Natural gas is the most efficient and cleanest fossil fuel available. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, natural gas produces a significantly smaller volume of greenhouse gasses, compared to oil or other fossil fuels used in the production of electricity. When you conserve natural gas, you not only help your pocketbook, you reduce emissions further, making the air cleaner for everyone. Just a few small, inexpensive steps can make a big difference!
Keep The Cold Out
Reducing air leaks could cut as much as 10% from your monthly energy bill. Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather stripping.
The most common places where air escapes from homes are:
floors, walls, ceilings
ducts
fireplace
plumbing penetrations
doors
windows
fans and vents
electric outlets
Quick, easy energy savings
1
Set thermostats between 65° and 70° during the winter, and at 58° when away from the house for more than a few hours. While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with infants or ill or elderly persons.
2
Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing a programmable thermostat. Savings: Every degree you lower your thermostat should shave about 2% off your heating bill.
3
Change or clean furnace air filters once a month during the heating season. Furnaces consume less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Use the arrival of your natural gas bill as your reminder to change the filter.
4
Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm air flow across the floor.
5
Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close the damper on your fireplace when it is not in use.
6
Set your water heater to 120°, or the medium temperature setting. You’ll enjoy energy savings without reducing comfort. A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water each week. Not surprisingly, water heating is a typical family’s third largest energy expense, accounting for about 14% of the utility bill.
7
Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
8
If radiators are located near cold walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.
9
Run washing machines and clothes dryers only with a full load.
10
On sunny days, let in the sun’s warmth. Open draperies and blinds on windows that receive direct sunlight. Close them at night or on cloudy days to insulate against the cold air outside.
Long-term energy efficiency improvements.
Consider having your home evaluated to improve its energy efficiency. Through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program, a participating Building Performance Institute (BPI) Accredited Home Performance contractor will perform an assessment of your home, make recommendations for energy improvements and provide a cost estimate to do the improvements.
If you are of low-to-moderate income, you can make your 1-4 family home more energy efficient and reduce your utility bills, if eligible, with the Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program.
Make sure the recommended levels of insulation are installed in your attic and basement.
Older furnaces aren’t nearly as fuel efficient as today’s high efficiency models. Even if it’s still in good working condition, an older furnace could be using approximately 20% more fuel than a new high efficiency furnace. And an old water heater could be just as inefficient as an older furnace. When shopping for new appliances, compare energy efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. National Fuel’s Conservation Incentive Program offers residential and nonresidential customers in National Fuel’s western New York service area rebates when upgrading to qualifying energy efficient units.
Install storm or thermal windows and doors or doublepaned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to prevent drafts and retain heat.
