How to Lower Your Gas Bill in an Apartment

Natural gas is a common utility in many apartment homes, providing energy for heating, hot water, and cooking. Managing these costs effectively can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly bills. Even minor adjustments to gas use can contribute to a more efficient and economical living situation. Simple strategies can help residents control energy consumption and reduce expenses.

Managing Your Apartment’s Heating

Controlling your apartment’s heating system is a primary method for lowering gas consumption. Set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. During winter, maintaining 68°F when home is recommended for comfort and efficiency. Lower the thermostat to 60-64°F when sleeping or away. If away for several days, 55-60°F can prevent pipes from freezing while minimizing gas use.

Programmable or smart thermostats can automate temperature adjustments, providing consistent savings. While renters may not install these directly, discuss options with your landlord for existing features or upgrades. Ensure heating vents are unobstructed by furniture or drapes to allow warm air circulation, maximizing efficiency. Regularly changing air filters for forced-air systems, if your responsibility, also helps the heating system operate efficiently.

Preventing Heat Escape

Minimizing heat loss through drafts effectively reduces your gas bill. Windows and doors commonly allow warm air to escape. Renters can use temporary solutions like weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around window frames. Plastic film kits applied to windows create an insulating barrier, trapping air between the film and the glass.

For doors, door sweeps and draft stoppers can block air currents. Closing curtains or blinds, especially at night, adds insulation against cold exterior temperatures. Ensure all windows and balcony doors are fully closed and locked for a tight seal, preventing heat escape. If your apartment includes a fireplace, ensure its damper is fully closed when not in use to prevent heat from rising out of the chimney.

Smart Use of Gas Appliances

Efficient operation of gas-powered appliances impacts your gas bill. For gas water heaters, lowering the thermostat to 120°F is recommended for efficiency and safety. This adjustment can reduce water heating costs by 3-5% for every 10°F reduction. Taking shorter showers and using cold water for laundry when practical further decreases hot water demand.

When using a gas stove, match the burner size to your cookware to prevent heat escape. Using lids on pots and pans helps retain heat, cooking food more quickly and efficiently. Turn off burners a few minutes before food is fully cooked, allowing residual heat to complete the process. Avoid using the gas oven to heat the apartment, as this is inefficient and unsafe; instead, use smaller appliances like a microwave or toaster oven for heating food.

Adopting Energy-Saving Habits

Daily habits impact natural gas consumption. Layering clothing indoors, like wearing sweaters and warm socks, allows comfort at a slightly lower thermostat setting. Using blankets and throws provides additional warmth without increasing heating. These simple changes can reduce your heating expenses.

During daylight hours, open curtains and blinds on sunny windows to passively warm your living space. This natural heating source can reduce furnace operation. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only when necessary, turning them off promptly. These fans draw warm air out, and prolonged use leads to heat loss. Consolidating cooking tasks, like baking multiple dishes at once, minimizes total gas appliance use.