To save energy with a gas heater, regularly maintain it, set the thermostat to a lower temperature, and use zone heating to target specific areas.
Gas heaters provide reliable warmth, but they can be energy hogs if not used efficiently. With rising energy costs, learning how to optimize your gas heater’s performance can lead to significant savings. These practical strategies will help you cut energy waste while staying comfortable.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat controls how hard your gas heater works. Small adjustments make a big difference in energy use.
Lower the Temperature
Each degree below 68°F saves about 3% on heating bills. Try setting it to 65°F when awake and 58°F when sleeping or away.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Smart thermostats like the Mr. Heater thermostat models automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. This prevents heating an empty house.
Improve Home Insulation
Heat escapes through leaks, forcing your heater to work harder. Sealing these gaps reduces energy waste.
Weatherstrip Doors and Windows
Apply self-stick foam tape around moving parts. For larger gaps, use door sweeps or V-strip weatherstripping.
Insulate Attics and Walls
Adding insulation to attics (R-38) and walls (R-13) prevents heat loss. The U.S. Department of Energy provides detailed insulation recommendations.
Maintain Your Gas Heater
Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and prevents costly breakdowns.
Annual Professional Tune-Up
HVAC technicians check:
- Burner combustion efficiency
- Heat exchanger condition
- Vent system integrity
- Gas pressure levels
Monthly Filter Changes
Clogged filters restrict airflow, making the heater work harder. Check filters monthly during heating season.
Upgrade to High-Efficiency Models
Newer gas heaters offer significant energy savings over older units.
| Heater Type | AFUE Rating | Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (80% AFUE) | 80% | – |
| High-Efficiency (90% AFUE) | 90% | $100+ |
| Condensing (95% AFUE) | 95%+ | $150+ |
*Based on average U.S. natural gas prices heating 2,000 sq ft home
Consider Tankless Options
Built-in gas heaters with tankless technology provide hot water on demand without standby losses. The ENERGY STAR program certifies the most efficient models.
Use Zone Heating Strategies
Heating only occupied spaces reduces energy waste.
Close Unused Rooms
Shut doors and vents in spare rooms. Use draft stoppers under doors.
Supplement with Space Heaters
Energy-efficient ceramic heaters warm frequently used areas without overheating the whole house.
Optimize Airflow
Proper circulation distributes heat evenly and improves efficiency.
Keep Vents Clear
Move furniture and rugs away from heating vents to allow unrestricted airflow.
Use Ceiling Fans
Set fans to rotate clockwise at low speed to push warm air down from ceilings.
Reduce Hot Water Use
Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy use. These changes help:
- Install low-flow showerheads (2.0 gpm or less)
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Fix leaky faucets promptly
- Insulate hot water pipes
Take Advantage of Natural Heat
Use free solar energy to supplement your gas heater.
Open South-Facing Curtains
Let sunlight warm your home during the day. Close them at night to retain heat.
Use Thermal Mass
Tile floors and brick walls absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night.
