Spring is right around the corner, bringing with it the promise of warmer weather. While it's natural to focus on the brighter days ahead, now is actually the best time to reflect on the season we just made it through. Pay special mind to how your home fared during Winter Storm Fern and its frigid temperatures and biting winds. As you begin your spring cleaning, keep two questions in mind: Were you as comfortable as you wanted to be? Was your energy usage where you expected it to be?
If the answer to either question is "no," you'll want to take this opportunity to start planning for next winter, and we're here to guide you through it! Here's a list of ways to prepare your home so that you'll be ready when cold temperatures return.
Use caulking and weatherstripping to ensure the heat in your home stays inside where it belongs. Not only can this help reduce energy usage, but it can also minimize drafts and make your home cozier on chilly winter days.
Your heating system plays a key role in winter comfort. Scheduling a professional HVAC inspection while temperatures are mild allows technicians to identify small issues early and keep your system running at peak efficiency. Take the opportunity to ensure all components are thoroughly checked and ask about ways to optimize performance and reduce energy use.
A well-insulated home is a warm home, and spring is the perfect time to make sure your home's insulation is in good condition. Check areas like your attic, floors, and walls to confirm they have adequate insulation for your climate. Pay attention to R-value, which measures thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better your home will retain heat in winter and stay cooler in summer.
Efficient heating requires proper airflow. Inspect and replace dirty HVAC filters to help your system run efficiently. As an added bonus, clean filters can improve your indoor air quality.
Take control of your home's temperature from anywhere with a smart thermostat, ensuring comfort while optimizing energy use. It can learn your schedule and adjust automatically, and it provides monthly energy usage reports to help you stay warm efficiently.
Harsh winter weather can take a toll on your home. Each spring, inspect your home's exterior to ensure everything is in good working order. Check that exhaust vent flaps operate properly. Inspect the area around your gas meter. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and in good repair to prevent water from dripping onto equipment. If you believe your natural gas equipment has been damaged, contact us immediately.
Natural gas can do more than heat your home—it can also fuel many of the appliances you use every day. Homeowners can choose from natural gas furnaces, water heaters, ranges and ovens, dryers, fireplaces, and generators, among others. When selecting new equipment, look for energy-efficient models with the ENERGY STAR® label. Choosing the right appliance for your needs can help provide comfort and convenience while using less energy, leading to potential savings.
When it comes to everyday tasks, even the smallest changes can make a noticeable difference in your energy usage:
Wash Clothes with Cold Water – Using cold water is just as effective at cleaning your laundry and may use significantly less energy.
Make Every Clothes Load Count – Wash and dry loads back-to-back and avoid over-drying to save energy, reduce static and wrinkles, and help improve efficiency.
Air Dry Dishes – Disabling the heated dry feature on your dishwasher is a great way to save energy without compromising cleanliness.
Set Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees – Lowering your water heater temperature can reduce energy consumption while keeping your household comfortable.
We're here to help ensure winter energy bills don't catch you by surprise. In addition to convenient payment options like AutoPay, we offer Budget Billing for greater predictability and peace of mind. When enrolled in the plan, we'll average your monthly payments based on your most recent annual usage. Since the plan is especially helpful during the winter months, when natural gas bills tend to be higher, spring and summer are opportune times to enroll. You can enroll by logging in to your online account. Enroll in Budget Billing
From flexible payment plans to heating assistance programs, we're committed to your comfort and well-being. Reach out to us if you have any questions about your natural gas bill or available resources.
By getting a jump-start on winter prep now, you can help ensure your home is ready when cold weather returns. Every step you take toward improved energy efficiency can make a meaningful difference. If you have questions about your energy usage or want more energy-saving tips, our team is always here to help.
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