What Uses Gas In The Home? and How to Reduce Your Gas Bill

To help you make sense of the numbers, we’ll walk you through which appliances use the most gas at home and share simple ways you can lower your energy costs. Let’s get started!

How is natural gas used in the home?

Natural gas plays a vital role in powering our core home systems, ensuring we have the energy we need to carry out everyday tasks.

It starts its journey deep underground, where it’s extracted, processed, and transported through a big network of pipelines to reach homes across the country. Once it reaches your boiler or appliances, it’s ignited and releases energy that’s converted into heat or flames.

What else is gas used for in homes?

Knowing which areas are using the most gas is helpful, but let’s have a closer look at the specific appliances that could be responsible for driving up your bill.

• Boilers - Gas central heating systems are fairly common for powering central heating systems in UK homes. They rely on a gas boiler, which burns gas to heat water, which then flows through radiators to warm each room.
  There are various types of boilers, but combi-boilers and conventional boilers are two of the most popular. A conventional boiler stores cold water in a tank until it’s ready to heat up, and a hot water cylinder keeps it hot until it’s ready to be used.
  Combi-boilers heat water instantly, giving you warmth when and as needed, making them efficient but often requiring more gas if hot water is used a lot.

• Gas fires - Gas fires are used instead of traditional log burners, and they can be more cost-effective than warming the whole house with central heating.

• Gas hobs - Gas stoves heat burners by using natural gas, compared to electric and induction hobs, which are powered by electricity. These give instant heat and super-precise control, which is why some people prefer them for cooking. 

• Gas ovens - Although less common now than electric ovens, gas ovens are still in many homes. They generally tend to heat up faster than electric ovens but don’t circulate heat as well as electric fan ovens.

• Gas-powered dryers - Though rarer in UK households, gas tumble dryers burn gas to heat the air that dries clothes. They can be more efficient than electric dryers because they heat up faster, but you might find yourself paying a lot more for repairs since you’ll need to call a specialist to help you fix one.

• Patio heaters - These are popular for providing outdoor heating but can use a lot of energy if used often and for long periods of time.

• Gas barbecues - While not used all year round, gas barbecues usually need a propane or natural gas cylinder to work. This can be expensive to keep buying if you use your grill a lot.

How much will it cost if I accidentally leave the heating on all night?

We’ve all had those nights where it feels impossible to keep the chill out, and it’s tempting to leave the heating on until morning.

But letting it run all night — or forgetting to turn it off — can lead to a surprisingly high bill. Let’s break down how much it might cost if you keep your gas-powered heating on overnight.

Imagine you have a typical gas boiler that uses around 12 kW of energy per hour. If the boiler runs consistently through an 8-hour night, here’s what the cost could look like:

• Hourly cost - Let’s say gas costs 5.74p per kWh (based on the April 1 to June 30 2026 price cap). For 12 kW, that’s 68.88p per hour.

• Overnight cost - If the heating is on for 8 hours, you’d be looking at £5.51 for one night.

Of course, your actual costs will vary based on the size of your home, its level of insulation, and how high you set your thermostat. Your gas tariff rate will also need to be taken into account, but this gives you a rough idea of what your running cost could look like. 

Want to know more about how your energy bill is calculated? Discover our guide to gas and electricity costs.

Tips to reduce gas usage

Since heating accounts for a large portion of your gas bill, making a few small changes around the house can help you cut down on usage and save on costs.

Here are some practical heating tips to keep your home warm without overusing gas.

• Lower your thermostat

A simple way to cut down on gas is by turning down your thermostat. Lowering the temperature by just 1°C can save up to 10% on your heating bill, and most people find that they barely notice the difference. Every little bit counts and this quick adjustment could lead to significant savings over time.

• Use a programmable thermostat

With a programmable thermostat, you can set your heating to turn on and off automatically based on your schedule. For instance, program it to turn off at night or while you’re at work and have it warm up again just before you get home.

This way, you’re not paying for heating when it’s not needed, and you’ll still walk into a cosy home.

