Save money with energy efficiency tips during Energy Awareness Month

Energy Awareness Month is celebrated in October. As the month comes to a close, fall leaves fall and the weather turns cooler, now is the perfect time for people to make some simple changes that can help save money and energy in their homes, businesses and communities.

Nicor ​​Gas Report

Since 2011, the Nicor ​​Gas Energy Efficiency Program has helped more than 1.35 million customers save over 235 million thermals – enough to power more than 162,000 homes for a year – through weather adjustment offers and other incentives Total value of over $270 million. The avoided emissions enabled by energy efficiency are equivalent to 1.24 million tons of carbon dioxide.

During Energy Awareness Month, the Nicor ​​Gas Energy Efficiency Program shares simple, affordable tips customers can put into action to save money and energy on their monthly energy bill:

• Use a programmable or smart thermostat – Setting a programmable thermostat to a lower setting when you are not home can help reduce energy costs by about 10%. Smart thermostats can automatically learn a household’s daily schedules and adjust accordingly during the day or night for maximum energy savings.
• Seal air leaks – Sealing cracks and openings in homes helps keep warm air in and cold air out. Weatherization with insulation and duct sealing can provide year-round comfort and maximize energy efficiency.
• Have your equipment optimized – HVAC systems and water heaters should be inspected annually to prevent mechanical problems and ensure efficient operation and safety.

For a complete list of energy efficiency tips, visit nicorgas.com/tips. Nicor ​​​​Gas also offers energy efficiency solutions to its customers, including:

• Free energy saving kits – Nicor ​​Gas customers can request free water conservation and weatherization kits. The water-saving set includes a high-efficiency shower head, bathroom faucet aerator, dual-spray kitchen faucet aerator, shower timer and plumbing tape. The weather sealing kit includes outlet and switch foam seals, closed cell foam sealing strips, V-seal sealing strips, self-adhesive door seal and rope seal.
• Find a contractor – The Nicor ​​Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers a free online database of qualified contractors for natural gas efficient home, commercial, multifamily or industrial projects.
• Apply for a discount – Homeowner customers can apply for discounts on energy-saving products, appliances and services, including smart thermostats, furnaces, boilers, air sealing and insulation.

To learn more about the Nicor ​​Gas Energy Efficiency Program, visit nicorgas.com/waystosave.

Nicor ​​gas

Nicor ​​Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies owned by Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor ​​Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service area that includes most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s leading energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing companies. Other non-utility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for wholesale natural gas customers, and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities.