How to save on gas in a private home

Tariffs for utilities, including gas, are regularly rising. Owners of private houses with gas heating or apartments with installed gas boilers for hot water bear especially high costs. But if you follow some recommendations and tips, you can easily reduce costs by 25-30%. In this article we will look at how to save on gas in a private house and apartment.

How to save gas at home

Install a gas meter. With this device, you will be able to regularly monitor gas consumption, and will be able to analyze, reduce and optimize costs. If gas consumption is high and a gas stove is actively used, use devices marked G-1.6. If you have a gas water heater, a model with G-2.5 ratings is suitable.

The numbers in the meter marking indicate the minimum throughput of the device. The G-1.6 meter passes 1.6-2.5 m3 of gas, G-2.5 passes 2.5-4 m3, and so on.

When using a gas boiler to heat water, install an economical shower head and faucet. It is more economical to wash in the shower than in a filled bath. The shower uses 80 liters of water in five minutes. This volume is not enough to fill even half of a standard bathtub.

To wash dishes, it is better to fill the sink with water and wash the items in this water. A suitable option would be to use a sink with two trays, where you wash dishes in one and rinse them in clean water in the other. These tips will help not only reduce gas costs, but also save water in your home or apartment.

Basic saving measures

Cooking food:

Use the stove only after all products have been prepared for heat treatment. When cooking is finished, the burners must be turned off immediately.
Use tight-fitting lids during cooking.
Before cooking, boil water in a kettle and pour the hot water into the pan.
Make sure that the flame does not leave the container. You can make it a rule to use appropriately sized utensils and burners.
Use overhead “pancakes”. They evenly distribute heat over the bottom surface and enhance the heating effect of fire.
If the stove is old, it is better to replace it with a more modern one.
Use the gas stove only for cooking.

Fan heater. Photo by OZON

Heating a private house:

Insulation of the room: walls, floor, attic, entrance doors.
Installation of double-glazed windows that will maintain airtightness. Also, do not forget about the cracks that need to be sealed.
Install an independent separate boiler for water heating.
Place heat-reflecting foil elements between the heating radiator and the wall.
It is better to replace old and less efficient batteries with optimized modern ones.
Installing an automated temperature control system will help maintain a comfortable temperature in the right rooms at the right time without overheating empty rooms.
Inspect and, if necessary, clean the heating system at least once.
A ventilation device that will leave warm air in the room. A hood with a recuperator can also handle this.

Saving gas on a gas stove

Pay special attention to saving gas when using a gas stove. Adjust the power of the stove burner, and after boiling, reduce the burner to minimum. Use less water when cooking vegetables. They will cook even if they are not completely covered with water. By the way, recommendations for saving gas when cooking on a stove will also help save electricity when using an electric stove.

When cooking, be sure to close the lid tightly, then gas consumption will decrease several times. Do not leave the lid open or half-open. In both cases, gas consumption is equally large. Do not use a gas oven to cook small dishes. Cooking on a burner is much more economical.

Choose pots and pans with thick, flat bottoms that will ensure even and quick heating. In addition, the bottom of the products must correspond to the diameter of the burner. Do not use enameled, aluminum or Teflon-coated utensils for cooking, as they are not economical. A suitable solution would be stainless materials. How to choose a stainless steel pan, see here.

Additional savings tips

In addition to the methods discussed above, there are several other related tricks that can be used to achieve the desired savings.

The following rules should be followed:

Radiators should not be covered with decorative panels, thick curtains, furniture, or clothing;
at least once a year it is necessary to clean the boiler heat exchanger from accumulated dirt and dust;
if the equipment is installed in an unheated room, it is recommended to perform high-quality insulation of the boiler, boiler and outgoing pipes;
It is advisable to install special energy-reflecting screens made of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall;
when using gas to heat water, it is worth installing economical shower heads;
if the gas water heater is not working, the burner should not be active.

Before the start of the heating season, you need to check the system every time and eliminate all identified deficiencies. Common problems include air locks and leaks at the joints of structural parts.

In order to save gas as much as possible, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of places where heat leaks are likely - seal cracks in windows with foam strips, tighten door hinges, additionally upholster doors, blow foam around the boundaries around the inlet and outlet openings of pipes

Saving should be economical, so it is important to control gas consumption everywhere, including in the kitchen. When cooking on the stove, you should adjust the flame at each stage of cooking, reducing the burning intensity at the right time.

For faster cooking and less gas consumption, it is recommended to always cover the dishes with a lid, use special pans with grooves on the bottom, and kettles with a whistle.

How to save on gas heating

In a private home, gas consumption is mainly used for heating. Gas heating is an environmentally friendly, affordable, economical and efficient option for heating a country house. Therefore, if there is a gas pipeline near the land, most choose this method.

The only drawback of this system is the increased fire and explosion hazard. Therefore, only professional craftsmen should install gas equipment. And after installation, the relevant employees must periodically check the operation of the device.

