaks are sometimes obvious—perhaps you feel a draft near a window or notice one room is drastically cooler than another. Others, streaming warm air into your walls and attic, might not be so apparent. Fortunately, there are DIY methods to find leaks—some as easy as lighting a stick of incense and watching the trail of smoke as it drifts near or away from a suspected problem area.
If possible, try to check the ductwork in your attic, crawlspace or basement while the heat is running to see if there are any signs of leaks. Duct joints, where two ducts meet, are common areas where leaks occur. Leaks in doors and windows could be responsible for wasting 10% of your energy costs—if you find a leak, duct tape is a good solution in a pinch, but it’s a good idea to have a technician come out to perform a more permanent fix. Electrical outlets in exterior walls are also another common cause of heat loss in your home, as are the gaps around water pipes where they pass through walls. Make sure you inspect these areas of your home and seal up any cracks to further reduce natural gas usage.
Once you know where the problems are, it’s often relatively easy to resolve the issues. Any home supply store will have the necessary caulks, foams, weatherstripping, gaskets and door sweeps you might need to help seal air leaks in your home.
Install a low-flow showerhead.
Traditional showerheads deliver between 5-8 gallons of water per minute (GPM). The current standard for low flow showerheads is 2.5 GPM at the same water pressure, so an investment of as little as $5 can cut the cost of a hot shower by 50%.
Bonus tip: Look for leaks in showers and faucets—a single faucet that drips just once every second wastes 8.6 gallons per day—almost 260 gallons per month!
Increase ceiling insulation.
Looking for a quick 5-25% reduction in heating loss? You can find it right above your head. If your ceiling isn’t properly insulated, it’s letting warm air out and raising your heating costs as your thermostat works constantly to keep the temperature up. For best results, consider increasing your insulation to R-38.
Properly insulating your garage.
Depending on the season, temperatures from your attached garage can transfer into other parts of your home. Adding or upgrading your garage insulation could help you save 10-20% on your next energy bill.
Add layers to wood floors.
Uninsulated wood floors can account for up to 10% of a home’s heat loss. Carpets and rugs keep rooms warmer. Adding carpets and rugs can keep rooms warmer and protect your feet.
Switch to a programmable or smart thermostat.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set multiple time frames and temperatures to fit your lifestyle. We recommend smart thermostats, as they can save you 10 to 12 percent in heating costs—and up to 15 percent on cooling costs. That can add up to big savings at the end of the year.
Programming your thermostat enables you to lower the temperature when you’re at work or asleep to conserve energy and raise the temperature before you return home to maximize comfort.
Increase energy efficiency automatically.
Some thermostats—like the Nest Learning Thermostat, are considered learning thermostats, meaning they can sense even the smallest change in temperature and adjust accordingly. So, whether your oven is pushing extra heat into the room or the outdoor temperature unexpectedly dropped 10 degrees, your home temperature will automatically stay right where you want it.
Additionally, some thermostats come with a built-in occupancy sensor. After a week or so of manual adjustments, the system will begin to recognize your presence and adjust on its own. A smart thermostat will correct your home to the right temperature before you even realize the change.
Track your cost savings.
Some thermometers offer easy-to-read tracking system with insights to help you save even more on your heating costs. You can learn how your spending compares to other users and even be rewarded for using energy-efficient settings.)
How to Save on Your Natural Gas and Energy Bill During Fall & Winter
Let’s face it. Most of us log even more hours as homebodies when temperatures drop. Sure, there’s more time to fix squeaky doors and remove dust from bookshelves, but we’re all consuming more energy in the process, which means less money in our pockets. So, with that in mind, here are some ways to save on your energy and natural gas bill during fall and winter:
Flip your fan switch.
If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, you’ll want to flip that when you turn your heat on, making your fan’s blades spin clockwise. This causes the fan to produce an updraft, forcing the hot air that rises to your ceiling down and into the rest of the room.
Direct the heat to the rooms you use the most.
Closing the doors and vents to unused rooms will help focus the home heating efforts to the important portions.
Move furniture away from vents.
