If you’ve seen an increase in your gas bill, you may feel powerless. A new PowerLines poll, conducted by Ipsos, finds that three in five Americans say their electricity and/or gas bill has increased compared to a year ago, while slightly more are concerned that these bills will increase this year. Is there anything you can do to bring down your gas bill? The answer is yes, there are several things within your control that can help you manage your gas bill. Here are six things that may be driving up your bill and what you can do to manage it.
1. Temperature Changes
When temperatures drop drastically, your system has to work harder to keep up. It’s important to have your HVAC unit maintenanced every year to keep it running efficiently. This can help reduce your gas bill. You may also want to turn your thermostat down a degree or two.
2. Inefficient Windows
Heat easily escapes through windows and doors. If you have older windows, it may be time to replace them for better insulation. You’ll want to make sure that all of your windows are properly sealed. Drafts make your home harder to heat. One solution is to install thermal curtains.
3. Older Furnace
If your furnace is 15 to 20 years old, you should consider replacing it. Make sure that you regularly tune up your unit and change filters to help it run more efficiently. Newer models are typically more energy efficient and can help you save on your gas bills.
4. Leaks
If your gas bill is very high, you may have a leak. You can call your gas company to check for any issues. You should always have a gas leak detector in your home. If not, you can try the soapy water test to check for a leak.
5. Overuse
Are you taking long showers or doing more laundry? These things can drive up your gas bills. Being mindful of your usage can help you save money.
6. Old Water Heater
If your gas water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade. Over time mineral deposits in your water heater make it harder to heat the water. Older water heaters may not have advanced insulation or energy-efficient heating elements that are found in newer models.
Factors Out of Your Control
Unfortunately, your bill may increase for reasons outside of your control. Sometimes delivery and supply charges increase due to weather and market prices. Some consumers have reported increases of more than $300 year over year for delivery charges. When these costs increase it’s more important than ever to be frugal by lowering your thermostat, limiting your usage, and checking your units for efficiency.
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