As the forecast calls for extreme winter weather to arrive in the coming days, Atmos Energy is closely monitoring theweather and staging our employees across our system. Atmos Energy prepares all year for winter weather. Here aretips to help you stay safe and conserve energy so you can be ready for winter too.
Stay Safe
Please follow these steps to stay safe during winter weather:
- Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
- Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keepsworking smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chipsnow and ice away with a hard object. Call Atmos Energy’s Emergency Number, 866.322.8667, if youhave concerns about your meter.
- Make sure external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents for dryers andother gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions forproper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor.
- Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close alldoors and windows to keep heat inside.
- If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and theAtmos Energy emergency number, 866.322.8667.
Use Energy Wisely
Cold weather may impact the amount of natural gas you use. To save energy and money please consider theseenergy-saving tips where safe to do so:
- Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home.
- Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home's hotwater use.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent ofthe energy consumed in your home.
- Do not use a pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate thewater and prevent freezing.
- Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded.
- Unless a fire is burning, close your fireplace damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
Visit our Storm Center at atmosenergy.com/stormcenter
for current weather and service updates, includingrestoration instructions for customers who experience an outage. We may also communicate via text, email, phonecall, or social media with further information as needed.
If you experience loss of natural gas service or low gas pressure, contact the Atmos Energy emergency line at
866.322.8667.
