Energy Saving Tips

Natural gas is the consumer’s best energy value costing less than electricity, propane and heating oil, but with some energy saving tips, you can make it even more cost effective.

There are steps you can take to reduce your household energy consumption and minimize energy loss. For example:

• Seal any leaks around doors, windows or other opening such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather stripping.
• Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. By turning your thermostat back for 8 hours per day, you can cut your annual heating bills by as much as 10 to 15 percent.
• Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season.
• Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.
• Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees.
• Insulate water heaters with insulation blankets, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
• Run washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load.

For more information on ways you can save on your energy bills, visit the Department of Energy’s website at energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.