Appliance maintenance can help customers save energy and stay safe

Simple tips to keep your family cosy and warm this fall

SURREY, BC, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - With colder weather here, Terasen Gas and FortisBC are encouraging customers to get their appliances and homes ready for a safe and comfortable heating season.

"Regular inspection and maintenance of natural gas furnaces by a licensed gas contractor will ensure they operate as safely and efficiently as possible," said Tom Loski, Vice President, Customer Service, Terasen Gas and FortisBC. "It is also important that the gas contractor locate and inspect the gas piping from the meter to the appliance to ensure it is functioning safely and free of any corrosion or damage."

Space heating in a typical home may account for between 40 and 60 per cent of a customer's annual energy consumption. "This winter, home heating will account for a significant portion of a customer's energy bill. Gas and electric customers making home renovations, or shopping for new appliances, may want to consider upgrading to an energy efficient model to help keep energy costs down," said Loski.

In addition to regular appliance inspection and maintenance, there are many ways customers can lower energy costs, while also staying safe.

Home energy saving tips:

• Go low-flow. A five minute shower with a low-flow showerhead uses as little as 45 litres of water. A standard showerhead uses as much as 135 litres.
  
  
• Change the filter. Replace furnace filters every three to six months. This will help ensure the furnace operates at peak efficiency.
  
  
• Draft proof. Start with a walk through draft check. Inspect windows, doors and other openings for worn or missing weather stripping. Your local hardware store offers a range of items to prevent drafts and keep your heat in your home.
  
  
• Space heating. Avoid heating unused rooms by closing doors and warm air supply registers and by lowering the room thermostat for baseboards. Avoid heating non-insulated spaces including garages, crawlspaces, attics or storage sheds.

Safety tips:

• Smell gas? Report it fast.  If you smell the distinct rotten egg, or sulphur-like odour of natural gas, leave the area immediately and call the Terasen Gas 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911, or 911.
  
  
• Keep kids safe around a gas fireplace. Consider installing an adjustable safety gate or screen and a fire-resistant hearth guard to better protect young children around a gas fireplace. A safety screen would ensure children do not touch the glass panels of a natural gas fireplace. Visit your local hearth products retailer to find the safety screen that's right for your home.
  
  
• Keep your meter clear of ice and snow. Remove any built-up snow by hand until the regulator and shut off valve are clear. If ice builds up on your meter, call Terasen Gas at 1-888-224-2710. Terasen Gas reads natural gas meters regularly, but you can also provide your own meter readings. Contact us at 1-888-224-2710 for more information.
  
  
• Don't play electrician. What seems like a simple wiring project can easily turn deadly. Leave electrical wiring projects to the professionals. If you do electrical wiring projects yourself, make sure you get adequate safety information and training on what you're doing. Make sure to have an electrical inspector approve the work.

For more tips and information on appliance safety and energy conservation, including rebates and incentive offers, visit www.terasengas.com  and www.fortisbc.com.

Terasen Gas is composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. Terasen Gas is a leading integrated energy solutions provider, focused on the safe and reliable provision of natural gas, propane and alternative energy solutions. Terasen Gas serves approximately 939,000 residential and commercial customers in more than 125 B.C. communities. Terasen Gas employs more than 1,280 people in British Columbia and is indirectly wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

FortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves approximately 160,000 customers directly and indirectly through wholesale utilities in the southern interior of B.C. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants and approximately 7,000 kilometers of transmission and distribution power lines. FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or
www.sedar.com.

For further information:

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Walker
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Follow us at: www.twitter.com/terasengas

Nicole Bogdanovic
Communications Specialist
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]m