• Upgrade your insulation

The right insulation can help to keep warm air in and cold air out, so your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard. Start by insulating your loft and walls, as these are the major areas where heat escapes. You might also want to insulate floors and pipes for even better efficiency.

Though it’s an investment, proper insulation can reduce your gas bills significantly in the long term.

• Seal windows and doors

Drafty windows and doors are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. Just think of all that cosy, warm air escaping from poorly fitted windows and gaps beneath doors!

Use weatherstripping, caulk, or draft excluders to seal any gaps that might be letting cold air in. Not only does this help keep your home warmer, but it also prevents your heating system from overworking to maintain a consistent temperature. 

• Fit heavy curtains

Once you’ve upgraded your windows to prevent hot air from escaping, you can go one step further by adding some heavy curtains as an extra precaution to stop heat loss, especially during the night when the temperature drops.

Keep the curtains open during the day to let sunlight warm up your rooms naturally, then close them in the evening to trap that warmth inside. Thick, lined curtains are best for blocking drafts, or you could even pick up some thermal curtains for maximum insulation.  

• Get your boiler serviced

Your boiler is the heart of heating your home, so it makes sense to show it some love. An annual boiler service ensures that your heating system continues to run efficiently and safely — especially in the run-up to the colder months when it’ll be used a lot more.

Over time, boilers can develop faults that make them work harder and use more gas to provide the same amount of heat. However, booking a professional service conducted by a Gas Safe-registered engineer can help spot and fix these issues, saving you money in the long run.

Regular servicing also extends the life of your boiler, so you won’t need to replace it as soon and can help prevent unexpected breakdowns in winter.

Find out more about how you can upgrade to an A-rated boiler here.

• Give your radiators some TLC

Your boiler might be the powerhouse behind a warm home, but your radiators play a big role in delivering that toastiness to the rooms where you need it the most. Maximise your radiators’ effectiveness by bleeding them regularly to release trapped air, which can cause cold spots and hinder their efficiency.

Make sure they’re free from blockages and dust too, as this can obstruct heat flow. Keeping your radiators in good shape ensures they use gas efficiently and keep your home cosy.

Check out our guide on how to bleed a radiator if you need a refresher. 

• Cut down on your hot water use

Hot water usage can also be a big contributor to your gas bill, so finding ways to reduce it can lead to noticeable savings.

Opting for shorter showers and installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can also help reduce hot water demand without sacrificing comfort. 

• Lower your water heater temperature

Most water heaters are set to around 60°C, but you can lower the temperature to 49°C without any noticeable impact on your daily routines. This simple adjustment means your boiler won’t need to work as hard to heat water, cutting down on gas usage and energy costs. It’s a quick, low-effort way to bring your bill down while still enjoying plenty of hot water for showers, cleaning, and more.

If you’re adjusting your water heater temperature, it’s always recommended to double-check the settings to make sure it’s set to the correct temperature. You can also contact a plumber to change it for you if you’re unsure how to.

• Upgrade to a smart meter to monitor your gas usage

A smart meter lets you track your gas usage in real-time, helping you understand which habits might be driving up your bill. By seeing how much energy you’re using daily, weekly, and monthly, you can identify areas where you can make changes.

Most energy providers offer free smart meter installation, and with a better handle on your consumption, you’re in a stronger position to reduce waste and save money.

Upgrade to a smart meter with UW today.

• Consider energy-efficient appliances

Older gas appliances can use more energy than newer, energy-efficient models. If you can, consider upgrading your boiler, water heater, or even your gas stove to an energy-efficient version.

Look for appliances with a good energy rating, as they’re designed to run more economically, using less gas to deliver the same results. Though there’s a substantial upfront cost, replacing older appliances can lead to significant savings in the long run by reducing your gas usage.

For more energy-saving tips around the home, click here.

Save on your gas bill with UW

We’re here to bring you our best energy deals for powering your home, including excellent-value fixed and variable gas tariffs.

And don’t forget, you can unlock even bigger savings when you bundle more services with UW.