Talking to people in California about natural gas at any time of year except winter doesn’t spark much interest. “My bill is only a few dollars a month,” is the common dismissive reply. During the heat of the summer or the mild transitional seasons most homes and businesses do not use much natural gas except to heat water, which is the third largest home energy cost. Natural gas happens to be a more efficient energy source than electricity for heating, But when the thermostat kicks on to warm the lower temperatures of winter, everyone has something to say about their heat bill whether using gas or electricity.
Where can you start to make a difference in your heat bill? You will be surprised to learn that this year, prices are anticipated to be lower, so you are already off to a good start if you don’t heat with kerosene. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration www.eia.doe.gov. , you should pay less for heating your home this winter; except for homes that use heating oil.
If you have a disability, are elderly or are having a financial hardship such as a recession related job loss you can seek help. The January 12, 2010 edition of the AARP Bulletin Today, reports that there is “a lot of financial assistance is available from the government, utilities and nonprofit organizations.”
If you have the money to audit and upgrade your heating system to improve efficiency, don’t delay! A bonus reward for your efforts to save energy may be granted from federal and many state government through tax credits and rebates. For instance, by purchasing energy-efficient products or renewable energy systems for your home you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. One example is ENERGY STAR.
Futhermore, there are tax credits for the upgrade or addition of windows, doors, and skylights.
Beyond the type of resource used, and applying for an assistance or rebate program, home and business owners can save in many ways on heating costs.
In fact there are low cost things in every room that can done to lower costs on your heat bill immediately.
>Kitchen
Broil or microwave whenever possible. Minimize preheat times for baking and limit the frequency of opening the oven door while baking. Once the oven is off, open the door to allow the heat into the room if desired in the winter. Reduce use of the oven at the hottest part of the day in the summertime.
Use pots and pans that match the size of the stove burner and use a lid to heat food faster and there will be less energy waste and heating will be more efficient.
Limit use of exhaust fan that will draw heat out of your home. Remove large bit of food from dishes by scraping rather than rinsing.
Use energy efficient settings on dishwasher and wash only full loads unless you have an load adjustment setting. Compost your vegetable scrapes and recycle any plastics, jars, cans and cartons.
Open the refrigerator as seldom as possible and adjust thermostats to efficient levels.
>Bathroom
Fix all leaks or drips and replace drain stoppers that leak. Shower rather than take a bath. Plan routine self care to reduce wasting energy and water. The cold water that comes out first while waiting for hot water to wash your face or shave can be used to brush your teeth.
Turn off water while soaping, grooming or brushing teeth. Ventilation fans can quickly remove heat so use sparingly. There is the old cliche’, “It’s more fun to shower with a friend,” that is a good suggestion but also taking successful showers while the hot water is available is
similar way to save energy.
>Bedroom
Use a heating blanket to warm your bed just prior to getting in and then turn it off. Add extra blankets to retain heat. Lower temperature on waterbed.
>Living Room
Fireplace Flues need to be closed when not in use and of course opened prior to lighting a fire. Fireplaces however are inefficient means of heating since they draw the warm air up and out of the home.
>All Living & Utility Areas
Use lined drapes. Close the drapes to keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Likewise open the drapes of a sunny-filled window on a winter day for passive solar heating. Caulk and weather strip around all doors, vents, pipes and windows.
Ceiling fans should be run in the winter mode which is the reverse direction than for summer. Warm air naturally rises and the blades need to force the warm air back down.
Cover window A/C units in the winter to stopped air leaks. Use dimmer switches to reduce electricity use. Change light bulbs to efficient compact florescent versions that are long lasting and reduce landfill use. Turn off lights, TV’s, computers, stereos and other equipment when not in use.
Unplugging electrical equipment when not in can decrease energy waste. Think about things that are in standby mode like remote control electronics, power strips, cell phone and battery chargers, cable boxes and even LCD clocks.
Adjust thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature in the winter and warmest comfortable temperature in the summer. By adding or removing clothing you can adjust your comfort while being energy wise.
>Garage, Attic, Utility Room
Install insulation, seal drafts, apply a water heater “jacket”, clean or replace all filters including the lint trap in the dryer. Adjust water heater temperature at recommended efficient temperature.
Do full loads of laundry and wash with cold or warm water rather than hot as much as possible. Air dry clothing when possible and do not overfill a dryer as the air must circulate to be efficient.
California has one advantage with respect to a natural gas heating bill. Because laws allow competition, home and smaller business owners can modify their gas service to reduce costs. Some major power companies in California allow their retail customers to choose where their actual resource is purchased. Natural gas is an efficient energy source and at wholesale cost will help with the bottom line budget by saving at home and business.
How can you switch and save? The providers of this lower cost natural gas can now offer you their product directly. You simply sign an agreement and provide a copy of your bill. The company will take care of the rest of the smooth transition by working with your local service provider.
What you are getting is access to wholesale priced natural gas. That is usually only available to large business. Small and medium-sized business and in some areas, even homes throughout California can save money like the big guys on this necessary expense. What kind of savings can you expect? 4-12% depending upon your service location.
The good news for you whom are not in California, is that the power to choose and save money on your natural gas heat bill is coming soon to other states.
For more ways to save on your winter heat bill check your power company’s website. One California company has an incentive program for reducing your natural gas use during the winter months. Remember that reducing use equates to saving money.
For more information on Wholesale Natural Gas and Electricity and Wholesale Energy Consulting contact or visit.
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