Tips to Reduce Your Bill
Save on your energy bill with these expert cost-saving tips.
Savings for Every Customer
PGW is here to help you get the energy you need without it hurting your wallet.
Select an Option:
Everyday Energy-Saving Tips
- Adjust your thermostat to use less heat in winter and less A/C in summer.
- Get your heating system serviced regularly.
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat.
- Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Install energy-efficient windows.
- Open curtains and blinds in the winter to let the sun heat your home. Close them in summer to keep cool.
Water Efficiency
- Wash clothes in cold water to save on water heating costs.
- Set your water heater thermostat to 120℉. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save between 3% and 5% in energy costs for every 10° reduction.
- Switch to a showerhead with a flow rating of 2.0 gallons per-minute (GPM) or lower, and a faucet with a flow rating of 1.5 GPM or lower or install fixtures that carry the WaterSense label.
- If you’re in the market for a new water heater, buy the most energy-efficient model. Consider a tankless model to reduce standby storage costs and waste.
- Make sure to address any water leaks. Small leaks may add up to many gallons of water and dollars wasted each month.
Appliances & Lighting
- Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models carrying the ENERGY STAR® label and start saving right away. Spending a little now can save you a bundle in the long-term.
- If your dryer has a sensor that automatically turns it off when the clothes are dry, use it. Don’t waste energy heating clothes that are already dry.
- Clean the lint trap after each use of your dryer. This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve air circulation and increase the efficiency of your gas dryer.
- Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer to save energy on heating water. Water heating makes up as much as 90 percent of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer.
- Set your dishwasher on an energy saver setting and/or a low temperature, if possible.
- Use an energy-efficient dishwasher and run it with a full dish load. Washing dishes by hand typically uses more water and energy than using a dishwasher.
- Unplug electronics when not in use.
- Switch to LED lightbulbs.
Smart Thermostats
PGW residential customers can receive $70 in instant rebates when they purchase a smart thermostat from the PGW Marketplace. Smart thermostats help conserve energy, improve home comfort, and control energy costs.
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through a smartphone or tablet, depending on the model. They offer many features that help customers manage home energy use:
- Track energy usage changes over time and measure the potential impact on energy bills.
- Reduce heating and cooling system usage when customers leave or return home.
- Alert customers to heating or cooling issues within their homes.
- Monitor and control home temperatures remotely through a smart device, depending on the model.
Shop for Your Smart Thermostat
Low Income Smart Thermostats (LIST)
PGW provides and installs ENERGY STAR® Certified Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats in the homes of income-qualified PGW customers at no cost to the customer. Thermostat installations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date that applications are received, and are subject to available funds.
Visit PGW EnergySense to learn more about eligibility.
As the seasons change, so can your energy needs. Check out these tips for lowering your natural gas bill according to the seasons.
Summer Savings Tips
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees and raise the setting a few degrees when you’re not home.
- Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your thermostat.
- Install window covering to keep your home cool through the day.
- Use ceiling fans.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows.
- Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120℉.
- Select the automatic cycle on your dryer.
- Run clothes and dishwashers once full and in the evening
Winter Savings Tips
- Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable for your family while you’re awake.
- Cover drafty windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic on the frame and tape plastic film on windows.
- Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows.
- Turn down the thermostat 5 degrees when you’re asleep or away from home.
- Run clothes and dishwashers once full and in the evening
- Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows.
- Seal air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes, around chimneys, recessed lighting, and unfinished spaces behind cabinets and closets.
There’s no downside to conserving energy. Plain and simple, it just makes sense. That’s why PGW created EnergySense – a suite of rebates and financial incentives designed to save Philadelphians some green while helping them go green.
By choosing natural gas, you’re halfway there. PGW EnergySense rebates for high-efficiency, natural gas equipment help residential, commercial, and multifamily customers save energy and money.
Who Can Apply?
- Homeowners
- Landlords
- Building Owners
- Small Businesses
- Restaurant Owners
- Commercial Building Owners
Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date your application is received, and are subject to available funds.
Important Safety Reminders
Space Heater Safety
Place space heaters away from high-traffic areas, children, and pets. Always turn off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Proper Ventilation
Have a professional inspect chimneys, flues, and vents to be sure they are clear, properly sealed, and in good repair.
Smell Gas? Leave Immediately.
If you think you smell gas, leave the area immediately and then call PGW from a safe location at 215-235-1212.
Stay in the Know with the PGW Mobile App
Access My Account from anywhere using your phone. Pay bills, track your energy usage, and get real-time notifications in one convenient, secure place.
Energy-Saving FAQs
The exact amount you can save will depend on factors like climate, insulation, and your HVAC system efficiency. As a rule, you can generally expect to save between 1% and 3% on your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat below 70 degrees.
The most efficient water heater setting for most homes is 120°F (49°C). This temperature balances energy efficiency, safety against scalding, and sufficient heat for daily tasks.
Yes, smart thermostats can make a significant difference in energy savings for many homeowners. Most homeowners who install smart thermostats see lower energy costs due to their smart thermostat, with the total reduction being influenced by individual environmental factors and user behavior.