Use less gas to lower the amount billed. Pay less per gigajoule to lower the energy charge. Spread the cost over the year to ease winter payments.
The fixed daily delivery charge stays the same when you reduce use or change the gas energy price. As a dated local example, ATCO Gas North household fixed delivery is C$0.997 per day (from 1 January 2026) [source] under the schedule effective August 2026. That area includes Edmonton and Sherwood Park.
What uses the most gas in winter?
Space heating is the main winter demand in a gas-heated home. Water heating comes next if your water heater uses gas.
NRCan’s household energy context: Domestic water heaters consume about 20 percent of a home’s energy. Next to space heating, the water heater is the largest energy user in most homes. (read 21 October 2026) [source] This covers all home energy, not just gas.
Which changes save the most?
Start with low-cost changes before pricing a furnace replacement. The figures below describe different things, so do not add them together.
- Lower the thermostat overnight when safe. NRCan’s rule of thumb is About 2 percent of the annual heating bill for every 1°C the thermostat is lowered overnight (from 1 October 2012) [source] Keep the home warm enough for its occupants and to protect pipes.
- Seal drafts. NRCan states: Typically about 25 percent of heat loss can be due to excess air infiltration (leakage) (read 21 October 2026) [source] This is a share of heat loss, not an estimate of bill savings. Keep ventilation and combustion-air openings clear.
- Keep the furnace filter clean. The air filter in a furnace should be cleaned or replaced regularly. (from 1 October 2012) [source] Turn off furnace power before removing the filter. Follow the owner’s manual. The source gives no saving figure for this step.
- Compare furnace efficiency when replacement is due. AFUE means annual fuel utilization efficiency. Replacing a 20-year-old furnace with an AFUE of 78 percent with one with an AFUE of 95 percent reduces annual energy costs by 18 percent in NRCan’s comparison (from 1 October 2012) [source] Get an installed-cost quote and have a qualified contractor assess sizing. Upfront cost matters too.
The thermostat, filter and furnace guidance comes from NRCan’s booklet revised in October 2012, read again on 21 October 2026. These are general estimates, not savings promised for your home.
For illustration
For illustration, take a made-up annual heating cost of $1,000. Lowering the thermostat overnight by 2 degrees Celsius at about 2 percent per degree gives about 4 percent. Multiply $1,000 by 0.04 to get $40 a year. This applies the source’s rule of thumb to fictional heating costs. It is not a quote, a whole-bill saving or a forecast for your home.
Does a different gas plan lower the bill?
A lower price per GJ reduces the energy charge for the same use. It does not change the delivery tariff. Using less gas can also reduce delivery charges tied to use, while fixed charges stay.
Compare the energy price, monthly fees and contract terms in our natural gas rates guide. Our gigajoule guide explains the unit on your bill. Use your own winter history to compare costs.
Can I spread the cost over the year?
Budget billing spreads payments rather than cutting gas use or the price. Read meter readings and budget billing for how estimates, reviews and catch-up payments work.
Are there rebates for a new furnace?
Before including a rebate in your budget, check current official program terms for your address and proposed work. Confirm eligibility and any approval needed before paying a deposit.
What if I cannot pay this winter?
Contact your provider early to discuss a payment arrangement. See help paying utility bills for support options. Read the winter disconnection rules to understand seasonal protections and their limits.
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Questions people ask
How can I lower my gas bill in winter?
Start with less heating demand: lower the thermostat overnight when safe, seal drafts and keep the furnace filter clean. Then compare the energy price and fees on gas plans. These steps affect different bill lines. Your fixed delivery charge stays, even when you use less gas.
Does turning down the thermostat cut the whole gas bill?
Turning down the thermostat can reduce heating demand, but the source estimate concerns annual heating costs. It does not apply to the whole utility bill. Water heating and fixed charges still need to be paid. Your result depends on your home, weather, heating system and setback schedule.
Will a cheaper gas plan lower my heating costs?
A lower price per gigajoule can reduce the energy charge for the same gas use. It does not remove delivery charges. Check monthly fees, contract terms and exit costs alongside the energy price. Compare using your own winter bills so the amount of gas reflects your household.
What if I cannot afford my winter gas bill?
Contact your provider early and ask about a payment arrangement. Budget billing can spread payments across the year, but it does not erase the cost of gas used. Read the payment help guide for support options and the winter disconnection guide for the rules that apply to your situation.
Sources
Written by the BillRobin team. Updated .
Show the 3 sources
https://billrobin.com/ca/en/alberta/energy/lower-winter-gas-bill?utm_medium=share&utm_source=page
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