While a popular holiday song laments “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” what it does not tell you is there are ways to reduce the cost to get warm.
Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) officials, on the other hand, want people to know that preparation and following a few important tips can make a real difference when it comes to keeping your gas bills low.
“With the cold and wet weather, we’re seeing an increase in the use of home heaters, and that translates into higher heating bills,” said Bret Lane, vice president of field services for The Gas Company. He said customers should “practice conservation and use energy efficiently,” to keep costs down.
The Gas Company says consumers should “focus on the furnace” because home heating accounts for more than half of a typical customer’s monthly gas bill. But if you lower the thermostat three to five degrees (health permitting) and turn it off when not at home, you can save up to 20 percent on your heating costs.
Furnace filters should be checked every month when in use, and cleaned or replaced when necessary.
Always be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly, and remember that leaving the door open or running a furnace without one, can create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other energy-saving tips include not blocking outlets or return registers with furniture or other objects; fixing cracks in ducts; upgrade attic insulation; caulk and weather-strip drafty windows and doors; open the drapes or blinds to let sun in during the day and close them at night to keep warm air in; and put an extra blanket on the bed.
And, choose a higher efficiency model when shopping for a new gas furnace.
Lane said customers can expect natural gas bills this winter to be slightly lower than last year. “Based on current industry price projections, a typical residential monthly bill for 83 therms of natural gas will be around $79 as compared to $86 last year. Improving a home’s energy efficiency will help to keep gas bills as low as possible,” said Lane.
http://egpnews.com/
http://furnasmanonehourfurnace.ca/
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