News

Cold Weather Safety and Heating Tips

Bitter temperatures are causing stress on some heating systems this week.  We have received several calls from customers who believe their heating system is not providing enough heat. Our number one priority is ensuring our customers are warm and safe. Follow these steps first before calling:

  • Make sure your emergency switch is turned on – sometimes they can be turned off accidentally.
  • Check your direct vents to ensure they are not blocked by snow or have ice build-up inside the opening.
Frozen vents closeup
Close up of a frozen vent
Frozen Vent
  • If your system is blowing cold air, try turning your emergency switch off for 30 seconds and then turn it back on again.
  • Make sure your thermostat is on and that the batteries are working properly.
  • Try keeping your thermostats at least 65 degrees by temporarily disabling the setback feature on your thermostat. Your furnace will not work as hard in the morning to get up to temperature and it will improve the comfort of your home. Our Energy experts recommend enabling the setback feature once the cold snap has passed.
    • If your system is continually running and you still cannot get heat, it may be undersized.
     Also, please keep in mind the following cold weather safety tips:
     
    • Keep gas meters free from snow and ice – use a broom, not a shovel, to clear snow from your meter assembly and vents.
    • Keep exterior sidewall vents clear – if a vent becomes buried in snow or blocked otherwise, equipment may shut down or draw exhaust fumes into a home.
    • Test smoke alarms – It is important to have smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. If possible, smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
    • Test carbon monoxide alarms – Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Exposure to even small quantities of CO can cause flu-like symptoms. Higher levels can be dangerous. Test and replace CO detectors as needed. Properly maintain and vent your appliances. Never use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use a generator indoors or near the home. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 or local fire department, seek fresh air and remain outside.
    • Report all gas leaks – Natural gas and propane have an odor similar to that of rotten eggs. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area, call 911 and contact your fuel supplier.
    • Inspect appliances and furnaces once a year – all furnaces and gas appliances should be inspected and serviced at least once a year by a qualified professional.

    If these do not work, call us 24/7 at 802-863-4511 and we will send a service technician to help. Please stay safe and warm.