If you heat your New Haven home with natural gas, we have good news for you: Natural gas prices aren’t expected to spike this winter!
According to a new report from the US Energy Information Administration, most homes heating with natural gas will have about the same gas bills as they did last winter.
But that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a low gas bill. If your house is leaking energy, your bills will go up no matter what rate you pay.
At New England Smart Energy Group, we’ve been helping New Haven homeowners find and fix energy wasters in their homes since 2009. Here are the top improvements we recommend to save energy and keep your gas bill low this winter.
1. Seal Drafts & Improve Insulation
Insulation and air sealing are the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency, especially in older New Haven homes.
- Air Sealing – Closes the gaps around windows, doors, and other drafty areas that let cold air in and heat out
- Insulation – Stops heat from seeping out through walls, floors, and ceilings–the most important places to insulate are the attic, basement, and exterior walls.
- Seal Leaky Ducts – Stops heat from leaking out of your air ducts before it even reaches your living spaces
- Insulate Pipes – Reduces heat loss from hot water pipes
Pro Tip: Sign up for Home Energy Solutions℠
Through Home Energy Solutions (HES) or Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible (HES-IE), you can receive an in-home energy assessment during which we’ll make and recommend improvements that can save you money on your energy bills.
Improvements may include:
- Sealing drafty areas
- Sealing leaky air ducts
- Installing hot water pipe wrap, faucet aerators, and low-flow showerheads
You’ll also get access to rebates and incentives for deeper improvements, like insulation. If you’re income-eligible and live in New Haven, you can get incentives to help pay for mold remediation, asbestos removal, and knob-and-tube wiring removal to prepare for an insulation upgrade.
The cost of HES/HES-IE is heavily subsidized by Energize Connecticut℠. If you’re income-eligible, there is no cost. There’s a $75 co-pay for all other utility customers. If you’re income-eligible, there is no cost. If you sign up before 12/31/2025, your co-pay will be waived!
2. Replace Old Windows
Old, drafty windows waste energy and increase your heating bills. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient windows will help cut energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
Signs You Would Benefit from Energy-Efficient Windows
Wondering if you should replace your windows? Look for these signs:
- Single-pane glass
- No UV coatings on windows
- Cold drafts coming in through windows
- Visible gaps around windows
- A lot of outside noise coming into your home
Pro Tip: Get Rebates for Window Replacements in New Haven, CT
You can save on window replacements in CT with Energize Connecticut rebates. Most utility customers can receive a $100 rebate per window, and income-eligible customers may qualify for 100% off window replacements.
3. Replace Your Inefficient Gas Furnace
Furnaces, like all HVAC equipment, become less efficient as they age. If your furnace is 10+ years old, it probably isn’t running as efficiently as it did when you first bought it. That means you’re likely spending more to heat your home than you need to.
Best Replacement Options for a Gas Furnace
A heat pump is typically the best replacement option for an old, inefficient gas furnace. Heat pumps run on electricity. When you install one, you will reduce or eliminate your gas bill. Your electricity costs will go up, but a high-efficiency heat pump will likely result in lower heating costs.
Pro Tip: You May Qualify for Financial Incentives to Install a Heat Pump in New Haven
New Haven homeowners can claim major incentives to reduce the cost of installing a new heat pump. Utility customers may be eligible for savings through Energize CT℠, while income-eligible residents can claim higher incentives, plus extra savings thanks to a New Haven city grant. These could cover 100% of your heat pump installation costs, including related electrical system upgrades.
Learn More About How You Can Save on Gas Bills
If you’re worried about high winter gas bills, New England Smart Energy Group is here for you. We’ve been helping New Haven homeowners improve energy efficiency and lower heating bills since 2009.
