Why Is My Gas Bill So High and What Can I Do?

A high gas bill can cause concern for many households. Understanding your monthly statement is the first step toward deciphering why costs may have increased. This article provides clarity on factors influencing gas bills and offers practical strategies to manage and reduce energy expenses.

Decoding Your Gas Bill

A typical gas bill itemizes several charges. The primary unit of measurement for natural gas consumption is “therms” or “CCF” (hundred cubic feet), representing the energy used. Understanding these units is fundamental to tracking usage effectively.

Supply charges cover the cost of the natural gas commodity. This portion of the bill fluctuates based on market prices and whether gas is purchased directly from the utility or a third-party supplier. Delivery charges, also known as transmission or distribution charges, account for transporting gas through pipelines to your home, maintaining infrastructure, and meter reading services.

Bills typically include fixed service fees, which are flat monthly charges regardless of gas consumption. Various taxes and surcharges levied by local, state, or federal authorities also apply. Examining your bill’s usage history and distinguishing between actual and estimated meter readings can help identify discrepancies and provide insights into consumption trends.

Identifying Causes of High Consumption

Several factors can contribute to an unexpected surge in gas consumption. External conditions, such as colder weather or sudden cold snaps, directly increase heating demand. An extended heating season, where temperatures remain low longer than usual, also leads to higher overall gas usage.

Behavioral patterns within the home significantly impact gas consumption. Setting your thermostat higher than necessary or failing to adjust it when away can result in continuous heating. Increased household activity, such as more occupants, longer showers, or more frequent use of gas appliances, also contributes to higher usage.

Home efficiency issues are a common culprit for elevated bills. Poor insulation in walls, attics, and floors allows heat to escape, forcing heating systems to work harder. Drafty windows and doors create air leaks that compromise indoor temperatures and increase gas consumption. Older or poorly maintained furnaces and water heaters are less efficient, consuming more gas to achieve desired heating levels.

Higher consumption may point to a more serious underlying issue. A gas leak, identifiable by a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell, dying vegetation near outdoor gas lines, or bubbling in standing water near pipes, requires immediate attention. Appliance malfunctions, such as a furnace running constantly or a water heater struggling to maintain temperature, can also lead to inefficient operation and increased gas usage.

Practical Strategies to Lower Your Bill

Effective thermostat management is a straightforward way to reduce gas consumption. Setting your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature, around 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, can yield savings. Utilizing programmable or smart thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures when away or asleep further optimizes heating schedules.

Improving your home’s sealing and insulation can significantly reduce heat loss. Simple measures like applying weatherstripping around doors and caulking around window frames prevent drafts. Adding insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and accessible wall cavities helps retain heat more effectively, decreasing the workload on your heating system.

Regular appliance maintenance improves efficiency. Scheduling annual professional tune-ups for your furnace ensures peak performance. Regularly changing air filters, every one to three months, improves airflow and heating efficiency. Checking and clearing dryer vents and ensuring water heaters are not accumulating sediment also contributes to lower gas usage.

Adjusting water heating habits can lead to noticeable savings. Taking shorter showers and promptly fixing leaky faucets reduces hot water demand. Lowering your water heater’s thermostat setting to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit is often sufficient for most household needs and prevents unnecessary energy consumption. Efficient use of kitchen gas appliances, such as using lids on pots or preheating ovens only when necessary, contributes to overall gas conservation.

Resolving Billing Discrepancies

If you suspect an error on your gas bill or face difficulty paying, contact your gas utility company. Locate their customer service phone number or visit their official website for contact information. Having your account number, the specific bill, and any relevant meter readings readily available will streamline the inquiry process.

Clearly articulate your concern to the utility representative, whether it is a suspected billing error or a need for payment assistance. The utility company can investigate discrepancies, such as incorrect meter readings or misapplied payments. They may also offer solutions like setting up a payment plan or deferred payment arrangements to help manage your balance.

Utilities often provide information about energy assistance programs. These can include federal initiatives like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides financial aid for heating costs, or various utility-specific aid programs. Inquiring about these options can provide relief during challenging times.