To save gas when heating, you need to insulate your house as much as possible. Then the heat will not leave the room for a long time. Heat escapes through the roof, windows and doors, walls and floors. In addition, a small amount of heat is lost through ventilation. In this case, it is important to reliably insulate the attic, walls and floors, windows and doors using high-quality materials.

Double-glazed windows and foil reflective insulation, which not only retains heat, but also reflects back into the room, will help you save gas with gas heating. Experts recommend installing a reflective screen between the radiator and the wall. We offer a few more tricks that will help you save on heating.

What affects fuel consumption?

Combined gas stove. Photo by OZON

Gas is used for cooking, heating and water heating for general use. To figure out how you can save gas, you need to understand where it goes.

When heating, gas is used to heat the room. The more problems there are in the room, the more gas is consumed. Problems should include shortcomings ranging from an uninsulated attic and walls to cracks in window frames. The warmer the room, the less gas will escape. An additional burden on this part of the costs can also come from heated floors connected to the main heating.

Seven ways to save gas heating

Reduce the heating temperature by 2-3 degrees. This is an unnoticeable difference, and you can reduce costs;
Automate your heating system. Installation costs with active gas consumption will pay off within the first 1.5-2 years of use. With normal use - within three years;
Install thermal heads on each battery and radiator. This will allow you to regulate the heating temperature separately in each room and reduce costs by 15-20%. You don't heat all rooms equally. So, in the pantry, garage, gym and other similar rooms, use a low temperature;
Additionally, install a hydraulic arrow on the boiler piping with a pump that regulates the frequency. This will give 20% savings;
Connect a room chronometric thermostat and you can reduce gas consumption by 15-35%;
Insulate cold bridges. These are corners and ceilings, cracks and seams. In wooden houses, cold can enter between the crowns, so it is important to make high-quality inter-crown insulation. Don't forget about insulating walls, ceilings and floors, windows and doors. As a result, you can increase savings up to 30-50%;
Choose economical gas condensing boilers for heating. A suitable option would be dual-circuit models that will both heat the house and provide hot water.

Condensing boiler installation

You can achieve savings of 10-15% of gas consumption compared to a conventional boiler in another way. Install a condensing boiler. Boilers received this name because the system uses the kinetics of water released along with steam.

The technology is based on the laws of physics. When the gas burns, carbon dioxide and water molecules are released. As the liquid evaporates, it generates heat. Condensation of the resulting steam allows you to return thermal energy, transferring it to the coolant. A special compartment is provided for steam in the condensing unit. It acts as a heat exchanger.

The cost-effectiveness of the technology is the reason that 70% of European residents use condensing boilers. In addition to high efficiency indicators, they have other advantages:

compact size and light weight;
the ability to accurately modulate the required temperatures;
low exhaust gas temperature;
low noise level during boiler operation;
low amount of harmful emissions.

The efficiency of condensing equipment is more than 100%. The main disadvantage of such installations is the very high price. It is on average 50-80% higher than the price of a conventional boiler. The cost depends on the power of the installation and the number of circuits with which it is equipped. The material of the heat exchanger and the number of operating modes are also taken into account. It may be that high-tech equipment will not pay for itself in the first year of its use.

Important! Ideally, such boilers work only in low-temperature heating systems, such as water heated floors. In other systems, the efficiency is practically no different from traditional wall-mounted boilers.

Types of gas boiler for heating

Today, manufacturers offer a lot of different models of gas boilers. Cost-effectiveness and ease of use, durability and reliability, and installation safety depend on the right choice. Gas heating systems are divided into single- and double-circuit. As we have already said, the second option provides both heating and hot water to the house.

Depending on the type of design and installation, floor and wall models are made. The latter option is optimal for apartments, bathhouses and small houses. They are characterized by light weight and compact dimensions, and are installed directly indoors.

To install floor-standing models, experts advise setting up a separate boiler room. They are suitable for large cottages and heat an area of over 200 square meters, are reliable, durable and have a long service life.

A gas boiler is available with an open or closed combustion chamber. The first products are the simplest and most affordable with quiet operation. They require the installation of a full chimney. Models with a closed chamber are characterized by increased safety and operation without a chimney. However, they make a lot of noise.

Construction of a wall-mounted gas boiler: 1 - smoke exhaust fan; 2 — NTC DHW temperature sensor; 3 — stainless steel burner; 4 - ionization electrode for flame control; 5 — ignition electrodes; 6 - magnetic anti-scale device; 7 — DHW water flow sensor (turbine); 8 — cold air blocking/excess draft regulator (version F); 9 — control of combustion products removal (pressure switch); 10 — safety thermostat; 11 — NTC heating temperature sensor; 12 - closed expansion tank; 13 — pressure sensor in the heating system; 14 - 3-speed circulation pump; 15 - automatic bypass; 16 — tap for replenishment and filling; 17 - safety relief valve 3 bar; 18 — control of combustion products removal (thermal sensor).

Installing a wall-mounted boiler instead of a floor-standing one

For heating a residential building with an area of up to 400 square meters. It is better to use a wall-mounted gas boiler. This will allow you to save more on gas. A wall installation can be considered a mini boiler room. It consists of structural elements:

expansion tank;
group responsible for security;
circulation pump;
electronic board.

