Empowering you to become energy efficient
The Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority is dedicated to helping you save energy and money through energy saving tips, resources and tools, and program incentives. Our programs are designed to help you realize the cost savings associated with long-term use of more efficient equipment and better energy efficiency practices.
Did You Know?
- The average natural gas home emits 46 percent less carbon when compared to the average all-electric home (Source: Council for Responsible Energy).
- A new high-efficiency furnace and cooling system can save you up to $1,200 per year in operating costs
- Water heating accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use
Natural Gas Water Heaters
A water heater lasts about 10-15 years, and when it fails it can leave you with a big mess. When in a rush to replace, it’s hard to evaluate options and consumers often end up with the least efficient choice. Consider replacing your old water heater with a high-efficiency natural gas model before it fails. Now is the time to cut the cost of heating water and your home by replacing your old inefficient water heater or furnace with a new high-efficiency one. Residential customers in South Carolina who replace existing electric water heaters with a qualifying natural gas water heater are eligible for up to a $150 rebate and may qualify for federal tax credits as well.
What’s the difference?
Conventional Natural Gas Water Heaters
Choosing a high-efficiency water heater instead of a standard model can save about $30 each year. That’s about a $360 savings over the 13-year lifetime of the water heater. High-efficiency units also run quieter, reducing room noise.
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters offer a space-saving design by only heating water when you need it. You’ll save energy by not keeping 40-60 gallons of water hot, as with conventional storage water heaters.
Why buy a natural gas furnace?
High-efficiency natural gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 90 percent or greater, making them up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models.
For Your Home
Using energy wisely can reduce consumption and waste, and save you money on energy bills. Check out these tips and start saving today:
Basic Energy-Saving Tips
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Use energy-efficient appliances and equipment
- Ensure proper home insulation
- Seal leaks and insulate duct work
- Change or clean filters regularly
- Install low-flow faucets and shower heads
- Use approved “wraps” to insulate water heaters and hot water pipes in unconditioned spaces
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs
- Turn off lights when leaving the room
- Wash clothes on a cold water cycle
Heating and Cooling Tips
- Check your furnace air filters every month
- Save about $180 a year with a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature for the hours that the house is unoccupied
- Caulk and weather-strip any doors and windows that leak air
- When buying windows, select those with both low U-values and low solar heat gain co-efficiency ratings (SHGC) to maximize energy benefits
- Use a ceiling fan in combination with your air conditioner in the warmer months and heaters in the cold months to help disperse air and circulate heat
Water Heaters
- Wrap older water heaters with approved insulating jackets
- Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F or lower
- Insulate your hot water pipes leaving
Appliances
- When washing clothes, wash and dry full loads
- Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load
- Consider installing a high-efficiency natural gas dryer
- When shopping for a new clothes dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry
- Save on wasted water by fixing leaky faucets