In the coming months, bill costs are set to rise, especially for free-market customers. Here are some tips to contain gas price increases and how to save on your bill.
With winter approaching, this year too many are wondering how to save on the gas bill.
The wholesale price of gas continues to increase due to the effects of the delicate international situation and, according to consumer associations, the cost of bills is destined to rise in the coming months, especially for customers in the free market.
Here are 10 tips to contain gas price increases and save on your bill.
How to save on your gas bill
Adopting strategies to save on your gas bill is crucial in this historical period. Large companies are investing heavily in eco-sustainable forms of energy, but until they are within everyone’s reach, saving on gas depends mainly on individual behavior. In this article, we collect 10 practical tips to reduce gas consumption and save on your bill.
Methane gas is one of the main expenses of every family and is used for heating domestic environments, cooking food, and producing hot water. During winter, gas used for heating represents the most significant expense for many Western households.
In addition to choosing the right operator, some daily precautions are necessary that can make a difference. In this article, we will give you a complete guide on how to reduce your gas consumption and achieve significant savings.
1) Choosing the right gas tariff
The most immediate way to save is to choose the best gas supplier on the market. You can choose between variable price if you think of a reversal of the trend of increases, or fixed price if you don’t want surprises. Also pay attention to the two-hourly or three-hourly offers, which allow you to save if you live in the house especially in the evenings or weekends, given that they provide reduced rates in certain time slots.
2) Avoid heat loss
Adopt useful strategies to limit consumption without being left in the cold. For example, to avoid heat dispersion which makes the heating system work at maximum capacity, check that you have closed doors and windows well, without neglecting the insulation of the home: the shutter drawer with drafts or a fireplace that is turned off but not closed can create significant heat losses.
3) Choose a constant temperature
Maintaining a constant temperature of 19°C (66.2° Fahrenheit) during the day is an effective way to avoid excessive gas consumption. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, as each additional degree increases gas consumption by 5%. Also, avoid creating a home ’oven’, as this leads to greater and unnecessary gas consumption.
4) Pay attention to efficiency
Having an energy efficiency check on your home is another important step in reducing gas consumption. Check for old pipes or rarely used rooms that could cause energy waste. Furthermore, if most of the rooms are not inhabited, it is not necessary to heat them. Be sure to keep the doors closed to prevent hot air from escaping.
Make sure your radiators are efficient and working properly. Before turning them on, perform a purge to eliminate any accumulations of air that can hinder heating and increase gas consumption. If you need to buy a new radiator, opt for one with a bleed valve already included.
5) Use household appliances consciously
Use household appliances consciously to reduce gas consumption. Choose good quality pans with a thick bottom that allows for faster and more efficient cooking. Use lids and pressure cookers to reduce cooking times. Avoid preheating the oven too much and cook quantities of food to store and consume later.
6) The importance of the boiler
If you have independent heating, carefully consider replacing the boiler with a new condensing one, which is much more efficient than the conventional one, as it is capable of recovering heat from the exhaust gases and working even at low temperatures. If you really don’t want to change the boiler, try turning down the heating: one or two degrees less is enough to save up to 7% of gas.
7) Independent heating and thermostatic valves
Many people use central heating for convenience, however switching to independent heating can present several advantages in terms of savings; this is because you choose when to turn the heating on and off. For example, you could delay turning on the heating if autumn has mild temperatures, as is happening more and more frequently, or bring it off in spring if the climate allows it.
If it is not possible for you to adopt independent heating, you can still have control, albeit minimal, over your heating systems thanks to the installation of thermostatic valves. These are devices that act on the water flow of the radiators and allow tenants to set the desired temperature and therefore limit spending while saving up to 30% of energy.
8) Use chronothermostats
Thanks to the chronothermostats you will be able to precisely set the on and off times of the heating system. For example, you will avoid heating rooms that are empty or where windows are often opened, such as the kitchen and bathroom, or running the heating when no one is home. If you choose smart devices, therefore connected to the internet, you will be able to control your heating system even when you are away from home and rely on the appropriate energy-saving algorithms.
9) Limit excessive water consumption
Reduce hot water waste by installing flow reducers on all faucets and shower heads. Furthermore, use cold water together with the floor detergent and opt for taps with mixers to use warm water instead of hot water. Pay attention to the use of domestic water, as its consumption also affects your gas bill.
10) Small daily gestures
Savings on your gas bill also depend on how you cook and use domestic hot water: favor cooking with the lid and use pots with thick bottoms, wash the dishes not by hand but in dishwasher and take short showers.
Conclusions
Saving on gas bills is possible by following some simple precautions. From the optimal management of the heating system to the conscious use of household appliances, every small gesture can contribute to reducing consumption and safeguarding the environment. Choosing efficient boilers, thermostatic valves, and flow reducers, as well as carrying out regular boiler checks and maintenance, are actions that will allow you to save gas and money. Also, remember to keep an eye out for offers to maximize your savings.
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2023-11-06 08:10:00. Original title: Come risparmiare sulla bolletta del gas
