Why is My Natural Gas Bill So High in the Summer?

When you’ve been in the natural gas business for as long as we have—now over 20 years as a company—you hear a lot of great questions from customers, especially when it comes to their bills. This week, with all the hot weather, we’ve decided to tackle one of the most common questions gas providers hear this time of year: Why is my natural gas bill so high in the summer?

It's a fair question. Space heating is typically the largest use of natural gas in a home, but people aren't exactly cranking up their furnaces in the summer. So, what's going on? Let's look at a few possibilities.

Am I using more natural gas than I think?

Many people assume their natural gas usage drops dramatically in the warmer months, when the furnace is off. But if you’re using natural gas for other appliances, that could have a bigger impact than you might realize.

• Water Heaters: For many homes, the water heater becomes the biggest source of natural gas usage once heating season ends. More showers, extra laundry and houseguests can all increase hot water demand, leading to higher natural gas use. For tips on keeping your water heater running efficiently, see Lighting, Turning Up and Maintaining Hot Water Heaters.
• Clothes Dryers: Summer often brings more laundry than expected. Towels, swimsuits, sports uniforms and extra bedding can add up quickly, and all those loads require energy to dry.
• Cooking Appliances: Gas stoves, ovens and natural gas grills continue using fuel throughout the summer. While cooking alone may not cause a major spike, increased use can contribute to higher bills over time. Want to learn more about cooking with natural gas? Check out Natural Gas Stoves: Everything You Need to Know.
• Other Natural Gas Appliances: Some homes also use natural gas for pool heaters, spas, outdoor kitchens or decorative features. If these appliances see more use during warmer months, they may be affecting your bill as well.

For a broader look at the many ways natural gas is used around the home, check out Using Natural Gas at Home.

Does my bill cover more than just natural gas usage?

Many customers focus only on how much natural gas they use, but usage is only one part of the overall bill.

• Customer and Delivery Charges: Some costs help support the infrastructure that delivers natural gas to your home—Atlanta Gas Light’s Base Charge, for example. These charges come from the utility company, not Gas South. They don't disappear when outside temperatures rise or your furnace stops running, so they could represent a larger share of your bill during lower-usage months.
• Taxes and Fees: Taxes and other recurring charges typically remain in place year-round. When natural gas usage declines, these costs can become more noticeable because they make up a larger percentage of the total bill.
• Your Rate Plan: The rate you selected can also affect what you pay. Depending on your plan, the price per therm may have a greater impact on your bill than you realize, even during the summer months. In other words, lower usage doesn't always mean a lower bill if your rate is higher. If you'd like to learn more, check out Fixed vs. Variable Rates or our guide to Shopping for Natural Gas in Georgia.

Could something else be going on?

In most cases, a higher summer gas bill can be explained by appliance usage, fixed charges or a combination of both. But if you're seeing an unusually large increase without any clear change in household habits, it may be worth taking a closer look.

Natural Gas Leaks: Natural gas leaks are uncommon, and they're rarely the reason for a higher summer bill. Still, if you're asking yourself, "Is a gas leak causing a spike in my gas bill?" and your usage has increased without any obvious change in household habits, it may be worth checking into.

If you ever notice signs such as a rotten egg odor or a hissing sound near gas equipment, contact your utility immediately (Atlanta Gas Light in Georgia) and follow their safety guidance. You can also review our natural gas safety tips for more information.

What can I do to lower my summer natural gas costs?

Even small changes can help reduce your natural gas usage over time.

• Water Heater Tips: Consider lowering your water heater temperature setting, fixing dripping hot-water faucets and reducing unnecessary hot water use where possible.
• Laundry Habits: Running full loads, washing clothes in cold water and air drying larger items can help reduce the amount of energy needed for laundry.
• Appliance Maintenance: Routine maintenance can help natural gas appliances operate more efficiently and may help identify issues before they become costly. Learn more about Maintaining Natural Gas Appliances.
• Understanding Your Bill: Taking a closer look at your monthly usage, recurring charges and rate plan can help you better understand where your costs are coming from.

Looking for more ideas? Explore additional ways to lower your natural gas bill.

A high gas bill can seem confusing when your furnace hasn't run in months. But the explanation is often relatively straightforward. Water heaters, dryers, cooking appliances and other natural gas equipment continue using fuel throughout the year, and certain charges remain part of your bill regardless of the season.

Understanding how these factors affect your bill can help you avoid surprises and make more informed decisions about your energy use. If you'd like to dig deeper, check out How to Read Your Gas Bill and Understanding Your Monthly Gas Cost.

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