Take a quick look around the house and double check that none of the vents are blocked. If they are, find a way to move your furniture, at least for the winter. This will make sure every room is reaching its maximum warming potential.
Adjust refrigerator settings.
When temperatures drop, your fridge doesn’t need to work as hard to safely keep food cool. For the most in energy savings, adjust your refrigerator’s temperature between 37°F and 40°F, and set your freezer to 0°F.
Pre-heat your bed.
Using an electric blanket to warm your bed before you go to sleep—versus heating the whole house to your desired temperature—is a great way to reduce heating expenses. Once you’re in bed, turn the blanket off to save even more while you’re sound asleep.
Use a Humidifier.
You can trick your body by increasing the humidity in your home when it’s cold out—humid air feels warmer than dry air. Using a humidifier in areas of your home you spend lots of time in can make them feel cozier, allowing you to drop your thermostat by a few degrees and save on energy
Maintain your heating system.
Keep the filter clean and hire a licensed contractor to inspect your unit on a regular basis. Filters needs to be changed at least every three months. If not, dust and debris can build up and cause problems. If your unit has been in use for 15 years or longer, consider getting an upgrade for improved efficiency.
Our partner and expert heating specialist Coolray advises that you schedule an appointment with a service professional as soon as you notice your heat pump acting peculiarly. If, for example, your thermostat is set to 72 degrees but your home won’t rise above 55 degrees, consider calling in a pro. Coolray is always our top choice, and that’s why we’ve partnered with them to help you save. You’ll get exclusive discounts on heating repair, maintenance and more as a Gas South customer. Learn more about your Coolray savings with Gas South.
Adjust your water heater.
It’s tempting to turn the temperature on your water heater up in the winter, but we suggest turning it down a little—even a degree or two can make a difference in the amount of energy it’s using to heat water. If yours is set at the 140-degree mark the factory sent it out at when it was new, try bumping it down to 120 degrees—most water heaters have a dial that can easily be 8 turned up or down. This can typically mean a cost savings of between 6% and 10%, and 120 degrees still feels warm.
Additionally, if your tank runs on electricity, consider insulating it to help preserve the warmth it produces. Extra insulation does little for gas-heated tanks, but it can cut heat loss by up to 45% in some cases for electrically heated models. This can save you big on your energy consumption—up to 16%, according to experts.
Several manufacturers sell pre-cut water heater jackets or blankets, which can be purchased for as little as $20 at your local home supply store. Just be sure to check with your local utility and municipal codes department. Some have special regulations for insulating water heater tanks.
Keeping Your Gas Bill Low During the Holidays
Whether you’re hosting for Turkey Day or gearing up for Santa's arrival, there’s plenty of ways you can reduce your energy usage during the winter holidays.
Turn your thermostat down.
With all that cooking and the extra people in your home, you’re likely to have more heat building up. Lower your thermostat a few degrees and you’ll cut down on energy use—and stay more comfortable.
Cook smarter.
As we already mentioned, baking several dishes at once is a great way to make the most of the energy you’re using and reduce your energy costs year-round. But there are more ways to save energy while you prep your holiday feasts. Plan ahead and defrost your turkey in the fridge, versus a microwave that will use much more energy. This can take a few days, depending on the size of your turkey—about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds—but it will also help with even thawing to maintain the texture and moisture of your bird. 9 Instead of cooking your turkey in the oven, try throwing it on the grill or in a smoker. It will give your holiday bird a nice smokey taste while lowering your energy use indoors.
Use energy-efficient appliances.
Whenever possible, opt for using your microwave or kettle to heat things up, versus stovetop burners that can use more energy. Slow cookers, too, are a great way to cut down on costs when preparing side dishes or a main course, as they’re more efficient than your oven.
Unplug electronics when not in use.
TVs, DVD players, computers, printers, radios and many other electronics use energy even when they aren’t turned on. The same can be said for appliances like coffee makers and mixers once you’re in the kitchen. Take the time to disconnect these phantom energy users, especially when going away for the holidays.
Switch to green holiday lighting.
