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Optimize your gas bill

BUDGETING

BANKEAZ | Optimization Team
8/29/2024 - 7 min read

Are you utilizing gas for heating?

There are ways to enhance your cost savings without sacrificing comfort during the winter season.

Discover effective strategies to optimize your heating bill without compromising warmth.

#EnergyEfficiency #HomeHeating

If your home uses gas heating and you're looking to decrease costs, ponder over these 11 effective strategies to lower your gas bill during the chilly season.

Although natural gas heating is beneficial, it can cause a spike in gas usage during winter, affecting your overall expenditure.

By adopting these measures, you can warm your home in a more cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.

> Average price of a gas bill in France

In France, gas prices change monthly, with individuals paying an average, in July 2024 of €0,13159 per kWh for natural gas.

With the energy market opening up and the end of regulated tariffs, consumers now have the option to choose their gas contract from different suppliers offering varying rates per kWh or fixed prices for multiple years.

Here the list ↗ for 2024. 

> How to optimize your gas bill: 11 tips for optimizing your gas bill

Prepare your home for winter by optimizing its layout to reduce gas consumption regardless of the season.

Take action on these suggestions in the summer months to be ready for the colder temperatures.

- Take stock of your gas consumption

To ensure a thorough inspection of your residence, you have the option to enlist the expertise of a professional or undertake the task yourself to cut costs.

It is essential to meticulously assess each room and thoroughly examine all possible locations where leaks may be concealed.

This process will help identify any areas in need of attention and maintenance to prevent potential issues in the future.

These include:

• Windows;

• Exterior doors;

• Air vents;

• Electrical outlets;

• Piping and plumbing.

- Seal all air leaks

If you detect cold drafts coming through the areas examined in the audit, it is crucial to add insulation.

You can opt for foam spray or mastic to seal gaps around pipes, insulate near electrical outlets, or use rubber or plastic sealing strips on door and window frames.

Inefficiently insulated doors and windows are often the main contributors to energy waste, accounting for 10% to 25% of heating expenses.

- Invest in a smart thermostat

Optimizing your thermostat usage is key to lowering your gas expenses.

The aim is to heat your living space only when needed, focusing on occupied areas.

A smart thermostat is the solution, offering remote control via various devices like smartphones and tablets.

This allows you to adjust temperatures based on your presence, maximizing efficiency. Advanced models even provide zone-specific temperature control and can learn your preferences to create a custom heating and cooling schedule.

Enhance your comfort and savings with smart thermostat technology.

- Changing gas supplier

To reduce your gas expenses, ensure you're on the most cost-effective plan available.

If it's been a while since you reviewed your contract, chances are you're overpaying.

Comparing standard rates with the best deals on the market can lead to significant savings.

Utilize an online comparison tool ↗ to evaluate different rates and select the most advantageous option.

The potential savings might surprise you.

> How to optimize your gas bill during the winter season

Now that your home is prepared for the winter season, here are some additional suggestions to help minimize your gas expenses.

Utilize existing heat, adjust your clothing choices, and discover surprising ways to save on gas during the colder months.

- Set your thermostat

Whether manually adjusting or using intelligent systems, tweaking your thermostat settings is a simple yet effective method to reduce your gas expenses.

To achieve optimal savings, aim to keep your home heated to 20°C. Gradually lower the temperature by one degree per week to ensure a seamless transition and the well-being of those in your household.

When the house is empty, remember to set the thermostat to 13°C to avoid unnecessary heating.

During nighttime, adjust the thermostat to 15°C - 16°C while everyone is asleep, and if possible, schedule it to increase to 20°C an hour before waking up.

- Avoid fireplace fires

If you own a fireplace, it's advisable to use it sparingly as it may not be as efficient as you think.

Fireplaces often lose 80% of their heat through the flue, while also drawing in cold air from outside through gaps in windows and doors.

Ultimately, using a gas heater may be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to relying on a fireplace.

- Wear warm clothes

To prevent unnecessary thermostat adjustments in winter, consider dressing warmly.

Investing in quality merino wool socks, a cozy sweater, or a lined bathrobe can lead to significant savings on your gas bill.

For added protection against the cold, consider adding these clothing items to your shopping list:

• Thermal leggings;

• Long underwear;

• Wool poncho;

• A hat;

• Warm slippers.

- Use a mobile electric heater

For those living alone or spending significant time in solitude at home, considering a portable electric heater can be a smart financial decision.

By heating only the occupied space instead of engaging the entire home's central heating, substantial savings on your energy bills can be achieved.

Nonetheless, it's imperative to switch off the heater when vacating the room, as electric heaters pose potential fire risks.

- Reuse heat already generated

Remember to harness the heat you generate at home by keeping the oven door open after cooking and leaving the bathroom door ajar post-shower.

This simple practice helps distribute warmth throughout your living space efficiently.

Embracing these habits not only boosts the overall temperature in your home but also enhances comfort.

- Close the curtains at night

As the sun sets, the outdoor temperature drops, signaling the time to close your curtains and shutters.

This simple step not only keeps the cold air at bay but also helps in maintaining a cozy indoor environment. By embracing this practice, you can enhance the comfort of your living space and reduce the need for excessive heating, leading to improved energy efficiency.

Remember, small actions like these can make a significant difference in creating a pleasant atmosphere at home.

- Invest in thermal or insulating equipment

Enhance the thermal efficiency of your home by incorporating thermal curtains and custom-made foam panels.

These innovative solutions effectively trap heat indoors, creating a warm and cozy environment while reducing energy consumption.

The high-density foam used in thermal curtains acts as a barrier against cold air infiltration, while magnetic strips on foam panels further enhance insulation.

Traditional curtains also add aesthetic value to your home.

Invest in these energy-efficient upgrades today to improve comfort and save on energy costs.

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Our range of account options provides the convenience of instant mobile notifications, enabling you to monitor your balance in real-time.

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