Energy-Saving Programs and Tips
A helping hand from the experts
While you can't control the weather or the price of natural gas, you may be surprised at how much you can do to lower your monthly energy bills.
Natural gas prices. Learn about the factors affecting prices and how natural gas remains your best energy value.
Payment assistance. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, we can help.
Heating System Rebate. Receive money back for installing a new, energy efficient natural gas heating system that can reduce your heating costs for years.
Water Heater Rebate. Receive money back for installing a qualifying atmospheric, direct or power vent water heater that can help you save on your energy bills.
Home Energy Audit. For a low cost, a state certified auditor will visit your home and make recommendations for improving your home's efficiency. You'll also receive free weatherization materials to give you a head start on savings.
More low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy
Maintain your heating system
70-80% of a typical home's natural gas use is for heating. Use your energy dollars wisely with these tips:
- Change or clean furnace filters once a month during heating season.
- Have your furnace or boiler tuned by a qualified technician once a year to help improve your system’s operating efficiency.
- If you have an old heating system, consider replacing it with a high efficiency system. By upgrading you could save 15 to 24% on heating costs. Plus, you could save on initial costs with our Heating System Rebate Program.
Turn down your thermostat
The easiest and most economical way to cut energy costs is to adjust your thermostat. You could cut heating bills by as much as 10% per year by turning your thermostat back by 10 to 15% for eight or more hours per day.
- Set the thermostat at 65 F and lower the thermostat to 58 F when your away. For every one-degree reduction in the thermostat setting you can save 3 to 5 percent on your heating costs.
- For greater temperature control, use a programmable or setback thermostat.
Turning down water heater setting
The water heater accounts for approximately 15% of the average household's energy use. Using it wisely can save you money.
- To lower energy cost without sacrificing comfort, set water heater temperature to 120 F.
Make windows work for you
- On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let in the sun's warmth.
- Close draperies and blinds at night to insulate against cold air outside.
- If you have storm windows, be sure they are installed during heating season.
Stop drafts and air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping
By adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you could cut as much as 40% from your energy bill. Guard against heat loss by sealing leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes and ducts.
- Be sure attic and basement have recommended levels of insulation.
- After you have caulked and sealed bypasses, adding insulation can help you reduce energy use and save on future fuel bills.
- Be sure attics have recommended levels of insulation.
Add insulation where needed
After you have caulked and sealed bypasses, adding insulation can help you reduce energy use by up to 30% and save on future fuel bills.
Keep warm in winter
- Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor.
- Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
- Keep hot and cold air registers free of dust and do not block with carpet or furniture.
Showerheads/faucets
- Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
- Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,280 gallons of water a year.
Radiators
Place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.
Washer/dryer
- Run washing machines and clothes dryers with full loads only.
- Replace old, outdated appliances with high efficiency models.
