Prepare Your Home for Fall with These Natural Gas Safety Tips

Changing seasons offer a chance to ready your home for upcoming months. As temperatures drop and your heating system gets regular use, fall is an ideal time to ensure everything is functioning properly.

All it takes is a few simple maintenance steps to help keep your home safe, improve efficiency, and provide greater peace of mind throughout the colder months.

Test and Replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices for every home. Smoke detectors provide early warning of a fire, and carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of CO, a colorless, odorless, and potentially dangerous gas that can accumulate when fuel-burning equipment is not properly ventilated. Each should be installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.

Follow this maintenance schedule:

• Test all detectors monthly and clean them of dust or debris
• Replace batteries yearly, if your detectors have them—don't wait for the chirp
• Replace detectors according to the manufacturer's guidelines (typically every 10 years)

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

Before temperatures drop and HVAC contractors' schedules fill up, it's wise to schedule an HVAC inspection. Yearly maintenance helps ensure that your heating system is working as it should, providing consistent heat to keep your family warm throughout the colder months.

During the inspection, have your technician:

• Verify that all equipment is functioning properly
• Clean all components and inspect for wear and tear
• Replace or clean air filters, as needed
• Optimize the system for peak efficiency

Service Your Natural Gas Appliances

Like most household appliances, natural gas appliances should be serviced regularly to help keep them operating safely and efficiently. In addition to your heating system, it's recommended that the following indoor natural gas appliances receive annual service:

• Water heaters
• Fireplaces
• Ranges and Ovens
• Dryers

Inspect Your Natural Gas Meter

The natural gas meter outside your home plays an important role in the safe delivery of natural gas. Meters are built to operate in all weather conditions, but there are a few ways you can help keep them accessible and protected:

• Visually inspect your meter to ensure its vent is open
• Regularly check your meter for debris, branches, or overgrown vegetation
• Avoid obstructions and maintain at least three feet of clearance around your meter

If you suspect any damage or have concerns about your meter, please contact us immediately at 800-883-3181.

Ensure Your Home's Vents Are Clear

Early fall is a good opportunity to check your supply and return vents, registers, and radiators. Make sure warm air can flow freely. This will not only help keep your home safe but also improve your comfort and help your heating system operate more efficiently.

Be sure to:

• Keep rugs, curtains, and furniture away from vents and returns
• Check your furnace filter monthly and replace or clean it per the manufacturer's guidelines

A little preparation during the fall can help keep your home safe and your family comfortable throughout the colder months. Looking for more natural gas safety tips? Visit our safety page to learn more.