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Winter Time Energy Saving Tips

Tips to Save Natural Gas
Keep Safe This Winter
Things That Are Fast and Free
Things to Do That Are Inexpensive
Thing to Do That Are Investments

Five Action Steps to Cut Natural Gas and Propane Use
You can take some steps to reduce the amount of energy that you're using and lower your utility bills:

Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you'll save up to 5 percent on heating costs. Wear warm clothing like a sweater and set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permitting. Set the thermostat back to 55 degrees or off at night or when leaving home for an extended time, saving 5-20 percent of your heating costs (heat pumps should only be set back 2 degrees to prevent unneeded use of backup strip heating).
Replace or clean furnace filters as recommended. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Now is also the time for a furnace "tune-up." Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.
Reduce hot water temperature. Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120-degrees Fahrenheit, unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7-11 percent of water heating costs.
Seal up the leaks. Caulk leaks around windows and doors. Look for places where you have pipes, vents or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling or floor. Check the bathroom, underneath the kitchen sink, pipes inside a closet, etc. If you find a gap at the point where the pipe or vents goes through the wall, seal it up. Caulk works best on small gaps. Your hardware store should have products to close the larger gaps.
Consider replacing your old gas appliances with an ENERGY STAR® water heater or furnace.
Also contact your natural gas utility or visit their website for additional ideas, rebates and incentives.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
San Diego Gas & Electric
Southern California Gas

A Reminder to Keep Safe This Winter
Do not resort to using a BBQ or camp stove for indoor heat. Such equipment is designed to be used only outdoors and present significant safety hazards when used in any enclosed or partially enclosed setting. Besides the obvious fire hazard, they can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO). Remember that you cannot smell or see CO.

If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY. Carbon monoxide can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. If you experience serious symptoms, get medical attention immediately.

Heating your home for the fall and winter requires proper preparation. The gas furnace is one of the main components of the heating system, and your home will not heat properly if it isn't working.

The gas furnace uses either natural or propane gas as fuel to generate heat. Check your furnace to determine which of these gases it uses. Both gases come from organic material, but the differences revolve around efficiency, cost, storage etc. A furnace will work almost the same, no matter if it's running on natural or propane gas. If you need more information or are unsure about the type of gas that your furnace runs on, consult with a heating expert.

Now that you know what type of gas furnace you have, how do you know it is ready to properly heat your home? The two basic things you can check for year-round are the pilot light and a gas leak. If your pilot light looks like it's out or you smell a gas leak, call the Atlanta Gas Light Company immediately. You can reignite your pilot light without contacting the Atlanta Gas Light Company, but call for help right away if you smell gas and make sure you are using a reliable technician.

If your pilot light is running properly and you don't have a gas leak, there are other areas you need to inspect before the cold season starts. Below is a list of things you should check before you turn on your furnace:

A clean filter (Replace a clogged or dirty filter)
Blower belt and doors (Replace damaged belts; fix any doors that are not in place)
Clean Vents
No flammable objects around furnace
Overall good condition
If you notice a problem with any of the components listed above, have it fixed immediately. A reliable heating technician will be able to help you with the technical details.