Atmos Energy offers cold-weather tips for freezing temperatures

Staff Report
·2 min read

Extremely cold weather is expected the next several days, and Atmos Energy said in a news release it was is closely monitoring the change in temperatures and staging its employees across its system.

Water from a south Abilene carwash is frozen into plantlike patterns during freezing weather Feb. 16, 2021.
Water from a south Abilene carwash is frozen into plantlike patterns during freezing weather Feb. 16, 2021.

The company offered tips for customers to conserve energy, keep warm, and stay safe during winter weather:

  • Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.

  • Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.

  • Safely remove snow from vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas.

  • Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.

  • If you think you smell gas, act fast. Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number, 866-322-8667.

Conserve energy:

  • Every degree makes a difference. Save energy and money by lowering your thermostat to at least 68 degrees and 58 degrees when you are away from home.

  • Don’t forget the water heater. Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or set your temperature dial to normal or medium.

  • Harness the power of the sun. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

  • Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney.

  • Change furnace filters once a month during winter. Dirty air filters can lead to dust, dirt, and grime buildup on the heating components, causing the furnace to use more energy and increasing the risk of a malfunction.

  • Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use.

  • Make sure air registers and vents are not blocked by furniture or equipment for proper air flow.

  • Install a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically control your heating and cooling temperatures.

  • Hire a qualified professional to conduct regular maintenance and filter replacement on your HVAC systems.

  • Weatherize your building by sealing gaps and cracks in windows, doors, exterior walls, and roof penetrations with caulk or weatherstripping. · For more ways to save energy and money, please visit atmosenergy.com/energytips.

For additional information about carbon monoxide safety, visit atmosenergy.com/carbon-monoxide-safety.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Atmos Energy offers cold-weather tips for freezing temperatures