LOS ANGELES, Nov. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- With the onset of colder weather, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) officials say now is the time to prepare homes for an energy-efficient heating season.
"As Mother Nature turns down the temperature, we tend to turn up the thermostat," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services for The Gas Company. "With winter home-heating bills for most residential customers projected to be 45 percent to 55 percent higher than last winter due to increased natural gas costs nationwide, improving your home's energy efficiency will help to keep gas bills as low as possible."
The Gas Company offers these tips for a warm, safe and energy-efficient winter:
-- Take The Gas Company's online Home Energy-Efficiency Survey for a
free evaluation of home energy usage.
-- Perform any needed maintenance on home heating systems.
-- When using the home furnace, lower the thermostat 3 degrees to 5
degrees (health permitting) and turn it off when not at home.
This can help save up to 20 percent on heating costs.
-- Check the furnace filter monthly and clean or replace it, per
manufacturer's recommendations, to save up to 2 percent on
heating costs.
-- When purchasing a new furnace, choose an ENERGY STAR(r) model with
an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90 percent
and take advantage of utility rebates.
-- Increase the home's efficiency by installing attic and wall
insulation and save up to 25 percent on heating costs. Be sure to
take advantage of utility rebates on these items.
-- Have air ducts tested for leaks and seal any leaks to save up to
20 percent on heating costs.
-- Caulk and weatherstrip drafty doors and windows to save up to 5
percent on heating costs.
-- And, use an extra blanket and turn down the furnace thermostat at
night as the weather turns cooler.
The Gas Company offers rebates on qualified high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, water heaters, attic and wall insulation and other home-improvement items. Energy-efficiency program information and applications are available at www.socalgas.com.
For eligible customers with limited income, The Gas Company offers a 20-percent rate discount on monthly gas bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and free energy-saving home improvements, including repair or replacement of qualifying home furnaces, through the Direct Assistance Program (DAP). Income guidelines have been revised for these programs to allow more customers to be eligible. One-time winter bill assistance also is available for eligible customers through the Gas Assistance Fund.
For more information on conservation and simple home improvement tips as well as energy-efficiency rebates and applications, customers should visit The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com, or call The Gas Company at 1 (800) 427-2200. Customers are asked to have their account number handy for faster service.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.5 million consumers through 5.5 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.