New Year Strategies to Reduce Your Energy Costs Effectively
New Year Strategies to Reduce Your Energy Costs Effectively
As we enter the new year, many households face the challenge of rising energy bills, particularly during the coldest months. From mid-December to mid-January, the chill in the air prompts increased use of heating systems, leading to a noticeable spike in natural gas consumption. In response, Southwest Gas Corporation offers numerous tips to help customers save money while staying warm.
Embrace Energy Conservation
Energy conservation does not always require drastic measures; simple adjustments can yield significant benefits. Families are encouraged to sit down together and discuss small, manageable changes they can make this winter to lower their energy consumption. Here are some effective strategies:
Home Heating Tips
1. Programmable Thermostats: Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while at home, and consider lowering it by 7-10 degrees when you’re away. This simple adjustment can dramatically reduce heating costs.
2. Regular Maintenance: Keep your heating system efficient by changing air filters monthly. Dirty filters force your furnace to work harder, leading to increased energy use.
3. Insulation: Prevent heat loss by insulating areas behind outlets and light switches, as well as sealing drafts around windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping.
4. Natural Sunlight: Utilize the sun’s warmth by opening blinds during the day to allow natural heat into your home.
5. Ceiling Fans: Running ceiling fans in reverse mode can effectively circulate warm air, enhancing the efficiency of your heating system.
Cooking Efficiently
1. Oven Temperature Adjustment: When baking, consider using ceramic or glass dishes, as you can often lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees compared to standard recipes.
2. Seal the Oven: Ensure your oven door seals tightly; avoid opening the door frequently while cooking, as this can drastically drop the internal temperature.
3. Use lids on Pans: Keeping lids on cooking pots helps maintain temperature and reduces cooking time, directly impacting energy use.
4. Simultaneous Cooking: When possible, bake multiple items simultaneously to maximize the use of your energy-efficient oven.
Additional Energy-Saving Ideas
- - Vacation Preparation: If you plan to be away, lower your water heater's temperature to conserve energy.
- - Dryer Maintenance: Clean the lint trap before every use and utilize moisture-sensing features to avoid over-drying clothes, which enhances dryer performance while saving energy.
Southwest Gas provides a wealth of information on conserving energy and saving on bills, available at www.swgas.com/savemoney. There are also various rebates for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and equipment, further assisting homeowners and businesses in their efforts to save.
Explore Financial Assistance
In addition to practical money-saving tips, Southwest Gas has payment programs designed to facilitate better budget management. Their Equal Payment Plan offers stability, letting customers pay the same fixed amount each month.
Further assistance can be found through programs such as Energy Share, which provides emergency utility assistance, and the Installment Plan for those facing outstanding bills. Customers seeking guidance are invited to reach out at 877-860-6020 or visit www.swgas.com/assist for support.
About Southwest Gas
With a commitment to service and innovation, Southwest Gas Corporation serves over two million customers across Arizona, California, and Nevada. The company aims to provide safe, reliable energy while exploring sustainable solutions that benefit the community’s growth. For additional insights into how Southwest Gas is fostering a sustainable energy future, please check their website at swgas.com.
Topics Energy）
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