What Is the Average Gas Bill in Texas?

Natural gas is a common energy source for residential consumers in Texas, used for heating, water heating, and cooking. Understanding the average natural gas bill and the factors influencing it can help households manage their energy expenses. This article provides insight into typical natural gas costs for Texas residents and explores ways to potentially reduce consumption.

Average Gas Bill in Texas

The average cost of natural gas for residential customers in Texas was $25.83 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) in May 2025. This figure is higher than the national average residential natural gas price of $19.18 per Mcf for the same period. Monthly gas bills can fluctuate significantly based on the season. While precise monthly averages for Texas are not consistently available, typical residential gas bills across the U.S. might range from $35 to $50 in summer, increasing to $120 to $200 in winter. This seasonal variation is primarily due to increased heating demand during colder months.

Factors Influencing Gas Bills

Several factors contribute to the variation in natural gas bills among Texas households. The amount of natural gas consumed for purposes like space heating, water heating, and cooking directly impacts the bill. Larger homes generally require more energy for heating than smaller ones, and the quality of insulation, windows, and the age of the property affect how efficiently a home retains heat.

Weather and climate play a significant role, particularly in Texas, where temperatures can vary widely across regions and seasons. Colder temperatures lead to increased heating demand, driving up gas consumption. The efficiency of gas-powered appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, also influences usage; older or less efficient models consume more natural gas to achieve the same output.

Natural gas prices, which are commodity prices, constantly change based on national demand and the broader economy. These wholesale prices, along with local utility rates and delivery charges, make up the final bill.

Strategies for Managing Gas Consumption

Understanding how natural gas is consumed in a home provides a basis for managing usage and potentially lowering bills. One effective strategy involves thermostat management. Setting appropriate temperatures, especially lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day, can result in annual heating cost savings of up to 10%. Using programmable or smart thermostats can automate these adjustments, optimizing energy use when occupants are away or asleep.

Home weatherization measures, such as sealing drafts around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping, can significantly reduce heat loss. Improving insulation in attics, walls, and floors helps trap heat inside, reducing the need for constant heating.

Regular maintenance of gas appliances, including annual inspections of heating systems and changing air filters every three months, ensures they operate efficiently. Dirty filters can cause systems to work harder, increasing energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Additionally, adjusting the water heater temperature to 120°F (or the “warm” setting) instead of the factory default of 140°F can save 3% to 5% on water heating costs.