Space heating accounts for the majority (about 50%) of the natural gas consumed in a typical home. Water heating is the second largest consumer.
In most homes, space heating (the furnace) consumes by far the most natural gas, often accounting for about 40–50% of total household energy use.
What uses the most gas in a home? If you have gas central heating, this will almost certainly use the most gas on your home. So if you're looking at ways to cut your gas bill, this is where you can make the biggest savings.
The Top Energy-Draining Appliance: Space Heating & Cooling
This includes both forced-air systems, heat pumps, furnaces, baseboards, window A/C units, and fans. Because they run for long periods and often at high wattage, they dominate the consumption profile.
Pilot light in your boiler might be on? It burns a small amount of gas all the time in many gas boilers.
So if you're using hot water, you're likely using gas. Another possibility is that you may have a plan that prorates the gas bill across all 12 months so that you have more stable bills. It might be that you use gas for cooking. Or perhaps you have to pay a daily charge, in addition to a charge for the gas you use.
If you suspect a gas leak, rely on your senses of smell, sight, and sound. Look for blowing dirt or bubbling water outside, listen for hissing or roaring sounds, and smell for a distinct sulfur or rotten-egg odor. If you detect these signs, leave the area immediately and call 911.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Yes, if your dryer is plugged in, it uses a small amount of electricity (often called "phantom" or "standby" power) even when it is turned off.
The more natural gas you use, obviously, the higher your bill. Now is a good time to consider replacing outdated and inefficient home appliances that use too much natural gas. Consider a new hot water heater, clothes dryer, oven or furnace as ways to save energy in your home.
No, farting is generally not bad. It is a completely normal biological process that happens when you swallow air and when gut bacteria break down food. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the average person passes gas 8 to 25 times per day.
4. Rotten eggs. A rotten egg smell is one of the most concerning odors in a home. This unpleasant scent is known to be an indicator of a gas leak, commonly caused by natural gas, propane or hydrogen sulfide.
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.
For example: a TV's wattage is 100. Divide that by 1,000 to get a kilowatt rating of 0.1. If you watch TV for about four hours a day, 0.1 x 4 is 0.4 kWh. 0.4 x 24.67p per unit of electricity used (under the April 2026 price cap) is £0.09868, so effectively it costs 10p to use that TV each day.
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Driver feedback devices can help with more efficient driving.
The top 5 worst appliances to leave on standby
The Argument for Leaving the Heating On
This approach might seem convenient, as it avoids the discomfort of waiting for the house to warm up. However, most experts agree that it's usually cheaper to heat your home only when you need it.
The answer to when to do laundry to save money
Most people will see that they have a lower tariff overnight, usually between 11 pm and 7 am. This is the best time to do your washing as you'll save money. Saving money on electricity is only part of the equation.
The fix: Lower your home temperature to 68 degrees when you're home. Maintain comfort by adding extra layers of clothing – try fabrics like fleece, flannel and wool – and don't forget comfy slippers and blankets. If you can comfortably go a degree or two cooler than 68, your wallet will benefit even more!
Heating and cooling (HVAC systems)
Heating and air conditioning are the largest sources of residential electricity use in most climates. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating and cooling together account for more than 50% of a home's annual energy consumption.
Always unplug small heat-generating appliances (like space heaters, hair tools, and toasters) when not in use to prevent fire hazards. Additionally, unplug electronics and idle "energy vampires" (microwaves, coffee makers, and chargers) to eliminate phantom power drain.
Symptoms from a natural gas leak may include:
Early detection of natural gas leaks can prevent potentially catastrophic incidents. Firefighters should be trained to detect the telltale odor of gas and to use gas detection monitors to identify the presence of leaks.
What common household smells can be mistaken for a gas leak? Sometimes mold, rotten eggs from food, or sewer smells can confuse you. Gas leaks have a distinct rotten egg or sulfur smell added by gas companies.