Related Articles
-Editorial
As the winter season is set to officially begin on Dec. 21st, many Californians are gearing up for colder temperatures, prompting a surge in their heating needs. SoCalGas is reaching out to customers with very important tips aimed at curbing natural gas bills during the cold months.
SoCalGas consistently emphasizes the importance of available tools to mitigate energy consumption and reduce bills. The following saving tips serve as a guide for customers to proactively prepare their homes for the seasonal shift, covering aspects such as air duct maintenance, water heating efficiency, and leak prevention.
The company recommends having your air ducts tested for leaks and promptly repairing them to potentially save up to 30% on heating and cooling costs. Save on water heating costs by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water.
Lower your furnace thermostat by five to eight degrees (if health permits) to save up to 10% and setting your water heater temperature to 120 degrees can result in up to 22% in energy cost savings.
It is also recommended to conserve energy by taking shorter hot showers. Regularly clean or replace your furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
Install proper caulking and weather-stripping to achieve roughly 10 to 15% savings on heating bills. Address leaky faucets and pipes promptly, as hot water leaks contribute to increased demand for the water heater, subsequently raising natural gas usage.
As winter settles in, SoCalGas encourages residents to adopt these practical measures, empowering them to stay warm without burning a hole in their wallets.
“SoCalGas encourages customers to sign up for the Ways to Save tool, which creates personalized recommendations for users to reduce their energy usage and save on their bills. Additionally, SoCalGas’ Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program provides qualified customers with no-cost energy-saving home improvements, such as a clothes washer replacement, low-flow shower heads, and attic insulation. These upgrades have the potential to save customers up to 20% annually on their natural gas bill,” Daisie Cristobal Sanchez, Senior Marketing Advisor for Customer Assistance Programs SoCalGas.
To make sure their infrastructure is strong during severe weather conditions expected to hit California in 2024, SoCalGas is deploying the largest capital investment in the company’s history, including a five-year plan that invests in modernizing our pipeline system. These upgrades to our infrastructure have led to enhanced public safety, system reliability, and reduced emissions.
“To ensure reliable service throughout Southern California, especially during the winter months and more significant storms, SoCalGas is deploying the largest capital investment in the company’s history, including a five-year plan that invests in modernizing our pipeline system,” Sanchez said. “At SoCalGas, we believe that every Californian deserves a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future. Our mission is to build the cleanest, safest, and most innovative energy company in America.”
