The Gift of Efficiency for Energy Savings
It’s the gift giving season! So, get yourself a gift that does double duty and saves you money on your natural gas bills and other energy costs. Energy efficient gifts keep paying off for years. Many of these gifts are simple upgrades that most homes can use right away. Other gifts are larger and may require installation but go a long way in reducing your Georgia gas costs. No matter your budget, you can find something that lowers waste and makes a home warmer and more efficient. So, gift yourself (or someone else) one of these items for natural gas savings.
Gift Low-Cost Efficiency with Big Impact
Gift yourself one of these low cost items that won’t cost you too much upfront but could actually lead to major energy savings.
1. LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use about 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can keep working for 25 years. You can get basic LED bulbs and just focus on energy savings. Or you could opt for a fun option and get a smart LED bulb that changes color!
2. Smart Power Strips
Many devices use power even when off. A smart power strip can stop this “vampire load.” That can add up to $200 a year. Standard power strips don’t help save money automatically, so make sure you look for one labeled smart or adaptive.
3. Door Draft Stoppers & Weatherstripping
Ok, this gift isn’t exactly shiny, sparkly, or super exciting, but it packs a punch! Heating your home is the number one use of natural gas in Georgia and nationwide. According to Energy Star, many homeowners can save 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating their house.
4. Faucet Aerators & Low-Flow Shower Heads
The average household sees about 18% of its energy costs go to water heating. With Georgia gas prices rising this winter, cutting your hot water usage at the shower can help lower this cost. WaterSense faucets and aerators can reduce water use by about 700 gallons a year. Similarly, low-flow WaterSense shower heads can save 2,700 gallons per year.
5. Smart Thermostats
Smart Thermostats learn your routines and automatically lower your heating and cooling costs. They’ll also detect things like peak times when utilities may charge more for energy use and adjust settings automatically. You will also see your thermostat automatically adjust overnight and when you’re out to save. This can reduce heating and cooling costs 7-10%.
Savings to Splurge On a Big Efficiency Gift
Next up are a couple of items to gift that will cost you more but also give you more natural gas savings!
1. Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
Depending on the amount of hot water your household uses, tankless water heaters can save you 8-34% on this cost. Keep in mind these models can cost about twice as much, but give you energy savings and can last up to twice as long.
2. Insulation Upgrades
As mentioned above, adding insulation and sealing your house can save 15% on heating and cooling. But the insulation part of this equation comes at a decent cost. At around $1-$3 per square foot, this project can easily add up to $2k-$4k. If the energy savings and added comfort at home are worth it to you, then this is a great splurge gift this season!
With any of these gifts, you can make your energy savings go even further when you shop for the cheapest natural gas rate. To see how much you could save with a new natural gas plan, visit us today at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.