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Are you looking to find ways to save money on your gas bill? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with their utility bills and are searching for ways to cut costs such as looking for cheap light companies Texas. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to start saving money today. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for saving money on your gas bill.
1. Perform an Energy Audit
An energy audit is an important first step in reducing your energy costs. It can help you identify areas of your home that are inefficient, and provide you with personalized recommendations for reducing your bills. An energy audit can also uncover any blockages that could be causing higher than expected bills, and help you identify any air leaks in your home. To take advantage of all the potential savings, it’s a good idea to invest in a professional energy audit.
2. Invest in Proper Insulation
Investing in proper insulation for your home can lead to significant savings on your gas bill. By properly insulating your home, you can save anywhere from 15-20% on your heating and cooling costs, which can amount to around $200 a year. To get the best results, focus on sealing any air leaks and increasing the thermal insulation within your walls, ceiling and floors. You should also consider which type of insulation is best for your home, as each type of insulation has different advantages and disadvantages. With the right insulation, you can make sure you’re not wasting energy unnecessarily, and start saving money on your gas bill.
4. Open the Curtains During the Day
Opening the curtains during the day is a great way to save money on your gas bill. Sunlight is a free resource that can help you keep your home warm in the winter. The Department of Energy recommends opening your curtains during the day to let the sun in and help reduce your gas consumption. Additionally, windows facing the east, south and west are especially important to open, as this will allow the sun’s rays to enter and heat your home more efficiently. Furthermore, if you are baking or cooking, take advantage of the natural heat that comes from your oven and leave the door open for a few minutes when you’re done. This will allow the heat to warm up your home without having to turn up the thermostat.
6. Install a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat is a great way to save money on your gas bill. Smart thermostats are connected to WiFi and can be operated through your phone, laptop or other device. They allow you to control the temperature of your home remotely and can even turn off the heat when you are not home. According to Energy Star, their certified smart thermostats can save an average of 8% on heating or cooling costs, or up to $50/year on your energy bill. Ecobee even claims that their thermostat can save you up to 23% on your energy bills. Additionally, you can also save money by programming it to lower the temperature when you’re not home or when you go to bed.
7. Reset Your Hot Water Heater
If you’re looking to save even more money on your gas bill, resetting your hot water heater can be a great way to do so. In many homes, the second-largest use of heat is hot water. Setting your water heater to about 120 degrees will help you cut costs, while still providing enough hot water for all of your needs. Additionally, turning off your water heater, like many other electrical appliances, can save you money each month on your bill. A small amount of heat escapes when the water is not in use, so turning it off can help reduce energy costs.
8. Turn off your heat when you leave the house
One of the simplest ways to save money on your gas bill is to turn off your heat when you leave the house. When no one is home, there is no need to heat the house, so make sure to turn off the thermostat before you go out. You can also shut doors in unused rooms, as this will help keep the heat in the rooms that are being used. It’s also a good idea to bundle up on colder days and keep the temperature a bit lower to reduce costs on your energy bill.
9. Turn heat off when you go to bed
One of the easiest ways to save on your gas bill during the colder months is to turn off your heat when you go to bed. Taking advantage of the natural insulation that occurs at night can help you reduce your energy costs. By turning down your thermostat before you go to bed, you can save up to 15 percent on your total heating bill. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees from its normal setting for up to eight hours to help you save money while still keeping your family comfortable. With a programmable thermostat, you can easily set your heat to lower while you sleep and raise the temperature again when you wake up. Doing so can help you save both money and energy while still keeping your home warm and cozy.
10. Looks for money saving or low income programs
If you are struggling to pay your monthly utility bills, there are assistance programs available to reduce the cost. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help lower-income families with their energy bills. The New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program offers discounts to customers who meet certain criteria. Other programs such as the Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), Fuel Assistance, and In Person Billing Assistance Events can also provide assistance. Be sure to look into any tax incentives available that could help you make energy efficiency upgrades to your home.
11. Look for tax incentives to make upgrades
The federal government and many states offer tax credits as a way to incentivize energy efficiency upgrades. This includes credits for installing new energy-efficient windows, doors, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and more. The residential energy property credit is nonrefundable and can help offset the costs of these improvements. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act provides consumer rebates and tax credits to those who install upgrades that cut energy usage by 35% or more. With these incentives in place, homeowners can save even more money over time by opting for energy-efficient upgrades.
