Did you know that Florida residents and businesses pay some of the highest natural gas rates of any other state in the nation? Unfortunately for those in the Sunshine State, it's true. The most recent study published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that the average residential natural gas rate in Florida is seven cents higher (nearly double) that of the national average. Such high natural gas rates put many Floridians at a disadvantage when it comes to heating their homes, cooking with natural gas, and paying their monthly natural gas bills.

Luckily, there are several ways to lower your Florida natural gas bill. Continue reading to learn how you can conserve natural gas, save money, and help the environment while you're at it!

1. Switch to an Independent FL Natural Gas Supplier

You've probably heard or seen advertisements about independent natural gas suppliers in Florida. But what does that mean? It's simple: now that Florida's utility industry is deregulated, residents and business-owners can switch from their overpriced public utility company to an independent gas supplier offering lower rates. Switching service is 100% free and takes just a few minutes. Once you make the switch, you'll continue to receive the same reliable and safe natural gas as before; only now, you'll pay significantly less for it! Switching to a low-cost FL natural gas supplier is the best way to lower your Florida natural gas bill without making significant changes in your heating and/or cooking habits.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat

One of the most obvious, yet effective, ways to lower your Florida natural gas bill is to turn down your thermostat to conserve heat. There's no need to keep your home at a toasty 78-degrees, 24-hours a day, especially when you're at work or asleep during the winter. Instead, invest in a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust to a lower temperature when you're at work or asleep, and then adjust to a more comfortable temperature when you're around the house. Turning down your thermostat during the winter can lower a Florida natural gas bill up to 20%.

3. Reduce the Temperature of your Hot Water Heater

Lowering the temperature of your hot water heater will use less gas and lower your monthly natural gas bill. Plus, it will reduce the chance of scalding. Experts recommend setting your hot water heater to 115 degrees. To save even more money, buy a fitted hot water insulator ($20) that will maximize efficiency and conserve heat.

4. Limit Air Leakage

Limiting air leakage into and out of your Florida home is one of the best ways to reduce energy bills year-round. After all, you don't want to pay top-dollar for air-conditioning and heat, only to have that costly air leak outside (and outdoor air inside) through cracks along windows and doors. In most cases, sealing your home is an inexpensive and easy job that most of us can do without professional help. Simply use caulk to seal drafty windows, and use weather-stripping on exterior doors. Also be sure that air ducts are efficiently moving the air-conditioning and heat throughout your home. Ducts that are leaking, poorly connected, or improperly insulated can lose more than half of your home's heated or cooled air before it even reaches the vents.

Employing these four simple steps will significantly lower your Florida natural gas bill, ease bill-related stress, and help you live more comfortably in your home.