Catalina Island Customers

Gas Conservation

Reducing gas usage can help lower your bill. Check out these conservation tips and try the ones that are best for you:

Set your air conditioning thermostat to the highest comfortable setting; on cold days and nights, set your heating thermostat no higher than 60 degrees.
Clean or replace filters on heaters and air conditioners regularly.
Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely; in just 60 minutes, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off when their job is done.
Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers while an air conditioner is running.
Close drapes and shades to block direct sunlight and lower your cooling costs.
Insulate your home, and caulk or weather strip around doors and windows to reduce both cooling and heating costs

When purchasing a gas oven or range, look for one with an automatic electric ignition system – it saves the gas normally used by a continually-burning pilot light.
Be sure that a blue, cone-shaped flame emits from all burners. A yellow flame indicates clogged air inlets or burners that need adjustment.
Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean, to reflect the heat better and save energy.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels when buying appliances. Use non-essential appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6:00 p.m.).
Washing full loads of dishes in the dishwasher uses less water and energy than washing them in the sink. Load dishes properly to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency (see the dishwasher owner’s manual for instructions) and use the “energy saver” feature for the drying cycle, or let the dishes air dry. Clean the dishwasher drain as necessary.
Check and clean refrigerator coils regularly, especially during the summer (see your appliance owner’s manual for maintenance instructions).
Turn your gas fireplace off when you won’t be in the room for a long period of time.

Run swimming pool equipment during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6:00 p.m.), and only for the minimum required amount of time.
Heat your spa only when you plan to use it, lower the temperature and timer settings; make sure the thermostat is accurate.
Keeping your pool or spa covered when not in use can result in up to 50% energy savings.

Insulate your hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. Be careful not to cover a propane water heater's top, bottom, or burner compartment; when in doubt, get professional assistance.
Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it's best to replace yours if it’s more than seven years old.
Drain a quart of water from the water tank every three months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of the heater.
Run washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers with a full load.
Set your water heater thermostat at (or slightly below) the manufacturer’s suggested level, to help lower energy costs.
Take shorter, cooler showers instead of baths to save hot water.

When cooking, preheat your oven only when necessary, and keep the oven door closed to save energy.
A clean oven and burners increase energy efficiency.
Cook several meals at the same time, keeping pots covered on the stove while cooking.
To reduce gas grill cooking time, choose foods with comparable cooking times and keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. Cook several dishes at one time, and defrost frozen food prior to grilling.

Take the customized Online Home Energy Survey.
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers income-qualified customers a discount of 20% or more off their monthly electric bill.
The Family Electric Rate Assistance program (FERA) offers a discounted rate on monthly SCE bills, for families of three or more who fall within income guidelines and exceed their monthly baseline usage by 30% or more.
Take advantage of generous rebates and cash incentives on electric equipment and appliances.

Protect yourself and those around you. Use propane gas safely.