My Gas Bill Is High – What’s Going On?
We all hate receiving the gas bill in the mail as homeowners. If you haven’t made any big changes to your usage, it can be alarming to learn how high it is. A plumber’s viewpoint can shed some light on the mystery of why your gas bill is so high.
We at Drainworks plumbing and gas in Brandon, Florida, are aware of how aggravating dealing with excessive gas bills can be. We’ll look at some of the most typical causes of high gas prices in this post, along with some advice on how to use less gas and keep your costs in check.
Common Causes
1. Pipe Leaks
One of the most frequent causes of high gas costs is leaky pipes. Natural gas can leak from pipelines and escape into the atmosphere, costing you money for gas that isn’t even being used. There are numerous locations where leaks might happen, including at the joints or connectors between pipes.
It’s crucial to call a plumber as soon as you believe that you have a leak in your pipes. A qualified plumber can locate the leak’s origin and perform the required repairs to stop additional gas loss. Fixing leaks can prevent dangerous gas leaks that could endanger the health of your family as well as saving you money on your gas bill.
2. Outdated Appliances
Your outdated and inefficient appliances could also be to blame for your high gas cost. Your furnace or water heater may not be operating as well as it should be if it is older. This indicates that it is using more gas than is necessary, which could dramatically increase your expenditures.
In the long term, replacing outdated appliances with newer, more energy-efficient versions will help you save money on your gas bill. Even while buying a new appliance can be expensive up front, the energy savings will eventually cover the expense. Additionally, warranties that come with new appliances can provide you additional piece of mind and reduce the cost of future repairs.
3. Drafty Doors and Windows
You can be losing heat through drafty windows and doors, which forces your furnace to work harder to keep your house warm. Your gas bill may increase as a result of your furnace utilizing more gas to make up for the heat that is being lost.
Consider installing weather stripping or caulking around your windows and doors to fill any gaps as a solution to this issue. Also, you can spend money on energy-saving windows and doors, which can assist keep warm air inside and cold air outside. Insulated blinds or drapes can also aid in retaining heat throughout the winter.
4. Clogged Furnace Filter
Your furnace may have to work harder than necessary if the filter is unclean, which will raise your gas costs. The furnace uses more gas when the filter is dirty because it needs to work harder to move air through it.
Make sure to change your furnace filter frequently to avoid this issue. Changing it every three months is a decent general rule of thumb, or more regularly if you have pets or allergies. Frequent filter replacements may keep your furnace operating efficiently, lessen the strain on your furnace, and save your gas costs.
5. Thermostat Settings
Lastly, the settings on your thermostat might affect how much gas you use. Your furnace will use more gas if your thermostat is set too high since it will have to work more to keep your home warm. To reduce your gas costs, think about lowering your thermostat a few degrees. A programmable thermostat, which can automatically regulate the temperature based on your schedule, is another option you have. By enabling you to change the temperature remotely, smart thermostats that can be managed via a smartphone app can also help you save money on your gas bill.
There are a number of additional strategies to decrease your gas usage and lower your gas costs in addition to the aforementioned variables. They consist of:
6. Inadequate Insulation
Your home needs insulation to stay cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. You can be losing heat from your home if it isn’t properly insulated, which forces your furnace to work harder to keep your house warm. Your gas bill may increase as a result of your furnace utilizing more gas to make up for the heat that is being lost. Attic, wall, and floor insulation can help keep your home at a pleasant temperature while using less gas. Moreover, insulating your pipes can lessen the need for hot water and assist avoid heat loss, saving you money on your gas bill.
How Can I Lower a High Gas Bill?
Use Water Wisely
One of a home’s major consumers of natural gas is the water heater. More gas will be required to heat the water as you use more hot water. Consider adopting effective water usage practices to lower your gas consumption. Reduce the length of your showers, switch off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth, and only use the dishwasher and washing machine when there is a full load. Moreover, think about investing in an energy-efficient water heater, which will help you use less gas and lower your gas costs.
Continual Maintenance
Your gas appliances might use less gas if you do routine maintenance to keep them operating effectively. To make sure that your furnace, water heater, and other gas appliances are operating smoothly and efficiently, have a professional plumber do routine maintenance on them.
Breakdowns, which can be expensive to repair, can also be avoided with routine maintenance. You can avoid issues before they arise, ensure that your appliances are operating efficiently, and lower your gas usage by having routine maintenance performed on them.
Using Electric Appliances
Consider switching to electric equipment if you want to use less gas. Electric appliances are getting more economical and efficient, like electric water heaters. They also don’t produce carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to your health if your home isn’t properly ventilated.
Electric appliances can save you money over time by reducing your gas usage and gas bill, while having a greater initial cost.
Conclusion
There are a variety of reasons why your gas cost could be high, but you can lower your gas consumption and lower your gas bill with a few easy modifications. You may lower your gas usage and lower your gas costs by repairing leaks, switching to energy-efficient appliances, blocking drafts, changing filters, regulating thermostats, insulating your home, using water wisely, and doing routine maintenance.
In Brandon, Florida, at Drainworks Plumbing & Gas, we’re dedicated to assisting homeowners in lowering their gas usage and decreasing their gas cost. The skilled plumbers on our staff can help you find and address any problems with your gas appliances and pipes, and we can also give you advice on how to use less gas. To arrange a consultation and begin reducing your gas costs, contact us right away.
