Water Heater Gas Bill Analysis — Compare Your Cost Year Over Year
Published: July 23, 2026 — CANRO Heating & Cooling — Greater Vancouver, BC
How to Read Your FortisBC Bill
Your gas bill shows: total GJ used (not dollars), the current gas rate ($/GJ), delivery charges, carbon tax, and total owing. For water heater analysis, compare the GJ used month-over-month and year-over-year. Exclude winter months when heating dominates — focus on summer months when usage is primarily water heating.
Signs Your Water Heater Efficiency Is Declining
Summer water usage (GJ) is 10%+ higher than the previous year (adjusting for changes in household size). The water heater is taking longer to recover after heavy use. You hear popping or rumbling noises (sediment). The hot water runs out faster than it used to. These all indicate declining efficiency.
What to Do If Efficiency Is Declining
Flush the water heater to remove sediment — usually restores lost efficiency. Replace the anode rod if depleted. If the water heater is over 10 years old and efficiency has dropped significantly, consider replacement. A new high-efficiency model ($1,200-2,500) saves $50-100/year in gas costs.