Why Is My Gas Bill So High? Learn The Likely Reasons

The answer to the question “why is my gas bill so high” often comes down to simple seasonality. Unless you are on a budget billing plan with your gas utility that averages out your payment over 12 months, your heating bill will likely rise in the winter as you use more natural gas, and dip in the summer with the reduced need to heat your home.

But what causes a spike in your heating bill? Learn about one possible, and potentially dangerous, reason, plus other common causes for a consistently high gas bill even in the summer. Then learn what you can do about them to promote energy savings.

If your monthly bill rises suddenly for no clear reason, especially in the summer, the cause could be a natural gas leak. Gas leaks may be the result of poorly maintained gas appliances, low-grade pipe fittings, a new gas appliance that’s faulty or was improperly installed, or an outdoor leak due to a line break.

What you can do: First things first—if you ever notice a strong smell of rotten eggs or hissing near gas appliances, open your home’s windows and doors, evacuate your family and pets, and call 911 immediately. Even the occasional faint smell of natural gas can be a sign of danger and should not be ignored. Report it to your gas utility immediately so it can be identified and addressed by a professional.

Consistently high bills, or high bills in the summer when heating costs drop for most households, can often be attributed to high gas supply rates, older, inefficient appliances, a need to better maintain or service your gas appliances, window and door drafts, heat loss through the attic or chimney, or opportunities to better manage your thermostat.

If your current supplier is your local utility, it’s likely you’re on a variable rate gas plan. A variable-rate plan changes with the seasons, so you may be paying higher gas prices as you use more energy in the winter. A higher gas rate also means you’ll be paying more per unit in the summer.

If you live in an Energy Choice state, this one is an easy fix. Shop gas suppliers and lock in a longer-term fixed-rate gas plan for up to 36 months. 

There are a variety of simple maintenance activities you can do in minutes to extend the life of your appliances, reduce safety risks around heat sources, and potentially reduce your gas consumption.

All appliances degrade over time. It is common for your heating system, dryer, or gas range to become less efficient over the course of its life and to require more energy to produce the same amount of heat.

Locating drafts around windows and doors is relatively easy. The temperature differences are often more noticeable there. Wiring holes, plumbing vents, recessed lighting, and basement rim joists are less obvious places you should check and address.

The better insulated your home, the less gas you’ll use to maintain a comfortable temperature. One way to save money on your gas bill is to upgrade the insulation in your attic or invest in more energy-efficient windows.

A thermostat is only as effective as its programming. Only one in eight homes have a programmable thermostat, and nearly 90% of homes with programmable thermostats don’t use them as intended.

Appliances like the water heater, dryer, and gas range make up a large percentage of our natural gas usage. Like turning off the lights when leaving a room, small adjustments to daily activities like bathing, laundry, and food preparation can lower your gas bill.

While uncommon, if your monthly bill rises suddenly for no clear reason, especially in the summer, the cause could be a natural gas leak. Small gas leaks may be the result of poorly maintained gas appliances, low-grade pipe fittings, a new gas appliance that’s faulty or was improperly installed, or an outdoor leak due to a line break.

What you can do: If you ever notice a strong smell of rotten eggs or hissing near gas appliances, open your windows and doors, take all family and pets outside the home, and call 911. Even the occasional faint smell of natural gas should not be ignored. Report it to your gas utility so it can be identified and addressed by a professional.

By offering fixed-rate plans and long-term contract options that lock in low rates, Energy Harbor can help you find affordable plans that could help you lower your high natural gas bills and electricity bills. Shop and switch today.