If you’re already planning to set up holiday lighting, consider using LEDs over more traditional incandescent bulbs. And put them on timers. LEDs are much more efficient and tend to last longer and having them on a timer will prevent you from forgetting to turn them off when you don’t need them. LED Christmas lights use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights and you can purchase them for about $10 a strand.
Energy Saving Tips During the Summer
As the seasons change, so do energy needs— here are some helpful tips to stay efficient and save on your energy bill during the summer months.
Use energy-saving window treatments.
Treating your windows in one of several different ways listed below is a great way to help keep out the heat and save on your summer cooling expenses.
Using Reflective and Tinted Films.
You can find home window film for sale online or at most home improvement stores—Home Depot, for example. Reflective film, which is installed on the inside of windows, can block up to 10 70% of the heat from the sun, and it won’t obstruct your view. Tinted film works much the same way and filters unwanted sunrays that can heat up your home.
Insulating Window Coverings.
Cellular shades and thermal curtains provide an insulating barrier from the heat of the sun and are a relatively easy way to save on your energy bill in the summer. If you’ve got single-pane windows, taking steps to seal around the edges with caulking or new weatherstripping may not be enough to keep the cold at bay. If you’re not looking to make the investment in new, more energy-efficient double- or triple-pane windows—or maybe you can’t because you’re a renter—then consider purchasing one or more of the many types of window coverings available on the market.
Shutters, Shades and Awnings.
From insulated shades and curtains, window quilts and films to exterior shutters, awnings and storm windows, you’ve got lots of options that can increase the insulating capacity of your windows. All of these solutions will help reduce the amount of sunlight able to penetrate your windows and home and are available online or at your local home improvement center.
Let Mother Nature help cool your home.
If you’re not renting, you may want to consider adding a little more greenery to your yard and home to help keep things cool and save on energy consumption—this can also boost the value and appeal of your property. Check out some of the options below.
Deciduous Trees.
Although planting locations can vary, depending on where you live, most areas in the southeastern U.S. do well with trees like oak, maple and hickory planted on the south and west sides of a home. In the hotter months, the leaves of these trees will help block direct sunlight. And when it’s cold out, the bare trees will let the light in to help keep you warm. When planting, take care to keep trees far enough away to not cause any damage to your home as the trees grow—15 feet is a good rule of thumb. See more on proper planting distances with a blog from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Shrubs and Ground Cover.
11 Planting shrubs near the foundation of your home can help reduce the heat that’s radiated from the ground upward, as well as providing another barrier to the sun’s rays against the sides of your home. Because of their heat tolerance, azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas are all good choices. See more in this fun article from Southern Living.
Vines and Trellises.
Virginia creeper, trumpet vine and Carolina jasmine are great choices in the Southeast when allowed to grow on trellises and pergolas on the sunny side of your home. Thick leafy trellises will help block the sun and create an added sense of privacy. And vine-covered pergolas will shade your home, patio or deck and provide a welcome outside retreat from the summer sun. You can build them yourself or purchase kits on Amazon or from stores like Lowe’s.
Even More Ways to Lower Your Natural Gas Bill
Whether you’re hosting for Turkey Day or gearing up for Santa's arrival, there’s plenty of ways you can reduce your energy usage during the winter holidays.
Switch to a fixed rate plan.
Variable rate plans fluctuate every month according to market conditions. That means what you pay per therm this month could be more, less, or the same as the previous month. Fixed rates, on the other hand, are locked and remain unchanged throughout the term of your contract — usually 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. Fixed rates are lower than variable rates and a consistent rate helps you better manage your gas budget.
Remember, when your fixed rate plan ends, you’ll automatically switch to a variable rate plan. That’s why at Gas South we make sure to give you plenty of notice when your contract is ending, giving you the chance to lock in a new rate (and avoid a sudden spike in your bill). You can also try Gas South’s OnePrice Plan. It’s one flat, monthly payment that makes paying your bill simple and straightforward. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing you’ll pay the same amount every month regardless of usage.
Refer a friend.
For every friend you refer to Gas South, you’ll get $50 in bill credits. Plus, every person you refer will also receive $50 in bill credits, so everyone saves! Learn more about our referral program.
