How to Save Money on a Natural Gas Bill

Many homeowners dread the winter season for good reason—their natural gas bills. Heating a home can cause this monthly expense to spike when the temperature drops. Fortunately there are a few ways to save money on your natural gas bills. Read on to learn the steps you can take, some simple, some a little more challenging, that put hard-earned cash back in your pocket.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Tend to your boilers and furnaces. Have a yearly inspection by a professional to ensure top operability. Always change your air filters according to the manufacturer's schedule. Make sure nothing blocks your heat registers to ensure maximum heat penetration, and close vents and shut doors to unused rooms.

2. Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature while you are away from home. For a minimal investment, this can save money on natural gas costs. Simply set your house's temperature lower while you are away from home and watch your savings multiply. If you go out of town, set your thermostat to a low temperature, yet high enough to keep pipes from freezing.

3. Monitor your hot water usage. Lower your water heater's temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap an insulated blanket around the water heater if the outside is warm to the touch—this means it loses heat. Insulate hot water pipes to avoid losing heat (thus using less natural gas). Fix leaky faucets and install a lower-flow shower head. Always run your washing machine and dishwasher at full capacity.

4. Change the way you use energy in your home. Caulk and insulate areas that might allow heat loss such as windows, doors and attics. Close the damper and doors to your fireplace after use. Air-dry your clothes instead of using that energy-guzzling gas dryer. Purchase Energy Star products when replacing appliances.

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