New Orleans, La – Colder temperatures
have arrived and customers may want to use their gas heaters for the first time.
But before cranking up the heat, Entergy New Orleans, Inc. reminds customers of
gas safety tips and conservation measures.
“Entergy monitors its systems on a
daily basis, and we take the necessary steps to ensure safe, reliable service
for our customers,” said Melonie Hall, director of customer service, Entergy New
Orleans, Inc. “And since the colder weather is here, we want our customers to
operate their home systems as safely as possible by taking the necessary
precautions, especially during this holiday season.”
Gas Safety Tips:
-
Have a licensed professional
thoroughly check your heat exchanger, flues and vents regularly associated
with gas heating equipment.
-
Clean or replace filters regularly
before they become clogged with dirt. Install new filters per the
manufacturer''s instructions.
-
Maintain your pipes and check your
chimney associated with gas fireplaces. The chimney should be examined
annually and cleaned regularly by a professional.
-
Customers should not use candles or
other flammable devices to warm their homes.
-
Customers whose gas service has
been inactive for over six months require an inspection and permit from the
City of New Orleans Safety and Permits Office. By law, Entergy cannot restore
these services until the appropriate approval is received from the City.
-
Customers can visit
entergy-neworleans.com for
more important gas safety tips.
If a customer loses gas service or
smells gas in the home, Entergy offers the following gas safety guidelines:
-
Customers who smell natural gas or
suspect a gas leak should immediately call 1-800-ENTERGY (before doing so,
customers should step outside of the home as using a telephone could ignite a
spark).
-
Open windows, top and bottom, to
let gas escape.
-
Refrain from using devices that
might create a spark, such as light switches, flashlights, electric garage
door openers and even computers.
-
Check the pilot light of gas
appliances (furnace, range, water heater, etc.)
-
Do not try to re-light a pilot
light that is out.
-
Leave the premises.
Taking Steps to Conserve
Now is also an ideal time to make
some simple home adjustments to ensure winter chills stay outside. Entergy New
Orleans offers these tips to keep warm and help customers better manage their
energy bill.
The first thing customers need to
consider is what temperature to set the thermostat. If possible, keep it at 68
degrees and leave it there. Each degree above 68 will increase a heating bill by
approximately 3 percent.
Wall seams and places where
electrical, plumbing or heating systems penetrate your home should be sealed.
Additionally, weather-strip the attic hatchway and install insulating gaskets on
all electrical outlets and switches.
Other tips to conserve energy
include:
-
Wrap the water heater and the pipes
going into and out of the tank with insulation (please consult the retailer
and/or manufacturer instructions before installing).
-
Open drapes to let in solar heat
during the day. Close them at night to reduce heat loss.
-
Check air conditioning or furnace
filters every 30 days. Clean or replace them as needed.
-
Do not block heat registers or cool
air returns with curtains or furniture.
-
Keep all doors and windows closed
when the heat is on.
-
Close the damper on fireplaces when
not in use.
-
Set the thermostat back to 55
degrees if away from home for several days.
Customers can find answers to a
variety of energy-related topics, including what goes into energy costs and what
Entergy New Orleans is doing to ensure affordable energy in the future, at
EntergyAnswers.com. The Web site
also offers a series of easy to use tips that can help customers lower their
monthly energy bills.
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an
electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and is a subsidiary of Entergy
Corporation. The company provides electricity to more than 141,000 customers and
natural gas to more than 92,000 customers in Orleans Parish.
-30-
entergy-neworleans.com
entergyanswers.com
