Atmos Energy calls on Texans to reduce their energy consumption as freezing temperatures continue.
Atmos released the advice Sunday, as dangerous cold weather will continue throughout the week in Texas.
Atmos Energy has asked industrial-sized business customers to limit their natural gas consumption and is urged to comply.
Atmos Energy offered the following tips to reduce energy:
• Businesses and large consumers should limit energy consumption as little as possible.
• Lower your thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider putting on extra layers of clothing and turning the thermostat down even lower.
• Lower the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees, as it can make up as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
• Reduce bath time and avoid baths. Showering is about 40 percent of the use of hot water in your home.
• Disconnect electronic devices and turn off unused lights. By saving electricity, you also help save natural gas that keeps the power going.
Do not use large appliances such as your washing machine, dryer, oven and dishwasher for the next few days. If you use the oven door, it should be limited to prevent wasted energy.
• Close your fireplace lid unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – hot air goes right up into the chimney!
• If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Have your pool pump installed during the coldest part of the day to allow the water to circulate and prevent freezing.
Atmos also reminds Texans how to stay safe at home:
• Never use an oven or a gas stove to heat your home.
• Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather resistant; However, to ensure that the meter continues to work smoothly, remove snow and ice from the natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never shoot away snow and ice with a hard object.
• Reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Let faucet run in the barrel, leave cupboard doors open and lock all doors and windows to keep the heat inside.
• If you think your gas smells, act quickly. Leave the area immediately and call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at a safe distance at 866-322-8667.
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