LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- With colder nighttime temperatures blanketing the Southland, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is reminding residents that safety should be a top priority in cold-weather heating.
"It's paramount that home furnaces be properly maintained and inspected annually for safe operation," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services at The Gas Company. "If customers think their heating appliances are not functioning properly, they should call a licensed heating contractor or The Gas Company."
A clean and well-maintained furnace is a safe furnace and is more energy-efficient, helping customers save money on their monthly gas bills, Mueller added.
Failure to perform annual maintenance on gas furnaces may result in exposure to carbon monoxide, which can cause nausea, drowsiness, flu-like symptoms, and even death. The Gas Company advises never to use charcoal or gas grills inside the home or garage, even with a door or window open. And do not try to heat a room with a gas range, oven or clothes dryer.
The Gas Company offers customers the following tips to ensure the safe and efficient operation of their natural gas furnace:
-- Have natural gas furnaces checked at least once a year by
a licensed heating contractor or plumber or The Gas Company.
-- Vacuum and clean regularly around the furnace, particularly around
the burner compartment to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.
-- Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct
airflow.
-- Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before
heating and circulating it throughout the home. The filter should
be checked monthly for lint build-up during periods of furnace use
and cleaned or replaced, if necessary.
-- When installing a new or cleaned 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 carbon monoxide poisoning.
-- Make sure the furnace or appliance is venting properly. Signs of
improper venting include soot around the appliance or moisture on
the inside of windows when the appliance is on.
-- Check the appearance of the flame. If the flame is yellow, large
and unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected immediately by a
licensed heating contractor or The Gas Company and the condition
corrected to ensure safety.
For more information on furnace safety, please visit The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.5 million consumers through 5.5 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.