LOS ANGELES, Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern
California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today issued home heating safety tips
and advice on how to keep natural gas bills low this winter. In
Southern California, the heating
season typically begins in November and can last through March.
During these colder months, heating can account for more than half
of natural gas bills.
Here are some tips to stay safe and lower bills.
General furnace safety
Customers who turn on their
heat for the first time after several months of not using their
furnace should remember these safety tips:
- Never store or use highly flammable products in the same room
as any natural gas or heat-producing appliances.
- Never store ordinary combustibles such as rags, mops or paper
on or near an appliance.
CO poisoning prevention
Heating units and other
appliances should be properly maintained to avoid the threat of
carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Have natural gas furnaces checked
at least once a year by a licensed heating contractor. In
addition:
- Vacuum and clean in and around the furnace regularly,
particularly around the burner compartment, to prevent a build-up
of dust and lint.
- Never store items in, on or around an appliance as this can
obstruct airflow.
- Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before
heating and circulating it throughout the home. Check furnace
filters every month during the heating season and clean or replace
the filter when it becomes visibly dusty or dirty.
- When installing a new or cleaned furnace filter, be sure to
re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits
snugly. Never operate the furnace without the front-panel door
properly in place because doing so may create the risk of producing
CO.
- Check the appearance of the furnace flame. If the flame is
yellow, large and unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected
immediately by a licensed heating contractor to have the condition
corrected.
- Never use an unvented natural gas heater in a home. This
is dangerous and a violation of the California Health and Safety
Code.
- Never use an oven, range or outdoor barbecue to heat your home.
These appliances are not designed for this purpose and can cause CO
poisoning.
- Make sure all natural gas appliances—such as stove tops—are
safely maintained and vented properly.
- Install a CO alarm in your home. California's Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Prevention Act of 2010 requires that all homes with a fossil fuel
burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage be equipped with CO
alarms. But though these alarms may provide an extra level of
safety, keep in mind that they require routine maintenance and
replacement at least every three to five years to perform
properly.
- Even with alarms in place, regular natural gas appliance
maintenance is still required. Inspection and routine maintenance
are still an effective defense against accidental CO
poisoning.
- If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from CO
poisoning, call 911 immediately.
To learn more, go to
www.socalgas.com/stay-safe/safety-and-prevention/appliance-maintenance-and-safety
How to save on bills
Winter temperatures can make
natural gas bills increase significantly. Here's how to reduce your
natural gas use and save money:
- When it's cold outside, water heater stays on longer to heat
the colder incoming water. Turn down the temperature on your water
heater, wash clothes in cold water, and take shorter showers to
reduce your natural gas use.
- Keep your thermostat set to 68 degrees or lower (if your health
allows).
- Lower your thermostat at night and when you are not at
home.
- Limit use of non-essential natural gas appliances such as spas
and fireplaces to help keep bills down.
- A leaky faucet or pipe may increase your bills. Hot water
leakage causes an increased demand on the water heater which
increases gas use. One drop of hot water per second can waste 500
gallons of water per year.
- To learn ways to save, options for paying your bill and
understanding your bill, go to www.socalgas.com/pay-bill.
- If you have an Advanced Meter, get a savings plan customized to
your home and usage history by signing up for SoCalGas' "Ways to
Save" tool. Go to
https://www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/energy-saving-tips-tools/ways-to-save.
Sign up for SoCalGas Advisory Notifications
SoCalGas
recently created a conservation notification program designed to
reduce consumers' natural gas use and lower the risk of possible
natural gas and electricity shortages this winter. The program was
launched to help address state agencies' concerns about regional
energy reliability this winter due to the moratorium on injection
operations at the Aliso Canyon storage facility. Beginning
Dec. 1, 2016, a "SoCalGas Advisory"
may be issued by SoCalGas under specific conditions, such as when
demand for natural gas is projected to potentially exceed
supply.
To receive SoCalGas Advisories:
- Sign up to receive text notifications by texting "ADVISORY" to
39044.
- Sign up to receive emails by providing your email address, go
to https://www.socalgas.com/advisory
- When you receive a SoCalGas Advisory, lower your thermostat to
68 degrees or below, wait a day to use major natural gas
appliances, and wash clothes in cold water when possible.
About Southern California Gas Co.
Southern California
Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable
natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the
nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing
service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million
meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service
territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout
central and Southern California,
from Visalia to the Mexican
border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:
SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in
San Diego.
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SOURCE Southern California Gas Company