Lower temperatures may create safety hazards and lead to increased energy usage and higher bills. As we enter the colder winter months, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania offers tips to prepare customers to stay safe and warm as well as save on energy costs.
Stay Safe, Warm and Comfortable
As temperatures drop, staying warm becomes a top priority. Customers implementing ways to ensure their home is comfortable are reminded to do so safely.
- Be sure to clear snow and ice from your intake and exhaust vents. Keeping those vents clear can help you avoid carbon monoxide buildup and operational issues with your appliances.
- Space heaters should be used with caution. If using a space heater, place it on a hard, level surface and keep anything flammable at least three away, such as bedding, drapes, curtains, or rugs.
- Make sure all appliances and heating equipment—such as a furnace, water heater or stove—are inspected and operating properly, and operate all pieces of equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Never use a stove or oven as a source of heat in your home; ovens are designed to heat food and should only be operated with the door closed.
- Don’t burn charcoal or run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
- Clean your chimney and check for blockage at least once a year before using your fireplace.
- Keep your natural gas meter clear and visible at all times so it is accessible for maintenance or in the event of an emergency; never let snow completely cover the meter and don’t use a shovel or hammer to hit the equipment to break up snow or ice buildup.
- If you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas or think there may be a gas leak, stop what you are doing, leave the area immediately, and then call 911 and the Columbia Gas emergency line at 1-888-460-4332.
- If there are concerns of a carbon monoxide build-up, or if you are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside immediately and call 911.
- Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, non-corrosive gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane or oil) burn incompletely.
- The symptoms of carbon monoxide are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, and feeling ill or tired while at home, but fine when away.
- Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, non-corrosive gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane or oil) burn incompletely.
For more winter weather and home safety tips, visit columbiagaspa.com/winter.
Save Energy and Money
Columbia Gas customers have access to energy efficiency programs and rebates designed to help manage energy usage, which often leads to bill savings. There are also a number of low-to-no cost options for customers to save each month, including:
- Run the furnace less often. Set the thermostat two to four degrees below what you're used to. Wear heavier clothing to keep warm. Change air filters often throughout the season, as dirty filters block air, forcing the furnace to work harder.
- Let the sun in. Utilize the sun’s energy to heat your home simply by opening drapes on windows where the sun shines directly into a room. Remember, when the sun goes down, be sure to close your drapes so they can do the job of insulating.
- Use caulk to seal leaks around windows and doors. Look for places where there are pipes, vents or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling or floor. Seal up small gaps in those areas.
- Don’t block registers or radiators with draperies, curtains, furniture or anything else. Let the air flow freely.
- A water heater is one of the biggest energy users in the home, so use a shower timer. Quick showers usually require less hot water than taking a bath. Also, add a showerhead restrictor to waste less water.
For more ways to save energy, visit columbiagaspa.com/energytips.
Bill Payment Assistance
We know there are times when it may be difficult for you to pay your bill. To find out more about the resources available to help you manage your energy bill and pay down past due balances, call us at 1-888-460-4332 or visit columbiagaspa.com/assistance.