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Gas Conservation Tips

It is important for you to remember that in addition to gas costs, weather dramatically affects natural gas bills.

When temperatures drop, you use more fuel to heat your home and business, and energy conservation becomes very important.

By following a few easy tips, you can save money on your gas bill:

• Read your gas meter and monitor your gas usage.
• By reading the meter, you can gauge how fast you are using gas and can make adjustments to stay within budget.
• Keep a log of your weekly consumption.
• Adjust your gas usage. For example, if halfway into the month you are nearing your budget limit for gas, you can experiment with lower gas heating thermostat settings to see if comfort is adequate while reducing gas usage.
• Have your gas furnace cleaned and serviced by a professional for greater efficiency.
• Clean or replace air filters on heating or cooling systems.
• Set back your thermostat by 5 or 10 degrees when sleeping or when your house is empty for four hours or longer.
• Set the thermostat control setting for your furnace no higher than 68 degrees F during the heating season.
• Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees F. or to the “warm” setting.
• Set your water heater temperature control to the pilot position when your home is vacant for two days or longer.
• Place nonflammable insulation or nonflammable pliable materials in gaps around pipes, ducts, fans or other items that enter the attic or basement from a conditioned space.
• Close dampers on unused fireplaces. If not used for long periods, add insulating material around perimeter of damper.
• Add insulation to attic or basement doors or access panels.
• Caulk or tape any leak in ductwork of cooling or heating systems.
• Tighten or plug leaking joints in hot water or steam pipes.
• Raise shades to allow sunlight to enter your home during the day. Close shades on overcast days and at night when no warm sunlight is shining.