Why Is My Gas Bill So High? 5 Common Reasons Why

Did you have to do a double-take when you looked at your most recent gas bill? If you're wondering "Why is my gas bill so high?" the answer can be a few things, including price hikes, faulty appliances, and more. While some are out of your control, others are fixable, leading to a more budget-friendly bill in the months to come.

1. Price Increases

Natural gas is a commodity, and it's affected by the laws of supply and demand. When there's a lot of natural gas to go around, the price drops, which is usually reflected on your bill. 

On the flip side, a limited supply of natural gas, due to reduced imports, lack of adequate gas reserves, and reduced production, usually drives the price up. This is particularly the case when a limited supply meets an increased demand, such as during the winter months. 

Your natural gas supplier will usually keep you up-to-date on price fluctuations, but in some years, those fluctuations can be considerably higher than usual, leading to an eye-popping gas bill.

The Solution

While you can't do much about supply and demand, you may be able to shop around and try to find a gas supplier that offers a lower price or that has fixed rates for an extended period. If you're in an Energy Choice state, you're able to shop around.

2. Weather Changes

A sudden drop in the temperature outdoors can lead to a spike in your gas bill, as your furnace needs to work harder to keep your home warm. Colder weather can also mean your household starts to use more hot water, which can drive up your gas bill if you have a gas water heater.

The Solution

You can't control the weather, but you can control your home's thermostat. Instead of cranking up the heat as the temperatures drop, encourage your family to put on an extra layer or two. Cozy up under blankets to keep warm while watching TV and limit the length of hot showers to under 10 minutes.

3. Your Appliances Need Some TLC

Gas heaters, stoves, and water heaters all need ongoing maintenance to keep working efficiently. As your appliances get older, though, they may not work as well as they did previously, leading to an increase in your gas bills. 

Even if your appliances are on the newer side, if there's a problem with them, they may use more fuel than intended, bumping up your bill. If prices haven't gone up and the weather isn't unusually cold, a faulty appliance could be to blame.

The Solution

Depending on its age and condition, the best option here may be to replace your heating system or other gas appliances. A local HVAC contractor can inspect your system and let you know the best way to proceed. The same is true of a gas water heater or stove.

4. Poor Insulation

Insulation keeps hot air from escaping your home while keeping cold air out. A high gas bill can be a sign of a poorly insulated home, as your heater needs to work extra hard to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. Even then, you may notice that parts of your home feel much colder than they should be. 

The Solution

Adding insulation to areas that have none can help you get your gas bills under control.  Hiring an insulation contractor can help you understand the type of insulation that will work best for your home and climate. 

5. Thermostat Wars

Your gas bill may be high because someone in your home is cranking up the thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and turning it down at night and when you're not at home to reduce your energy use. 

But a member of your household may have other ideas and could be turning up the thermostat higher to get toasty.

The Solution

Sit down with members of your household and have a chat about thermostat use. It could be that you create rules about who can touch the thermostat and how high is too high. Another option is to install a smart thermostat, which can learn your household's habits and help reduce your gas bill. 

When to Call a Pro

If you suspect that an outdated or malfunctioning gas appliance is contributing to your high bills, it's time to call in a professional to take a look at it. An HVAC repair contractor can examine your furnace or heating system, make adjustments to it to improve its function, or recommend replacement if it's on its last legs. 

If a poorly insulated home is contributing to your increased energy costs, hiring an insulation contractor is the way to go. They can evaluate your home and install the correct type and level of insulation to bring your energy bills down.

How to Prevent Sky-High Gas Bills

Along with replacing old appliances and adding insulation, there are a few other things you can do to prevent high gas bills:

• Wear extra layers in the winter and use plenty of blankets.

• Limit hot showers.

• Turn down the thermostat at night and when you're not at home.

• Have your heating system inspected and serviced annually to keep it functioning at its best.