How to Save Money on Your Gas Bill

During the colder months, it’s easy to blast the heat to stay warm and watch the gas bill skyrocket. Cutting your utility expenses doesn’t have to mean braving low temperatures, though.

All you need are a few key tactics to keep your home cozy and save hundreds of dollars on yearly gas expenses. Keep reading for the most effective ways to save money on your gas bill.

Save With a Smart Thermostat

If you usually leave the heat on throughout the day, consider getting a smart thermostat. These automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your chosen settings. Some smart thermostats can even track your location, so they can keep you comfy without wasting valuable energy maintaining your home’s temperature all day long. Many models reduce the power used by the heat when you’re away and start it up again when the device detects that you’re on your way back. The EPA estimates that this innovation helps users save up to 8% on their utility bills, so it’s worth checking out.

Make Sure Your Home Retains Heat

No matter what you do to cut down on gas costs, you won’t save as much unless your home retains heat. This means sealing windows and doors so the heat doesn’t escape to the outside through tiny cracks and leaks. You can also use thermal curtains, which have a special lining to trap air leaks around your windows. Use these at night and in rooms that don’t get much sunlight during the day.

For an even simpler solution, shut the doors of drafty rooms from which heat tends to leak, like attics, basements, and any rooms with doors that lead to the outside.

“I close vents in rooms I’m not in so I only have to heat a smaller space," shares Theresa Tran, a Project Manager 2 at SoCalGas.

Do a Home Energy Audit

Use a home energy audit to save money on your gas bill in the long run. During an audit, a professional inspects every room and identifies factors that drive up energy costs, like drafts and cold spots. Inspectors bring an infrared camera to identify heat leaks, so you can confidently make adjustments to insulate your home.

Luckily, many energy companies provide audits for free. However, if your energy company charges a fee, the government pays for 30% of the audit fees through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit.

Cut Water Heating Costs

During the colder months, using hot water can drive up gas utility costs — think showers, dishwashing, laundry, and washing your hands. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering your hot water tank temperature to 120 degrees instead of the standard 140 degrees. This small adjustment alone can help you save up to $400 per year on your gas bills. It’ll cap how much gas you use, even when you’re using the hottest water available in your home.

Maintain Your Heating System

This is one tip you definitely shouldn’t skip: take care of your heating system for efficient heating during the chillier months. Change the filters two to three times a year and make sure all the ducts are properly sealed. Your heating system also requires clean vents for maximum air circulation, meaning you’ll feel warmer without using more gas. If it sounds intimidating, you can always get an expert to come and check your furnace. With regular maintenance, you can save up to 20% on your gas bills during the coldest seasons.

Find Other Ways to Stay Warm

It’s often not worth heating the entire house to keep you warm in one room. Instead, turn down the thermostat and use more localized devices like a space heater to stay comfortable. For extra warmth, invest in a heating blanket and take it wherever you lounge. Finally, be smart about layering: cover your bed with thick-down blankets and wear warm, heat-insulating layers throughout the day. You’ll definitely want to invest in wool socks, which keep your feet feeling extra toasty.

Cold seasons also provide a great excuse for cozy activities, such as drinking tea, baking, and lighting candles. These activities provide an extra bit of warmth while uplifting you even at the lowest temperatures.