Spring might be just around the corner, but furnace season is still in full swing. Because of the colder weather, you might have noticed an increase in your natural gas utility bills.

Let’s take a look at why your natural gas bill can be so high this time of year, and some steps you can take to reduce this expense.

Why is your natural gas bill so high?

Where do you use natural gas in your home? You probably have a natural gas water heater. You might have a natural gas stove and maybe a gas clothes dryer. So for much of the year, your natural gas bill is probably fairly predictable and low, but when the temperature drops and you start running your natural gas furnace, the bill can spike up fast! On colder days, depending on where you live, you could be heating your house to be 20, 30, 40, or even 50 degrees above the outdoor temperature. That takes a lot of energy!

Now, if you do have a natural gas stove, you might be using it more this time of year. People tend to like more warm meals and baked favorites. And if you have a gas dryer, people do tend to layer up our clothes in cooler weather and this ultimately means washing more clothes and drying more clothes.

High natural gas bill

What can you do to reduce your natural gas bill?

Turn the thermostat down – This is the number one way to reduce your natural gas bill. According to the Department of Energy, lowering the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day can reduce your gas bill by as much as 10%. Consider making these changes if you are away from home for work during the day, or if you enjoy sleeping in cooler temperatures.

Install a smart thermostat – Smart thermostats make controlling the temperature in your home easy. They can be programmed to raise and lower the temperatures on a set schedule throughout the week. Smart thermostats allow you to lower your temperature during the day, and then raise it back up 30 minutes before the first person returns home from work.

Schedule a tune-up – An HVAC technician from Tiger Heating & Air Conditioning Services can ensure that your furnace is running at maximum efficiency. Annual inspection and maintenance is vital to keeping your furnace working at its best. Your technician can also advise you on when it is time to replace an older furnace with a new, more energy-efficient model.

Lower your water temperature – Check the temperature settings on your water heater. It does not need to be set at 140 degrees. The Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees.