Gas Heating

Heating is the number one energy expense for most customers. In fact, heating can account for more than half of your total gas bill. Switching to a natural gas furnace or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model can help save you money.

The Gas Company provides weatherization and furnace repair/replacement to qualified limited-income customers.

Energy Conservation Tips

Save up to 30% on heating costs by lowering your furnace thermostat by 3 to 5 degrees (health permitting).
Install a programmable thermostat to help automatically regulate your home's temperature for comfort control and energy savings.
Save up to 25% of your heating costs by installing or upgrading insulation in your attic and walls.
Keep your heating system tuned-up to operate at maximum efficiency.
Caulk and weather-strip drafty windows and doors and save up to 5% on heating costs.
Clean or replace your furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations and save up to 2% on your heating costs.
For safety and efficiency, keep all heating vents and furnace registers free of dirt, lint and obstructions.
Have your air ducts tested for leaks. Ducts should be repaired with mastic-type sealant not duct tape. You could save up to 20% of your heating costs.
Open your drapes and shades during the day, allowing the sun to warm your house. Close them at night to limit the amount of heat that escapes.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats save on heating costs by automatically turning thermostats down or off when you want and back on again when you need heat.
Programmable thermostats are available in do-it-yourself or professional installation models (including units with several settings to turn heat down at night and during work or school hours when the house is empty) and units that handle both heating and air conditioning for year-round savings.
Thermostats should never be turned up high to heat a home in a hurry. The heater will stay on longer and waste energy. And the room will not heat up any faster.
Before buying a thermostat, consider the following:

Is the thermostat compatible with the electrical wiring found in your current unit?
Are you able to install it yourself, or should you hire an electrician or a heating / air conditioning (HVAC) contractor?
Are the programming instructions easy to understand?

The best thermostat for you depends on your life style and comfort level.

Appliance Selection Tips

Switching to a natural gas furnace or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model can help save you money.

The Gas Company provides weatherization and furnace repair/replacement for qualified residences of limited-income customers.
When buying a new gas furnace, choose an energy-efficient model. Look for a unit with a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) or an ENERGY STAR® label. *
Did you know that by replacing a central forced air-furnace that is 15+ years old with a new energy-efficient model, you could save up to 20% on heating costs?
When choosing a furnace, be sure to take into consideration the size, location, construction and insulation of your home. A system that is too large wastes fuel and money because it keeps cycling on and off. Ask a qualified gas heating contractor to estimate the heat loss of your home and recommend an appropriate size for your new furnace.
Low-interest financing may be available for the installation of energy-efficient heating systems.
Energy Guide labels can help you choose a cost-cutting furnace.

Where can I get more information about furnaces?

Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at www.eere.energy.gov *
Flex Your Power at www.fypower.org *

The actual energy savings obtained in each instance depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates, and so forth. Completing multiple energy saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings. Any rebates provided are subject to satisfaction of applicable qualification rules. Certain rebate programs may be modified by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and are subject to the availability of funds.

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