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Why do I Have Such a High Gas Bill?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A number of factors can contribute to a high gas bill, including fluctuations in gas price, new appliances, and wasteful practices in a home or business. People who notice a sudden spike in their gas bills should check to see if there was a drastic change in gas prices, and may want to consider other issues like an extremely cold spate of weather that might lead them to rely heavily on gas heating. For low income people, there may be financial assistance available to help pay for gas, including price cap programs to limit total costs.

Gas prices fluctuate regularly and can be very unpredictable. A common cause of higher gas bills is a change in price. People can compare the rate for gas between bills to see the difference, and may want to find a bill for similar levels of gas usage to better understand how pricing changes can affect billing. People may also want to consider things like changing fees and taxes; the government may require a gas company to collect certain fees, and these can change without warning, spiking up a bill.

A programmable automatic thermostat may help reduce heating costs.
A programmable automatic thermostat may help reduce heating costs.

Another cause of a high gas bill can be weather. When it is extremely cold, heaters have to work harder to warm a space and people may be more inclined to turn up the thermostat, using more gas. Appliance settings can also be a culprit; a gas water heater on the highest setting, for example, will run more often to keep the water hot, even if people don't actually need their water that hot. Likewise, adjusting a thermostat a few degrees up or down can cause a radical shift in energy usage.

Leaking insulation is a common reason for high gas bills.
Leaking insulation is a common reason for high gas bills.

Structures lacking insulation, especially those with large single paned windows and high ceilings, a common problem in older homes, can contribute to a high gas bill. Many appliance companies offer assistance with installing weatherstripping and taking other steps to keep structures more sealed so they will lose less heat, cutting down on utility prices.

Cold weather can lead to higher usage of gas appliances, meaning higher gas bills.
Cold weather can lead to higher usage of gas appliances, meaning higher gas bills.

Leaking appliances may also contribute to a high gas bill. People usually notice leaks by smell, but not always. Water heaters, for example, are often installed outside a main space and may be outdoors, allowing the gas to dissipate. If people suspect they have a gas leak, they should call the gas company and ask for an evaluation. Another potential issue contributing to a high gas bill is service calls. Gas companies respond to reported leaks free of charge, but if people have to come out to relight appliances, they may charge a small fee. This can make a bill appear higher than usual at first, but reading the detailed breakdown of charges should clarify the situation. People concerned about appliance lighting costs can ask the gas company before they come out; they may be willing to waive the fee in some circumstances.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a SmartCapitalMind researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a SmartCapitalMind researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

Insulation is the best and most cost effective way to reduce high utility bills. I rent and my landlord stops by every autumn to insulate our windows. He mostly uses silicone to fill in gaps around windows. This way, less cold air comes in and our bill is always reasonable.

The only downside is that we can't open all of the windows until spring, but I think it's worth it.

stoneMason

@ddljohn-- I live in Europe and I'm sure that things are different in the US. But I have actually seen gas companies here deny that they raised prices for a while, when they actually have. Especially before elections, governments can request private companies not to raise prices, so that votes are not affected. In some cases, the price of gas goes up, but consumers are not informed until later. In some countries, gas companies are required by law to inform their consumers of price changes. You might want to find out how this works in the US and in your state in particular.

It could also be the case that a mistake was done. You should compare the amount on the bill to the amount on your meter. Once my gas bill was extremely high and it turned out to be a mistake.

ddljohn

My has bill this month is very high. It's almost twice as much as what I paid last month. It wasn't colder this month than it was last month and I certainly haven't been heating the house more. I called the company yesterday and they said that gas prices haven't gone up. Then, why is my gas bill so high?! I'm clueless.

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    • A programmable automatic thermostat may help reduce heating costs.
      By: Steve Cukrov
      A programmable automatic thermostat may help reduce heating costs.
    • Leaking insulation is a common reason for high gas bills.
      By: Alvin Teo
      Leaking insulation is a common reason for high gas bills.
    • Cold weather can lead to higher usage of gas appliances, meaning higher gas bills.
      By: Mario Lopes
      Cold weather can lead to higher usage of gas appliances, meaning higher gas bills.
    • People can compare the rate for gas between bills to see the differences.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      People can compare the rate for gas between bills to see the differences.
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