While the weather outside is frightful, many will likely be spending more time indoors during this holiday season.
As a result, furnaces, heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances will be working overtime.
In order to ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday, SaskEnergy is providing customers with their top three natural gas safety tips for this time of year.
To begin with, residents should keep outdoor vent openings free of frost, ice, and snow. In a press release from SaskEnergy, they state that "blocked vents can cause appliances to malfunction, but they can also have much more deadly consequences. When these external openings are obstructed, it can cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide." This odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas can go undetected until it's too late. Limited exposure to it can cause flu-like symptoms while prolonged exposure can cause unconscious brain damage or even death.
Tip number two is to keep your meter clear of snow and ice. SaskEnergy reminds customers to "take caution when removing snow and ice from meters. Don't use shovels or other tools, never hit or kick your meter and keep hot water or chemical de-icers away as these methods could damage your meter."
One final safety tip is a reminder to have your furnace inspected every year. Having this important piece of your household annually inspected helps to keep your home cozy and safe throughout the winter season and can help to save money on heating bills.
Interested customers can book a Home Heating Tune-Up with a qualified SaskEnergy Network Member here
Changing the household furnace filter every couple of months is also a useful practice.