It's Winter Gas Savings Time
From December 1 through January 31, when you reduce your gas usage you can save two ways. First, you’ll save on your monthly gas costs. Second, you’ll get a bonus credit of up to 20% on your PG&E bill. Most PG&E gas customers are automatically enrolled.
Our NEW Progress Tracker shows you how current usage compares to your goal. You can track how you are progressing throughout the Winter Gas Savings season.
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You'll find a whole range of ways to lower your gas costs in the “tips” section below.
Tips for Saving Gas this Winter
Simple Steps
- Lower the temperature by 1° F (if it’s set between 60° and 70° F) and you can save as much as 5% on heating costs.
- In the winter, open your window coverings on sunny days to help warm the rooms.
- Remember to clean the lint trap before every load; this step can save you up to $34 a year.
- Microwave small amounts of food instead of heating them up in the oven - you can reduce cooking energy by up to 80%.
- Showers can account for up to 73% of your water heating costs. Cut your shower time in half to reduce your water heating costs by 9%.
- Save on heating costs. Keeping your thermostat set at 68º F during the daytime and 55º F at night can reduce your heating costs by up to 20%.
- Washing clothes in cold water can save the average household up to $30 annually on hot water heating cost, if you have a gas water heater.
- Open all heating vents and check that they're not blocked by furniture or other items. This ensures that heated air is evenly distributed through your home.
- Reducing your water heater temperature from 140° F to 120° F can result in up to 10% savings in hot water costs. Ensure your dishwasher has its own booster heater before making this adjustment.
- Don't over-dry your clothes. Use your dryer's energy-saving moisture sensor to automatically turn the machine off. A dryer operating an extra 15 minutes per load can cost you up to $34 annually.
Quick Fixes
- Install low-flow showerheads – they can save you up to 16% on your water heating costs.
- Choosing an ENERGY STAR® gas storage water heater can save up to $12 a year. Receive up to a $50 PG&E rebate for qualifying models.
- Purchase a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® qualified clothes washer if yours is over 10 years old and save up to $74 a year on utility bills. $50 rebate available.
- Wrap older water heaters with an insulating jacket to minimize excess heat loss. And, don’t forget to leave the air intake vent uncovered when insulating a gas water heater. Savings of up to 10% can be achieved on water heating costs.
- By air sealing and properly insulating the attics, walls, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists, a savings of up to 10% of total energy costs can be achieved. Eligible PG&E customers may qualify for attic and wall insulation rebates.
- In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor to produce an updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into your living space.
Big Savers
- Properly sealing and insulating your home can save you up to 20% on heating costs.
- Replacing your old windows with high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.
- Have a licensed HVAC contractor check your central heating/cooling duct system for leaks. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 20% — and sometimes much more.
- Replace your pre-1977 gas furnace (probably 50-60% efficient) with the most efficient model and you could cut your natural gas use by up to 33%. PG&E offers rebates up to $300 on qualifying models.
View Your Winter Gas Savings Progress Tracker
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Solar Water Heater Rebate
Conserve resources and save energy by installing a solar water heating system.
