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Energy Efficiency Tips - Gas

Suggestions on how to optimize your use of gas

  1. Turn Down Your Water Heater. Lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees can save between 3% and 5% on your water heating costs, providing significant savings while still providing warm water for your daily needs.
  2. Adjust your thermostat. During the cooler months, it is recommended to lower your thermostat to a range of 65–68°F during the day and 58–60°F at night. This can save you 8 - 15% a year.
  3. Show your furnace some love. Ensure your furnace remains in top condition by scheduling an annual cleaning and inspection. This regular maintenance will help keep your furnace running efficiently and effectively.
  4. Let the Heat Circulate. Ensure that your furniture, curtains, drapes, and area rugs are not obstructing heat registers and vents. If you have a ceiling fan, make use of it to circulate the warm air downwards from the ceiling.
  5. Keep the Cold Out. Close your blinds or drapes at night to maintain a warm and cozy home during colder months.
  6. Cook Smart. Adjust the gas stove flame to match the pan size and avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily to cook more efficiently and save energy.
  7. Put your windows to work. Open shades and blinds on the south-facing side during the day for natural warmth, but close them at night to prevent heat loss and maintain a cozy environment.
  8. Clean the Screen. Clean the lint screen after every load to maintain air circulation and ensure safe operation of your dryer.

Longer-term improvements

  1. When an appliance or other home equipment reaches the end of its life, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified replacement products to improve efficiency. Energy efficiency programs may be available to make purchases more affordable.
  2. Replace an old manual or programmable thermostat with a smart thermostat to automatically save on heating costs.
  3. Because most water heater replacements happen unexpectedly, take some time to plan ahead by learning about different options, such as tankless and condensing water heaters. That way, you’ll be able to take advantage of high efficiency whenever you need to install a new unit.
  4. Explore available utility programs to increase comfort and save energy by improving your home’s insulation and sealing potential air leaks.
  5. Consider getting a home energy audit to identify specific savings opportunities in your home and potential rebates to lower improvement costs.

Sources

  1. "Tips for Managing Your Natural Gas Usage,"  energy.nh.gov/consumers/energy-efficiency/tips-managing-your-natural-gas-usage
  2. "Ways to lower energy bills and gas use at home," nwnatural.com/ways-to-save/manage-energy-use