It won’t be long until we are relying on our heating to keep our homes cosy over winter. We hope you saw our post on how to save money on your electricity but what if your heating system is gas? Natural gas is such an efficient and reliable source of energy, it is a popular option for heating, cooking and even drying clothes in Irish homes. If you found your heating costs were getting a little out of hand last winter, we have some great tips to help you lower your gas bill this year:
 

1. Get your boiler serviced

Gas is a safe and reliable source of energy in the home once the equipment needed runs efficiently. A poorly maintained boiler system may not only cost you more in gas, but it is also dangerous. Be sure to have your gas boiler serviced once a year.
 

2. Replace older boilers

If your boiler is old, it may be wasting a huge amount of the energy it produces and costing you more money. Modern gas boilers are much more energy efficient. Although there will be a cost to replace your old boiler, it will be offset by savings in your gas bill.
 

3. Draft proof your home

As you are settling down for the evening, do you often notice a draft from windows or doors in your home? Over time windows and doors suffer wear and tear. This can result in drafts between the sash and window frame, so more gas is used to heat your home. If replacing windows and doors isn’t an option, your local hardware shop should have draft proofing products to help seal any gaps. 
 

4. Improve insulation

Does your heat need to be on for long periods of time to keep your home warm? Does heat disappear as soon as you turn your heating off even though windows and doors are closed? This is an indication your home may not be well insulated. You are not alone in this. Most of the older housing in Ireland is not insulated up to modern standards. There are grants available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland [SEAI] for many forms of insulation that will help improve the Building Energy Rating [BER] of your home. 
 

5. Check vents

Make sure furniture or appliances in your home are not blocking vents or impeding airflow through your house. If air cannot circulate sufficiently, your heating system has to work overtime to get your home to a comfortable level.
 

6. Thermostat levels

How warm is your home in winter? Do you wear summer clothes around the house in the colder months? Leave doors or windows open? Look at all your habits around the home when it comes to heating. Take any action that may allow you to turn the thermostat down, reducing it by a degree should make a difference.
 

7. Avoid drying clothes on radiators

Drying clothes during an Irish winter is a challenge to say the least. If you want to lower your gas bill try not to drape clothes over radiators to dry. They’ll block heat from getting out into the room. Using a clothes airer is more effective.
 

8. Limit tumble dryer use

Gas tumble dryers are a great way to get clothes dry fast but they are also expensive to run. Try to limit your use to emergencies or very rainy days. When you are using it, make sure to clean the dryer filter of lint. If you have the time and space, clothes airers are a better option. They come in lots of shapes and sizes, even ones you can suspend from the ceiling if space is at a premium.
 

9. Solar gain

Make the most of solar gain, even during winter months by opening blinds to allow daylight in. The sunlight through the glass in your windows will help to heat rooms at specific times of the day, depending on the orientation of your property. 
 

10. Switch to Energia

Switching your gas provider to Energia could help you save up to €122 each year on your gas bill. The best news is, switching to Energia is easy. You can switch online in 4 minutes or call one of our sales team who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.