From Guest Blogger Lillian Connors: How to Use Gas Heating More Rationally

Whether you’re ready to admit it or not, winter is definitely coming our way! And this doesn’t just mean we should be ready to decorate our Christmas trees, but also reconsider our heating options for the cold season. Lots of people around the world prefer gas heating because they find it to be the most adequate and energy-efficient solution, but what if you could tweak things up a bit and use your gas heating more rationally? Here’s how.

Sealing the doors and windows

This may seem like the oldest trick in the book, but making sure your windows and doors are fully closed at all times is one of the keys towards a more rational gas usage. Even the smallest of gaps can turn out to be a major problem and all those tiny leaks can make a huge difference.

One of the ways to solve this problem is installing weather stripping – this is something you can do on your own in a matter of minutes, yet save a considerable amount of heat and money in the long run. In the end, don’t forget to put up some curtains because these are basically an additional layer of protection and insulation you’ll surely appreciate.

Insulating homes

Depending on when your home was built, the chances are it’s not properly insulated and although this doesn’t sound like a big deal at first, it’s actually a game-changer when it comes to saving money on gas heating. Luckily for you, this is another problem that can be dealt with in a short amount of time and without breaking the bank.

Adding insulation to an existing building is much easier today than it was just a couple of decades ago, but be sure to find a reliable contractor who’ll do this for you. What you can do on your own is add some interior insulation and thus elevate the overall energy-efficiency of your home. But, before you do any of this, make sure you’ve checked basements and attics, because these are the spaces that leak out the biggest amount of heat in your home and maximize your gas consumption.

Checking the furnace

Sometimes the problem aren’t the leaks and insulation, but your furnace – it may be outdated or not functioning adequately without you even noticing it. That’s why you need to check it every once in a while, especially if it was installed more than ten years ago, and ensure everything’s all right.

In case you notice something’s wrong, getting new equipment might make more sense than fixing your existing heating system. Opting for a contemporary gas hot water system, for example, means you’ll have hot water throughout the house and that your heating will always be on the highest level, and that’s something we all need during cold days.

Resetting the thermostat

Finally, this could easily be the most overlooked problem and an issue lots of gas users are dealing with. Knowing how to program and operate your thermostat is essential for optimum gas usage, so double check your knowledge, just in case.

If you find out you’ve been doing something wrong all this time, don’t worry: simply learn from your mistakes and don’t let them happen again. Setting your thermostat properly will ultimately save you a ton of gas, especially when your heating system is inactive, so remember to lower it down whenever you’re leaving the house for a longer period of time.

In the end, don’t forget to keep your home as energy-efficient and green as possible – assess your gas needs, improve your insulation, find an optimum gas plan and start saving money without compromising on your own coziness.