Terasen Gas tips for staying safe and comfortable during the cold snap
| December 16, 2008 |  Follow us on Twitter |
Surrey, B.C. – With the cold winter weather now upon us, Terasen Gas is reminding all customers that there are several steps they can take to achieve the maximum benefit from their heating systems. Taking these simple steps can assure everyone has a safe and comfortable holiday season.
A quick check of your home is often all it takes to identify potential heating issues. Keep the warm air inside and cold air outside by caulking or weatherstripping the cracks, gaps and leaks around walls, windows and doors. If your garage is attached to your house, make sure it’s tightly closed to keep the heat in. It will act as a buffer between the outside cold and the heat inside your home. One of the best ways to stay safe and save energy is to ensure your furnace is working as efficiently as possible.
“We recommend customers have a licensed gas contractor check their natural gas furnace so it operates at its best, lowering their consumption and saving them money,” said Doug Stout, Terasen Gas Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “Homeowners can also do simple things like checking and changing filters regularly. Dirty clogged filters can reduce airflow and make your furnace work harder and less efficiently.”
Home heating accounts for almost 50 per cent of a customer’s energy bill, so it may make sense to upgrade to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® natural gas heating system which will help save both gas and money.
Helping make the upgrade more affordable, Terasen Gas is offering customers a $250 credit on their gas bill if they upgrade to an ENERGY STAR natural gas heating system before December 31, 2009. Plus, customers can also receive up to $700 in manufacturer rebates if they upgrade their system by January 31, 2009.
Earlier this year, Terasen Gas submitted an Energy Efficiency and Conservation application to the B.C. Utilities Commission that would allow the company to significantly enhance the energy efficiency tools and incentives provided to our customers, both residential and businesses. If approved, these programs will help customers save 1.5 million gigajoules of natural gas per year by 2010, enough energy to serve 15,000 households annually.
Helping make the upgrade more affordable, Terasen Gas is offering customers a $250 credit on their gas bill if they upgrade to an ENERGY STAR natural gas heating system before December 31, 2009. Plus, customers can also receive up to $700 in manufacturer rebates if they upgrade their system by January 31, 2009.
Earlier this year, Terasen Gas submitted an Energy Efficiency and Conservation application to the B.C. Utilities Commission that would allow the company to significantly enhance the energy efficiency tools and incentives provided to our customers, both residential and businesses. If approved, these programs will help customers save 1.5 million gigajoules of natural gas per year by 2010, enough energy to serve 15,000 households annually.
Customers are also reminded to keep their gas meter clear of ice and snow. Remove any built-up snow by hand until the regulator and shut off valve are clear. If ice builds up, call Terasen Gas at 1-888-224-2710. Also, do not use a snowplow or blower near your meter, or pile snow around it.
Terasen Gas lists energy savings and safety tips on its website: terasengas.com. Here are a few of those tips.
Hot Tips for saving energy:
- Turn it down. Turning your thermostat down to 20°C during the day and 17°C at night can save as much as 15 per cent on your heating costs. Afraid you’ll forget? Consider installing a programmable thermostat.
- Get in the zone. By using a natural gas fireplace for zone heating, as well as a fan to circulate the warm air, you can lower your thermostat.
- Breathe easy. Keep your furnace at peak efficiency, clean and change the furnace filters regularly.
Safety tips:
- Smell gas? Act fast! If you smell the distinct ‘rotten egg’ odour of natural gas, leave the building immediately, then call the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911, or 911.
- Keep it clear. Keep your meter clear of ice and snow, removing any built-up snow by hand. If ice builds up on your meter or regulator, call Terasen Gas at 1-888-224-2710.
- Ask the experts. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from natural gas appliances is extremely low, however regular maintenance checks from a licensed contractor is the best prevention.
Terasen Gas delivers natural gas and propane through three companies that make up the Terasen Gas group: Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc. and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. The companies share common Terasen Inc. ownership and are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves two million gas and electric customers and has more than $10 billion of assets. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.
Media Contact:
Michael Chisholm
Corporate Communications Manager
Terasen Gas
604-576-7300
Michael.Chisholm@terasengas.com
Corporate Communications Manager
Terasen Gas
604-576-7300
Michael.Chisholm@terasengas.com
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