As colder temperatures settle in, community-owned natural gas supplier ACE (Public Alliance for Community Energy) reminds natural gas customers now is the time to prepare their homes to be as efficient as possible.
Natural gas commodity prices are down about 40 percent from last year. Even more savings can be gained by being proactive in using many low-cost or no-cost ways to further save on your natural gas bill during the fall and winter months.
Below are some helpful tips from ACE to winterize your home and lower your natural gas bill:
Inspect windows and doors for drafts and apply/replace caulk to insulate and repair cracks in walls and around doors and windows;
Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature and dress in layers. Lower it a few degrees before leaving the house or going to bed. If possible, use a programmable thermostat to automatically control your home’s temperature;
Seal leaks in furnace air ducts;
Change or clean air filters monthly;
Keep window blinds, shades and draperies open during the day to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close them at night for added insulation;
Set ceiling fans to run clockwise, drawing air up and keeping warm air circulating;
Lower your natural gas water heater to 115 or 120 degrees;
For customers who may have a hard time paying their heating bill this winter, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may be available to help. As the only community-owned, not-for-profit natural gas supplier in the Choice Gas program, ACE strives to provide the best customer service possible.
For questions about natural gas commodity pricing, contact ACE at (800) 234-2595. All other questions should be addressed to SourceGas Distribution at (800) 563-0012