Irving: Conserve Energy As Bitterly Cold Temperatures Arrive

Press release from the City of Irving:

February 14, 2021

Below freezing temperatures have settled in for the next several days, as well as the impending snow and ice accumulations expected early next week. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration in all 254 counties because of severe winter weather impacting the state.

Atmos Energy offers a few easy tips to conserve energy, keep warm and stay safe during this historic winter event.

Conserve energy

• Every degree makes a difference. Save energy and money by lowering your thermostat to at least 68 degrees.
• Don’t forget the water heater. Lower the maximum temperature to 120 degrees; a water heater can account for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in a home.
• Harness the power of the sun. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney!
• Change furnace filters once a month during winter. Dirty air filters can lead to dust, dirt and grime buildup on the heating components, causing the furnace to use more energy and increasing the risk of a malfunction.

Stay safe

• Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
• Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weatherproof. However, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush.
  • Never kick or chip snow and ice away from a meter with a hard object.
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open and close all doors 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 the Atmos Energy emergency number at (866) 322-8667.

The utility also encourages customers needing solutions to keep up with their monthly natural gas expenses to contact Atmos Energy’s customer service team at (888) 286-6700 or visit the company's account center.

This press release was produced by the City of Irving. The views expressed here are the author’s own.