Easy Ways To Save Money Using Natural Gas

February 11, 2009 by  
Filed under On Utilities

Using natural gas to heat and power appliances in your home is an efficient and cost-effective use of energy. Around 22% of the energy consumption in the U.S comes from natural gas with the gas itself being produced in the U.S and Canada.

Natural gas is a very clean burning fuel and is colorless and odorless. For safety reasons, the characteristic smell of gas comes from a chemical substance called merchantman which is added just before the gas is dispensed for use throughout the country.

Gas, which is most commonly used as a heating fuel is stored in large storage systems on a property and released as required. The gas is used to heat the radiators, water and fuel the fireplace giving heat and hot water to the household. This is an efficient fuel for these purposes being cheaper than using only electricity as a means of heating. Having gas as a source of energy in the household greatly adds to it’s value.

The furnace must be maintained on a regular basis for optimum return. The boiler and pilot light must be safety checked at least once per year as well as the fire. These checks are crucial for safety as carbon monoxide, which may be leaked, is a killer. However leaks are very rare and the systems are designed for the utmost safety. Maintaining the system also sustains efficient use of the system.

To avoid unnecessary heating, make sure there are no drafts in your home for heat to escape. Double glazing can also contribute highly to a reduction in your fuel bill with no heat lost through the windows. This is, initially, an expensive outlay but more than pays for itself over time.

The position of your radiators can immensely impact on the heat provided to the room. A radiator underneath a window, against a cold wall or beside a door can reduce effectiveness. The size of a radiator should be proportionate to the size of the room.

Gas run cookers are very cost-effective due to only using the heat you require as opposed to a heated plate where energy can be wasted. The amount of flame can be adjusted to the size of the pan or wok that is being used. Care must be taken not to let the flame circle the outside of the cooking implement, this is wasting energy.

Try to go for a combination boiler where you are only using the hot water you need. Having the water boiling endlessly is an expensive and wasteful form of acquiring hot water. Again this type of boiler is an preliminary expense but the efficiency of use recoups the initial outlay and more.

With the rising costs of utility bills and the depletion of fossil fuels using your gas efficiently is a must to help you save energy and save money.