Ever feel like your gas bill is climbing without any clear reason? You’re not alone. Many Australian households struggle with this.
If you’re wondering why is my gas bill so high, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five possible reasons and what you can do to lower the bill:
- Changing Seasons
In winter, electricity and gas usage skyrockets in Australia. To give you an example: Nearly half of all annual gas use in Victoria and Tasmania homes occurs during the winter months. In Victoria, gas bills on average are $336 higher than in summer.
You might be using gas heaters and water heaters more frequently. Moreover, as demand increases, so does the price. All of this can lead to a high gas bill.
Check in with your gas retailer and make sure you’re not getting charged extra.
- Inefficient Hot Water Heater Usage
Australian winters are harsh, which makes water heaters a necessity. That said, many households adopt inefficient usage habits. This can include taking long showers and running hot water unnecessarily.
A tank-style water heater can also be the culprit. It consumes energy even when hot water isn’t being used.
Here’s what you can do:
- Take shorter showers
- Use a timer to heat water to avoid frequent reheating
- Switch to an upgraded hot water heater
- Outdated Appliances
All appliances degrade over time. And appliances like furnaces, dryers, and stoves become less energy-efficient. As a result, they require more gas to produce the same amount of heat.
For instance, if your water heater is over 10 years old, there is a high chance it doesn’t follow current efficiency standards.
The best thing you can do is upgrade to newer, more energy-efficient appliances. Think of it as an investment that’ll pay off a little every month.
- Inefficient Thermostat Usage
A thermostat helps keep your home warm and cozy, but it can also make gas bills climb. The reason? Inefficient thermostat usage habits.
Here are some mistakes you might be making:
- Locating the thermostat near a heat source, such as the stove.
- Constantly adjusting the thermostat setting.
- Having the fan set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” which makes the fan run continuously.
Here’s what you can do:
- Reposition the thermostat.
- Consider zoned heating. Heat specific rooms to lower usage.
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat.
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable setting and leave it as is for extended periods.
- Poor Insulation
Heat loss occurs through poorly insulated windows, chimneys, and attics. Basements and crawl spaces, too, allow warm air to escape. As a result, your heating system has to work hard and consume more gas to keep a comfortable indoor temperature.
Here’s what you can do: Conduct a thorough energy audit and find air leaks around the house. Then, use caulk to seal cracks around windows and door frames. Apply weatherstripping to worn-out door seals.
Don’t forget the electrical and plumbing system. Seal gaps around pipes and wires that pass through walls and ceilings. You can use caulk or spray foam.
