TEN TIPS TO USE LESS NATURAL GAS AND SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

Reducing natural gas use at home may contribute to energy savings and it’s better for the environment. Check out these energy-saving tips to help you save on your bill during the cold weather.

1. Block the chill: Caulk and weather-strip around drafty doors and windows. Use a door sweep, door sock or towel at the bottom of doors with a gap.

2. Keep your furnace and air filters clean: Check furnace filters once a month and replace them regularly. A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs and cause problems with your equipment.

3. Set your ceiling fan to run clockwise: This causes the fan to produce an updraft, forcing the hot air that rises to your ceiling down and into the rest of the room. In the summer, you can switch the fans to counterclockwise to keep the room cool.

4. Schedule a no-cost gas appliances check with SDG&E: Book an appointment online at sdge.com/MyAccount or learn more at sdge.com/GasCheck.

5. Lower your thermostat: Try lowering your thermostat a few degrees and throwing on a cozy sweater and socks or cuddling with your fur baby! You can also invest in a smart thermostat. Rebates are available at sdge.com/rebates.

6. Lower your water heater thermostat: Lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F, if possible, will save energy and avoid scalding. Find water heater rebates from $75 to $500 at sdge.com/rebates.

7. Use the “energy saver” switch on your dishwasher: Set it on a low temperature setting when feasible. Also, think about turning off the heat drying cycle – you don’t need it! Only run full loads and turn the appliance off after the dishes are washed. And make sure to run it during off-peak hours before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m.

8. Keep your blinds and curtains open during the day and closed at night: During the day, let the sunlight and warmth in. When the sun goes down, close your blinds to keep the warm air in.

9. Make sure your home is well-insulated: Without good home insulation, the hot air your natural gas heating system emits can escape through cracks, doors, windows, the attic and garage.

10. Use water efficiently: Take shorter showers and wash clothes in cold water. Consider installing low-flow fixtures, insulating your hot water pipes and using a water heater timer.

Visit sdge.com/MyEnergy for more