Expensive models have additional elements:

wireless weather-sensitive programmer;
indirect heating boiler;
circulation pump with frequency control.

Single-circuit mounted tanks are often equipped with a three-way valve. It is installed at the junction with an indirect heating boiler. Heat exchangers of mounted boilers are made of copper or stainless steel.

The main savings on gas can be achieved due to the stable efficiency of the boiler. Unlike floor-standing models, wall-mounted ones most often offer forced draft solutions. Forced draft provides the combustion chamber with the required amount of oxygen. With natural traction, this indicator is not always stable.

How to choose an economical gas boiler

Choose modern condensing boilers with a closed combustion chamber. This is powerful and safe equipment with an efficiency of over 95%, which will quickly heat the house and lead to a reduction in gas consumption in a private home;
Choose models with a closed combustion chamber for installation in a separate boiler room; they will be too noisy in the house. When installing devices with an open chamber, be sure to provide the necessary safety measures;
The more passages for fuel combustion products are provided in the design, the more efficient and economical the boiler;
Pay attention to the material of manufacture. Boilers are made of copper, steel and cast iron. The latest materials are the most durable and reliable;
Heat a private house for country living and large cottages with a floor-standing boiler. For a cottage, bathhouse or garage, use wall-mounted models.

Installation of a high-quality ventilation system

A well-planned ventilation system also allows you to save gas correctly. The ventilation system removes not only exhaust air from the room, but also heat. If it is properly planned, then heat loss will be minimal.

To save gas, purchase a recuperator. It is a pipe within a pipe. The inner pipe removes heat from the house, and fresh air enters between the gaps of the two pipes. The warm internal air that is inside heats the air that flows between the gaps. This saves gas significantly.

How to save money on a gas boiler

Automate your gas heating system. For this purpose, various fuel supply control devices are installed. These are air temperature sensors inside and outside the house. This thermostat independently regulates the temperature of the water in the system and will avoid excessive heating of the coolant (water). As a result, the boiler turns on less often and gas consumption decreases.

Special thermostats with programs will not only allow you to turn off the boiler when the temperature has risen to the set temperature. It independently turns on or off the device according to a given program. For example, at night you can set the temperature to cool.

When installing thermal heads on the battery, you will be able to control and set the heat temperature in each individual room. For non-residential rooms, use a lower temperature.

If you configure the system correctly and select the temperature wisely, you can save up to 10-30% on gas consumption. In addition, the automated installation allows you to adjust the mode with one button. You don’t have to go to the boiler every time, which makes the design convenient, practical and functional.

In addition, pumps and air conditioners are installed to save money. Pumps ensure efficient transfer of coolant along the circuit and improve heat circulation. Conditioner is suitable as a temporary solution and is only used in spring or autumn. We learned how to save gas. And how to save electricity, see the link.

Room adjustment

Not all rooms need to be heated equally. There is no need to maintain the same temperature in rooms for different purposes. Those requiring increased gas costs include:

bedrooms and children's rooms;
showers and bathrooms, toilets;
living rooms and offices.

Non-residential rooms will require less heating:

storerooms and warehouses;
sports or gyms;
garage premises;
working workshops.

Regulators are installed separately for each radiator. These are small devices. Their task is to reduce or increase the flow of coolant into the battery. Or completely blocking the supply. There are several types of thermostats. Each of them works according to a special principle and has advantages and disadvantages.

Mechanical . They involve manual adjustment of the coolant volume. The main advantage of mechanical regulators is the low price and simplicity of the device. The degree of heat transfer from the radiator is adjusted manually. You can independently determine the amount of coolant entering the battery.
Electronic . Readings are taken from remote sensors. The device is based on a programmable microprocessor. There are control buttons on the regulator. With their help, the desired temperature is set. Some models of electronic regulators can control both the pump and the mixer. There are two types of electronic temperature sensors:

Mechanical thermal heads. This is a valve that at a certain moment compresses a special liquid. It expands when heated and shrinks when cooled. The adjustment error remains.

Installing thermostats allows you to optimize gas consumption by selecting the water heating mode in the boiler. In each room you can create comfortable conditions. At the same time, you will save from 5 to 10% of the money you pay for gas.

Comfortable temperature

First, let's decide what temperature needs to be maintained in the house to make it comfortable to live in. Experts believe that the norm is approximately 25 degrees Celsius.

In this mode, heating systems consume one hundred percent of gas. How to reduce this norm?

It is believed that we do not have many ways to save gas. One option is to lower the temperature. If you lower the bar to 17 degrees Celsius, the heating system will consume only 68 percent of gas.

The savings are significant, but the temperature is uncomfortable for living. If we take into account that a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is not needed all the time, then this fact can already be used. For example, you can reduce the temperature in the house to 17 degrees Celsius at night and during the day when no one is home

. This will allow 78 percent of gas to be consumed.

Since the heating system will be running at full power most of the time on weekends, only 81 percent of the gas will be consumed on average during the week

. Depending on gas tariffs, residents will be able to save more than a thousand rubles in a year.