We are told time and again that our natural gas reserves are finite, and that supply is running out. But where are these reserves, and why are they disappearing so quickly?

The trick to finding natural gas is to look out for other fossil fuels – like coal and oil. Wherever you find these resources, gas is sure to follow.

However, many of these reserves are now running dry, especially in the West, and as a result energy companies are increasingly turning to gas from less conventional sources in order to meet consumer demand.

Right now, you’ll find most of our domestic gas comes from fields in the Middle East – the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as Russia. But all this could change within a generation as their gas reserves dwindle and the world turns to other energy forms.

Natural gas is a very useful energy resource. It can be used in a variety of processes, form central heating to fuel for cars.

Some automobiles can be converted to run on natural gas, and compared to petrol, it is relatively clean burning and produces fewer toxic by-products.

However, the burning of natural gas still produces carbon dioxide as a by product, which is widely considered to be one of the greenhouse gases that is responsible for causing global warming.

The natural gas that is supplied to our homes is in fact far from natural. One of the initial processing steps is one which strips the Natural gas of any excess chemicals that are not needed, or may be dangerous. These chemicals include propane, nitrogen and ethane.

Once the gas has been purified, a small amount of foul-smelling but non-toxic perfume (if you can call it that) is added. The reason for this is that methane gas is completely transparent, with no smell of its own, and as such it is hard to detect in its pure form.

The addition of odour to domestic gas supplies was made standard practice after a tragedy that killed more than 300 people at a US college in the 1930′s. At this time gas was still scent-free and a build up of the gas went unnoticed, until it was too late.

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Changing providers does not mean you have to do anything to your home like installing new meters or pipes. All that you will notice is that your bills are a bit smaller and that they come from a different company.

To find the cheapest suppliers available where you live, there are lots of price comparison sites internet that are quick and easy to use. You only need your address and a few details from your recent bills to see if you can make savings.

Dual fuel deals, where you get your gas and electricity from the same supplier, can often be cheaper than using separate suppliers. British Gas for example have an online Dual Fuel deal which can save the average customer over one hundred pounds if they switch.

You can apply to a new supplier online or by telephone. Once you have been accepted, let your previous suppliers know you are changing. You may even find that they then offer you a better deal to stay!

If you do decide to switch, completing the process is straightforward. All you need to do is give meter readings when the switch is due to take place to make sure you can settle up with your previous supplier and begin to be charged by the new one.

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) regulates the gas and electricity markets, and they work to make sure that there is fair competition between all the different suppliers. As a result there is a very competitive energy market here in the UK so make sure you take advantage of the available deals.

Save even more on gas and electricity by making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. If you can reduce your energy consumption as well as your tariff you will be able to make significant savings on your energy bills.

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Use your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by just one degree you’ll be saving money, and setting it to automatically lower or switch off when everybody goes to bed will save you even more. And when it turns wintry and you do go to bed, try throwing on an extra blanket or duvet rather than relying on the heating for warmth.

Lower the temperature of your hot water by a few degrees. While most people have theirs set to 120 degrees, try reducing yours to 105 degrees and see the difference it makes to your bills.

If you have to go away for any period of time over winter, you are advised not to turn your heating off to prevent the dangers of freezing and burst water pipes. Some people then go on to leave their heating up far too high – remember that you’re not trying to keep your house warm, just the pipes. Turn your thermostat own to 60 when you leave, which should protect your pipes, without costing you the earth.

By changing the way you use your dishwasher and washing machine, you could save some money each month. With your washing amchine, instead of choosing the hot wash and rise function, go for the hot wash with cool rinse, or hot wash with warm rinse options as these use less energy. With your dishwasher, try not to use the dish drying option as this uses hot water, energy and money. Your dishes may take a little longer to dry on their own, but it won’t have cost you a penny.

Check your windows and door edges for drafts. If any cold air is getting in then ht air is getting out. Replace any mouldings that need replacing, and try using a simple but effective draft-excluder under your doors.

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