Be an Energy Saver

Natural gas is a nonrenewable resource, which means we can’t make more of it once the earth’s supplies are gone. That’s why it’s so important to not waste natural gas. Here are some ways to make sure your household uses gas wisely:

Cook with Care

Remind the cooks in your home to set the flame just high enough to cover the pot bottom—a higher flame wastes energy and can be dangerous. Remember to cover pots when cooking. Remind adults to reduce energy waste by not opening the oven too often.

Shorten Your Showers

It takes energy to heat water, so you can save natural gas by taking short showers or half-full baths. (Showers typically use up less hot water than baths.) Water-saving showerheads help conserve even more.

Turn Down the Heat

With the help of an adult, check your home thermostat. You can save energy by setting it to the lowest temperature that still keeps your home comfy—some recommend 68° F by day and 55° F by night. (If you get chilly, put on a sweater or cuddle up with some blankets.)

Let the Sun Shine in

Sun shining in through windows can heat your home for free. If windows face south, east, or west, open curtains when the sun shines through. North facing windows don’t get direct sunlight so keep them covered as much as possible in winter. Close all window coverings at night to retain indoor heat.

Keep Heated Air Inside

Every time your open a door while the heater is on, lots of heated air escapes. So close doors quickly when you enter or leave the house. Ask an adult to make sure the fireplace damper is closed when the heating system is on so heated air doesn’t escape up the chimney.

Wash Clothes Wisely

It takes energy to heat water for washing clothes—so make sure your clothes are really dirty before putting them into the laundry. Remind everyone who does laundry to wash with warm or cold water rather than hot.

Dryer Details

Don’t overdry clothes. Clean out the dryer lint filter before each load to improve airflow and reduce fire risk.

Be a Leak Detector

Hot water leaks waste water and the energy used to warm it up, so check your indoor faucets for leaks. Tell an adult about any leaks you find.

Do a Filter Inspection

Dirty filters make heating equipment work harder, so the filters in your heating system should be changed at the beginning of each heating season. Ask an adult to check them—they are usually located in the heating or cooling unit or in a register at the end of a duct.

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