Southwest Gas Offers Tips to Minimize Higher Bills
With the onset of cooler weather, conservation measures taken today can help consumers manage their utility bills throughout the winter heating season. Southwest Gas reminds consumers that weatherization and conservation not only helps them use energy wisely, but helps them save their energy dollars as well.
For instance, the most important thing residential consumers can do before the heating season begins in earnest is to have heating appliances checked out thoroughly by a professional heating contractor. A checkup can prolong the life of the furnace and decrease energy usage, as well as ensure that the heating appliance is operating safely. Consumers without a heating contractor can call the Southwest Gas Energy Specialists toll-free at 1-800-654-2765, or visit the Southwest Gas Web site, www.swgas.com, for the names of local contractors, who can inspect the furnace to assure that it's running efficiently and safely.
Turning down the thermostat can save about 2 percent on the heating bill for each degree that the thermostat is lowered. Turning down the thermostat 10 degrees at night can save about 7 percent in heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Installing a programmable thermostat can automatically reduce the temperature setting at night as well as when families are away from home.
Additional inexpensive weatherization steps include caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows to insulate against drafts; installation of low-flow showerheads and faucets; minimizing the use of exhaust fans; and waiting until dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers are full before operating in order to help save water and energy.
For more information on home energy efficiency or high-efficiency natural gas appliances, contact a Southwest Gas Energy Specialist at
1-800-OK-GAS-OK (1-800-654-2765), or log onto www.swgas.com.
Southwest Gas provides natural gas service to more than 1.7 million customers in parts of Arizona, California and Nevada.
