Many people are constantly trying to save money in any way possible. After all, the cost of living is always rising faster than we expect. So with that in mind, here are some simple tips you can follow to help you save money on your gas bill by conserving the amount of natural gas you use.
Start with Your Furnace
Ensure that your furnace is clean, which includes your ducts. There should be no obstructions that would hinder airflow and the filter should be cleaned or changed regularly. You can bring in a professional to check and clean the furnace properly if it has not been done in a while. The cost is minimal and it can make a big difference in the way your furnace operates.
If you have an older furnace that has seen better days, it might be time to start shopping for a new one. Today’s new furnaces can boost your home heating efficiency considerably. So if you can find a model that can cut your gas consumption by about 25%, it may be worth the expense in the long run.
Your thermostat can play a major role in saving money on your gas bill. By simply turning it down a few degrees during the daytime hours when you’re probably at work will save you a bundle. If you don’t already have one, you can upgrade to a new digital thermostat that can be set to automatically adjust the temperature in the home at certain times or days.
Water Heater
We change out old hot water tanks Red Deer home owners have on a weekly basis. By setting your water heating temperature to below 50 degrees, you can keep from scalding yourself and lower your heating costs by up to 10%.
To make your water tank more efficient, you can insulate the hot water pipes in the basement leading from the water heater out the rest of the home. This will reduce the amount of heat lost as water travels through the pipes.
If possible, you can upgrade your water heater to a more efficient model as tanks tend to have a 40% efficiency rating, especially as they get to be older than 10 years. For more check out Energy Guide.
Insulation
If you have an unfinished basement, you can easily check your insulation status on the walls. Poorly insulated walls can feel like nothing is on them at all, so ensure your walls are fully insulated to keep cold air leaks out. As well, the attic should be well insulated, which can serve to keep the entire home a consistent temperature without any cold zones.
Ductwork
Any exposed ducts throughout your basement can be wrapped with the proper insulation to ensure more efficiency from your furnace and your home will feel more comfortable.
These are just a few things to consider when trying to save money on your gas bill. One last solution is free and is easiest of all: Lower the thermostat and put on a sweater whenever possible.