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How can I reduce my natural gas use? (Fortis BC)

November 14, 2018

We recognize as the colder temperatures set in, it will become more challenging for everyone to reduce their use of natural gas. Here are some simple ways to help you reduce your consumption.

 

​Turn down the ​thermostat

  • We recognize that in some parts of BC it may be impractical to turn down thermostats completely due to cold weather. Where possible we’re asking customers to set your thermostat between 18 – 20° C when home and awake and no more than 17° C when out or asleep.

​Wear a​ sweater

  • The simplest way to stay warm is to reach for a sweater instead of the thermostat. If you’re still cold, blankets and socks are a great way to insulate you against the chill.

​Heat only the rooms ​you’re in

  • Close warm air supply registers in rooms you’re not using. Avoid heating non-insulated spaces such as a garage, crawl space, attic or storage shed.

​Take shorte​r showers

  • Using less hot water will help conserve our natural gas supply. Limit daily showers to five minutes and you’ll save water and reduce your natural gas use.

​Dishwasher

  • Use the energy​-saving mode when your dishes are less dirty.
  • Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.

​Clothes washer/dryer

  • Wash laundry in cold water.
  • Always wash full loads to help save energy.
  • Use lower heat settings on your natural gas dryer, such as permanent press.

​Window coverings

  • On sunny days, take advantage of Mother Nature by opening blinds or curtains to warm up.

​Natural gas fireplace

  • Natural gas fireplaces can still be used to efficiently heat the room you’re in. Save energy by turning down the thermostat in the rest of the house and not heating areas that no one is using.

How your efforts to reduce natural gas use can add up

We’re all in this together and every little bit counts. Here are a few ways that small changes can add up.

Residential

  • Turning down the thermostat an additional three degrees when you need heat, can save an average of eight gigajoules of natural gas per year. If 11 households did this simple action it could equal enough natural gas to heat one home for a year.
  • If each member of a four-person household were to shorten their daily shower time by two minutes, almost five gigajoules of natural gas would be saved per year. If a community of 100,000 households did the same, it would save enough natural gas to provide space heating for almost 5,000 homes for a year.

Business

  • If a 23,000 square foot office lowered its thermostat by three degrees during office hours, it would save enough natural gas to provide space heating for one household for a year.
  • If just one per cent of BC’s restaurants turned off one of their decorative natural gas fireplaces during the heating season, it would save enough natural gas to heat about 156 homes for a year.

 Source: https://www.fortisbc.com/MediaCentre/BCsNaturalGasSupplyIsLimited/Pages/default.aspx