Get Comfortable
Hot tips for winter
There are many simple things you can do to save energy and money at home – and help the environment at the same time. Here are ten hot tips:
Winter 2007
Information on energy usage, conservation, rates and natural gas safety.
7. Control the flow
Use ceiling fans to push warm air down to where you need it.
1. Save money overnight
Turn your thermostat down to 20oC during the day and 17oC at night to reduce your heating costs. Or install a programmable thermostat.
8. Recycle heat when it’s hot
Run consecutive loads in your natural gas dryer to take advantage of accumulated heat.
9. Breathe easy
Change or clean furnace filters as recommended by the manufacturer during heating season.
2. Seal off drafts and leaks
Seal any air leaks around windows, doors and ceilings with caulking, weatherstripping or insulation.
10. Tune up for peak performance
A well-tuned furnace or boiler saves energy and money over time. For more energy saving tips and ideas, ask for the complete Hot Tips guide. Call 1-888-224-2710 or visit www.terasengas.com
3. Repair leaky faucets
The smallest drip from a worn washer can waste up to 720 litres of water every month. That’s money and precious resources straight down the drain.
4. Save heat, room by room
Instead of heating the whole house, use your natural gas fireplace for zone heating. It puts heat exactly where you need it most.
5. Upgrade your old log set
If you’ve got a gas log set in a masonry fireplace, consider replacing it with an efficient, natural gas insert. And be sure to look for the EnerChoice logo for the highest efficiency rating.
In this issue...
• Hot tips for winter • Natural gas — reliable and reasonable • Get your appliances ready for winter • Join the Terasen team • You can’t see, taste or smell me • Fireplace safety tips • Smell gas? Act fast! • Cosy up to EnerChoice
6. Trap heat inside
Close the drapes when the sun goes down and keep the heat in.
www.terasengas.com
Natural gas – reliable and reasonable
Terasen Gas delivers natural gas to more than 900,000 customers across BC. We don’t explore for or produce natural gas. But we are the largest purchaser of natural gas in the province. Natural gas is a commodity traded on the open market, like lumber or coffee. Terasen Gas does not earn a profit on the price of the commodity. We buy gas on behalf of our customers at the best possible price and pass that price on without mark up. We make sure you get a reliable supply of natural gas at a reasonable price. We use several strategies to do this: • Our extensive pipeline network allows us to buy gas from various sources – mainly from northeastern BC and Alberta. • Whenever possible, we lock in the price of gas through the use of contracts. • We also purchase gas when prices are low and put it in storage for use at a later date. The British Columbia Utilities Commission regulates Terasen Gas. This means the Commission reviews and approves our rates, so the rates you pay are fair and competitive. Visit www.terasengas.com to learn more about natural gas rates.
Get your appliances ready for winter
Regular cleaning, maintenance and inspection will keep your natural gas appliances working safely and reliably. Appliances that are well looked after also perform at peak efficiency. Here are a few things to keep in mind: • The manual that comes with each appliance is the best source of maintenance and operating instructions. • Preventative maintenance is key. Choose a gas contractor licensed by the BC Safety Authority to inspect and maintain your natural gas and propane appliances regularly. • Make sure the contractor you choose employs a certified gasfitter who’s experienced at inspecting and servicing all types of gas appliances for safe operation. • Our Qualified Dealer network provides professional services from independent heating contractors throughout Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. For more information about Qualified Dealers in your community call 1-866-442-4456 or check out the full listing at www.terasengas.com. Look after your gas appliances and they’ll keep you warm and comfortable all winter long.
Join the Terasen team
Here at Terasen Gas, you’ll find the traditional dark suit is rarely seen – even at our head office in Surrey. We’re a progressive, flexible employer that recognizes the importance of work and play. And when you’re balancing a busy life, it’s reassuring to know you’ll feel comfortable at work. Consider a career at Terasen Gas. The work is challenging and interesting, and you’ll enjoy great benefits and a competitive salary. We promote from within the company, and help employees grow personally and professionally. At Terasen Gas, we look for people to fill many roles. Some are engineers. Others are trades people, administrators and field operations staff. The 1,400 British Columbians we employ work and live in communities located throughout the province. Terasen Gas delivers the natural gas that warms your home, heats your water, and cooks your dinner. It takes a talented and diverse workforce to do it reliably and safely. If you’re a team player who values honesty, integrity and respect, we invite you to visit our Careers page at www.terasengas.com.
You can’t see, taste or smell me
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas. So it’s impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes if they’re in your home. At low levels of exposure, CO can cause symptoms often mistaken for the flu. These can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and disorientation. At higher levels, CO can be fatal. Yet the risk of CO poisoning from natural gas appliances is extremely low. Most times, poisoning comes from fires and car exhaust. While carbon monoxide alarms can provide additional peace of mind, the best way to avoid CO from your appliances is through regular maintenance. If you think carbon monoxide may be present in your home: • Open all doors and windows. • Get fresh air immediately. • Get medical attention if needed. • Turn off any appliance you suspect isn’t working right. • Have a licensed gas contractor inspect your appliances. Find more information about carbon monoxide and natural gas safety tips at www.terasengas.com
Fireplace safety tips
On cold winter nights, it’s nice to cosy up by the gas fireplace. Here are two things to keep in mind for the safety of young children: 1. Keep watch. Supervise young children carefully when they’re near a fireplace. The glass insert surrounding a natural gas fireplace heats up quickly and takes approximately 45 minutes to cool down. 2. Don’t touch. If you think your toddler may be tempted to touch the glass doors of a fireplace, invest in a safety guard. See your local hearth products retailer for details. For more fireplace safety and maintenance tips, visit www.terasengas.com
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Smell gas? Act fast!
Natural gas smells bad for a good reason. We add a distinctive odour of rotten eggs or sulphur. That way, if there’s ever a gas leak, you’ll know. If you smell gas or hear the sound of escaping gas: • Don’t smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, use a cell or telephone or create any other source of ignition. • Leave the building immediately, leaving the door open and any already open windows. • Get to a nearby phone and call the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911, the fire department or 911. We’ll respond quickly and never charge to investigate a gas odour call. Your safety is always our first priority.
Cosy up to EnerChoice
If you like to cosy up to a natural gas fireplace on cold winter nights, why not make sure it’s EnerChoice approved? To be sure your new fireplace is energy efficient, first look for a model that has an EnerGuide fireplace efficiency rating. Many natural gas fireplaces are energy efficient. But only the top 25 per cent qualify for the EnerChoice logo. The EnerChoice system helps you identify energy efficiency and heating ability. On a scale of 1 to 100, the higher the number, the better the energy efficiency and the more heat you get for your heating dollar. For more information, visit www.enerchoice.org
Terasen Gas - an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc. - is the common name of Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. Terasen Gas uses the Terasen Gas name and logo, “Get comfortable.” and “Burn blue. Save green.” under license from Terasen Inc.
Get Comfortable TGVI 11/07
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Get comfortable.
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