AGA’s ‘Burner Tips’ Light The Way To Savings   

WASHINGTON, DC – In preparation for the cooler weather, the American Gas Association (AGA) is promoting ten simple ‘Burner Tips’ to help customers stay warm and keep energy use in check as thermostats get cranked up for the winter. AGA is committed to keeping all utility customers and their families safe, comfortable and in-the-know.  The ten “Burner Tips” are:

1. Install a programmable thermostat to help ensure that you do not forget to adjust the temperature in your home throughout the day. Regulating your thermostat can amount to real savings while keeping you warm during the winter months.
2. Fall is a good time to seal any gaps in your attic. Cold air sneaking in through the attic can be a big drain on energy and your wallet.
3. When replacing appliances around your home remember to ask about natural gas models.  Natural gas water heaters and other appliances are typically much more efficient than other versions and will help cut energy costs during the winter heating season.
4. Make sure to have all furnaces, flues and chimneys in your home or business inspected every year by qualified industry professionals to ensure their efficiency and safety. These are items that will no doubt be kicked into gear during the cold winter months, so it’s important they’re all in working order when the temperatures drop.
5. Install one-way heat-exchangers on your kitchen fan, clothes dryer and bathroom fan vents in order to prevent cold air from leaking in and warm air leaking out.
6. Keep the areas around all natural gas appliances clean and unblocked to allow for proper air flow.
7. Don’t forget to insulate your attic floor. Sixteen to 24 inches of installation is not excessive in temperate climates. This simple home improvement will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
8. Look for the blue flame. If pilot lights and burners have a steady, blue flame, they are operating correctly. (Decorative gas fire logs are the only exception. Their flame is usually yellow.)
9. Anytime you make changes to your home, from servicing a fuel-burning appliance to changing your windows, always have a licensed expert make sure that all your equipment is operating properly—safety is important all year round.
10. Always use your nose. If you ever smell natural gas, leave the premises, contact your natural gas utility and dial 911.

For more information about AGA and the many benefits of clean, domestic, reliable and abundant natural gas, check out AGA’s True Blue Blog, http://www.truebluenaturalgas.org/.  As always, additional resources and information are available at AGA’s website, http://www.aga.org.