If you use gas for many of your home appliances, you may be wondering how to lower gas bill in 2024. Some of us have noticed gas companies increasing their gas prices, causing us to pay more out of pocket.
The energy cost increase is more pronounced in some states than in others; residents of Victoria may pay 20% more for gas this year than in the previous ones.
Other states, such as NSW and Queensland, may pay only 9% and 5% more for gas this year. However, it still indicates how much the gas bills have increased. This increase will also impact natural gas consumption in 2024.
Wholesalers and retailers say the problem stems from the Russia/Ukraine war. Russia is the world’s largest gas exporter and the fourth-largest LNG exporter, so the war has massively hit the gas market.
The same is partly true about Ukraine since it also exports small amounts of gas in storage for European retailers.
Suggested Reading: Check out our guide on the Solar Hot Water Rebate in Victoria to find out how else you can save on your bills.
Steps to lower your gas bill
So, in light of the above, it is crucial to lower your energy consumption and look for alternatives. While Australia is one of the largest exporters of LNG in the world, it can only produce so much with many of its supporters facing natural gas shortages.
So, are you looking for how to lower gas bill in 2024 and save for a deposit or just to increase that number in your savings account? Here are a few things to try:
Insulate your hot water pipes
This step may cost you some money, but we never said it would be free of cost. Besides, it is a one-time expense, but the results may significantly affect how much you will spend on gas this year and in the future.
Most hot water tanks are already insulated to prevent heat loss. That way, you do not always have to power your heaters to produce hot water.
However, the pipes are not always insulated, which may cause heat loss as the water flows from the tanks to your faucets and meets cold or warm air.
Consequently, it may appear cold and you will power the heater, consuming gas unnecessarily. Insulating the pipes will reduce heat loss and cut down your energy consumption, and in turn, energy bills.
Use a low-flow or handheld showerhead
Did you know that using a handheld or low-flow showerhead can reduce water loss when showering? Many traditional shower heads help you use less water than using a bathtub, but they are less efficient in conserving water than low-flow types.
With the latter, you will use less water while still having a satisfying shower. That way, you save gas you may have used to pump or heat water. Consider switching to a more efficient option to reduce your gas use this year.
Do your laundry with cold water
Most of the clothes you can wash with a washing machine can withstand cold water. In other words, you do not always have to wash with hot or warm water.
Also, laundry detergents perform well in hot or cold water. So, instead of heating water, use cold water.
However, if you must wash with hot or warm water, ensure you have all the dirty clothes and do a full load to save water and reduce your gas bill.
Also, consider adjusting the water level in the machine to the number of clothes you put in it. Do not use too much water for a few clothes.
Change your cookware
If your cooking range is powered by gas or you use more gas appliances instead of electricity, you will use more gas. Older pots and pans may cause heat loss while cooking; the same is true of pots made with less conductive metals.
If that is the case, you will typically use more gas while cooking because of the heat loss.
A step as simple as replacing your cookware or even changing the lids to fit more snugly can make a world of difference in your gas bills. This is part of how to lower gas bill in 2024.
Some specific features, such as using a round-bottom pot or pan, can help to cook your food faster and better. Additionally, keep the oven door shut when in use and turn off your gas when the food is almost done and allow the heat to finish the job.
Regulate your hot water usage
Your gas hot water system may be an instantaneous system or a storage system. The instantaneous systems heat water when you want it. On the other hand, the storage system stores hot water and uses a gas flame to keep it hot in an insulated storage tank.
This means you constantly use gas to keep the water hot. However, the point where the gas flame meets the tank is not insulated, which means cold air will lower the temperature.
Consider using the instantaneous system to reduce gas usage. Also, lower the temperature setting on your hot water system so that it produces water at the exact temperature you need instead of making it too hot. This is part of how to lower gas bill in 2024.
