How to Save on your Gas Bill: Tips for Reducing Energy Costs

Looking to cut down on your gas bill and reduce energy costs? With a few simple changes, you can make your home more energy-efficient and save money on your gas usage. Whether it’s making small adjustments to your daily habits or investing in home improvements, these gas-saving tips will help you maximise your savings.

     Compare Energy Plans

• Shop Around for Better Deals: Regularly compare gas plans from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best rate. Use online comparison tools to find a plan that fits your usage and budget. We ran a quick search using Energy Victoria’s compare tool and found energy offers vary dramatically, a household of four with four rooms could, for example, enjoy savings of approximately 49.4%* if they switched from the most expensive to the cheapest rate
• Consider Flexible Payment Options: Some energy providers offer discounts or flexible payment options, which can help reduce your overall gas costs.

     Check Your Gas Bill is Correct

• Review Your Bill Regularly: Ensure that your gas bill accurately reflects your usage. Look for any discrepancies or errors that could be costing you more.
• Check Meter Readings: Compare the meter reading on your bill with the actual reading on your gas meter to make sure you’re being billed correctly.

Hot Water Saving Tips

• Install a Water-Efficient Showerhead: Save on hot water by installing a water-efficient showerhead, which uses less water while maintaining strong water pressure.
• Lower Your Water Heater Temperature: Adjust your water heater thermostat to a lower setting, ideally around 60°C, to reduce energy consumption.
• Fix Leaky Taps: A dripping tap, especially a hot water tap, can waste significant amounts of water and increase your gas bill over time. Repair any leaks promptly.
• If you have a Gas Continuous Flow Water Heater then you’re in luck: These systems heat water only as needed, which maybe be more efficient than traditional storage systems.

Kitchen Appliance Saving Tips

• Use a Gas-Safe Kettle: Gas stovetop kettles may be more efficient than electric ones. Choose a model with a wide base and lid to maximise heat efficiency.
• Cook with Lids on Pots: Covering pots and pans while cooking retains heat, reducing cooking time and gas usage.
• Opt for Smaller Appliances When Possible: Use smaller kitchen appliances, such as microwaves or toaster ovens, for smaller meals to reduce gas usage.
• Use the Right Size Burner: Match your pots and pans to the correct size burner to avoid wasting gas.

Laundry Saving Tips

• Use Cold Water for Washing: Opt for cold water settings on your washing machine to save on gas used for heating water.
• Maximise Laundry Loads: Wait until you have a full load of laundry before washing to make the most efficient use of water and energy.
• Dry Clothes Naturally: Whenever possible, hang clothes to dry instead of using a dryer to reduce energy consumption.

Heating and Cooling Saving Tips

• Adjust Your Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by just 1-2 degrees in winter and increasing it slightly in summer can result in substantial savings on your energy bill.
• Close Doors and Windows: Keep doors and windows closed when heating or cooling your home to retain warmth or cool air and reduce energy usage.
• Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help distribute warm air in winter, making your heating system more efficient and reducing the need for constant gas heating.

Insulating Your Home

• Improve Home Insulation: Proper insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors helps retain heat during winter and keep cool air in during summer, reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.
• Seal Gaps and Drafts: Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and floors to prevent warm or cool air from escaping and ensure your home maintains a comfortable temperature.

Maximise Your Savings with More Gas-Saving Strategies

Beyond the basics, there are advanced strategies to help you save even more on your gas bill:  

• Install Smart Thermostats: Use a smart thermostat to remotely control your heating, preventing unnecessary gas use when you’re not home.
• Schedule Regular Appliance Maintenance: Keep your gas appliances running efficiently with regular maintenance, which reduces energy consumption and extends their lifespan.

By incorporating these strategies, you can optimise your home's energy use and see a significant difference in your gas bill.

Simple Changes Can Help You Save

Implementing these gas-saving tips not only lowers your bill but also enhances your home's energy efficiency. Simple actions like refining daily habits, improving insulation, or regularly comparing energy plans can make a substantial impact on your overall energy costs and promote sustainability. Take action today to more efficiently enjoy the comfort, and reliability, that natural gas can bring to your home.

Want to find out more about using natural gas at home or work? Explore the benefits of natural gas.