Over the past year, you’ve probably noticed the increasing prices of many goods and services such as groceries and gasoline. Unfortunately, natural gas prices have also increased across the country, and colder weather can bring higher than normal utility bills.
Several factors have caused an increase in natural gas prices, including increased demand for electricity as power generators move away from coal to clean-burning natural gas to lower emissions. The natural gas industry also faces increased demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in European and Asian markets, promoting natural gas producers to export natural gas to these markets.
Though some of these factors are out of our control, the City of Thomasville would like to provide the community with some tips to reduce utility costs during cold weather months. Most of these tips can be implemented with little, if any, associated costs:
- Set your thermostat between 66-68 degrees when you’re away.
- Close warm air supply registers for rooms that aren’t in use.
- Check your heating ducts to ensure there are no leaks.
- Check your windows and doors for leaks. Caulking or weather-stripping doors and windows can help seal air leaks and prevent cold air from coming inside.
- Clean/change the air filters on your heating/air conditioning system(s).
- Take advantage of heat from the sun by opening shades and drapes for sun-facing windows to let the sun help heat your home. Close these at night or during overcast days to help insulate your home from the cold.
- Dress in warmer clothes and use additional layers to help insulate and keep in your body heat. Adding extra blankets to your bed at night can also help keep you warm.
- Turn down your water heater. Your water heater may be heating your water much hotter than necessary. Suggested water heater settings range between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Turn off lights and unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Many appliances still use electricity, even when they’re in standby mode.
- Use lower-wattage bulbs or energy-saver bulbs.
- Install water-saver shower heads to reduce hot water usage during showers.
- Reduce heat loss from your fireplace. Make sure the damper is closed unless you have a fire burning. Otherwise, you’re letting all your warm air go right up the chimney.
- If you don’t use your fireplace at all, plug and seal the chimney flue.
Aside from these helpful tips, the City of Thomasville provides several other ways customers can take better control of their home energy costs. Suggestions include:
- Take advantage of the On-Bill Financing Program. This program allows the City of Thomasville to provide eligible customers with zero percent financing for the installation of energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.
- Enroll in the Budget Billing Program, which allows customers to pay a set amount on their utility bill each month instead of paying the actual usage. Enrollment for this program ends on October 31.
- Take advantage of the Natural Gas Rebate Program when installing a natural gas appliance. Rebates can be up to $700 per individual address.
- Schedule a free energy audit to help identify ways to save energy and lower your utility bill.
For more information on energy efficiency, customers are encouraged to contact the City of Thomasville’s Customer Service Department at 229-227-7001.