It is important for you to remember that in addition to gas costs, weather dramatically affects natural gas bills.

By reading the meter, you can gauge how fast you are using gas and can make adjustments to stay within budget. Instructions on how to read your gas meter.

How you can save money on your energy bill

Keep the cold out Reducing air leaks could cut 10 percent from an average household's monthly energy bill. For example, consumers can seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping. The most common places where air escapes in homes are: a. floors, walls, ceilings b. ducts c. fireplace d. plumbing penetrations e. doors f. windows g. fans and vents h. electrical outlets

Use energy wisely
1. Set thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly parents or infants.
2. Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by insalling an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.
3. Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Use the receipt of your natural gas bill as a reminder.
4. Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor.
5. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces.
6. Set water heater temperatures at 120 degrees. This will allow a family to cut water-heating bills without sacrificing comfort.