We are well into October 2012. For the first time in Austin in a long while we are experiencing fall temperatures! We are not complaining as we are getting a taste of the change of seasons. Winter is just around the corner and maybe closer than we think.

Natural gas is a smart energy source for staying warm and many of us utilize gas for our heat.

Before the chill sets in Texas Gas Service recommends we follow an annual checklist to make sure our natural gas appliances operate safely and efficiently throughout the winter season.

The annual checklist is as follows:

    • Have a qualified contractor annually inspect your natural gas furnace, vents, connections and chimneys for corrosion  and blockages
    • Keep the area around your natural gas furnace and water heater clean and free from Litter. Clean or replace air filters in your heating system.
    • Vent natural gas space heaters to the outside. Never sleep in a room with an unvented natural gas heater.
    • Make sure your natural gas range top is clean. Wash burners with water and mild detergent.
    • Natural gas range flames should be crisp, quiet and blue. A yellow flame indicates a need for adjustment.
    • Make sure natural gas water heater air intakes, drain pipes, controls and flue are unobstructed.
    • Keep your natural gas meter free of debris and other obstructions at all times.
    • Never use your natural gas oven or range as a space heater.


It’s always better to be on the safe side. Make it a priority to take time to follow this checklist…… Protect your family, pets and yourself!

DON’T BE TAKEN IN: Recently, some Texas Gas Service customers have received calls regarding a “utility stimulus.” Please be advised these calls are fraudulent!

Texas Gas Service discourages all customers from providing personal, confidential information to any unknown party! They are asking you to report any suspicious calls to your local police department, Federal Trade Commission or  Better Business Bureau.

Local information or events is brought to you as a courtesy by Dorie Dillard, Coldwell Banker United Realtors, you’re NW Real Estate Consultant.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in NW Austin I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can help.

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35 Comments on Winter is around the corner…Have YOU Checked Your Gas Appliances?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

OCT
15
551,418 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good information and encouragement, Dorie.  I do my own home based gas inspections, but if a homeowner isn't qualified or feels uncomfortable doing the inspections they should definitely follow your guidance. 

6:46pm • #16
939,037 Points 94 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Great tips. I wish we were experiencing fall temperatures here, but unfortunately not quite yet.
6:50pm • #17
871,221 Points 47 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dorie, I just wish I had gas appliances! Here in Florida, natural gas communities are few and far between. We do use bottled propane, but even that is not found many places. Once you have cooked with gas, there is nothing else that can take its place. And yes, gas heating is superior as well. Oh well, our perk is we don't need it much!

Sharon

6:56pm • #18
873,145 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It was still capri and flip flop weather today in Riverside, but your list is STILL perfect in it's timing!!

7:09pm • #20
1,651,881 Points 134 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hot today but looking forward to the cooler temps here and you've provided good tips for the preparation.  

7:13pm • #21
359,489 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dorie, very smart stuff! I really like that you included the potential for people to be taken by the fraudulent "utility stimulus".

Congrats on the feature!

7:16pm • #22
1,027,748 Points 237 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dorie- great information for anyone with gas heating.  I'm with Frank & Sharon (18)... I would love gas for cooking!  Congrats on another great feature. 

7:39pm • #23
863,736 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dorie - this is very valuable information.  It is important to be prepared for winter.

8:10pm • #24
547,229 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dorie:

Good advice for any where in the country.  I tell my clients to have their gas appliances and heating systems checked annually to be sure that all is working as it should.

8:27pm • #25
876,267 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dorie, great advice - in fact, this is very much applicable to our area! Thanks for sharing.

9:45pm • #26
264,305 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I have a relatively new very energy efficient newer all electric home. I work out of my house, meaning I am here more so than most.  I have all sorts of electronic gadgets and goodies. My total electric bill in the winter, including heat, averages about $65-70 per month. Of course I am in Tucson, where we banned Winter!

11:18pm • #27
OCT
16
1,133,439 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Excellent point, Dorie.  Yes, this is definitely the another busy season for the HVAC guys and gals.

2:14am • #28
645,720 Points 67 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Dorrie.  I wish we had gas in our neighborhood.  It seems to be much cheaper than oil.

3:41am • #29
1,064,394 Points 67 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

 We never think of Texas and winter....if you want some REAL winter...come on up here in another 60 days andI am sure we can show you  some !  Great tips....time to be  warm  and careful !

4:07am • #30
491,947 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

What an outstanding list. I made a copy as will get it to everyone in my office.

Thank you for sharing the post with all of us.

4:19am • #31
935,539 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Excellent advice, Dorie! 

We have had a rash of those calls that promote utility stimulus programs.  One of them that partners with PG&E is often a good resource to seniors, and it is free.  However, those "other guys" who have every sharp talking idea out there, you need to be cautious of.  If there is a question about legitimacy, I suggest calling your utility, and asking if the program is truly endorsed by them!

5:38am • #32
728,527 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dorie, good information! This is something that should be checked every year by a qualified technician. Thanks for the reminder.

6:00am • #33

Thanks for the reminder and great tips!

9:40am • #34
124,907 Points

Great idea to get people thinking ahead. Home owners can also call in a BPI certified energy auditor and they can test combustion appliances for dangerous conditions that even most HVAC contractors don't test for. Just did two today myself.

8:14pm • #35

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Dorie Dillard Realtor® Canyon Creek NW Austin TX homes for sale

Austin, TX

More about me…

Coldwell Banker United Realtors

Address: 9442 N. Capital TX Highway, Plaza Two Suite 150, Austin, TX, 78759

Office Phone: (512) 346-1799

Email Me

Author Bio: I was once a school teacher and still like the learning process. Only now I enjoy learning what dreams my clients have and what I can do to help them. I am a firm believer in asking the right questions. It is the only way to get answers that have helped me build an impressive business over the past 21 years and leave a trail of happy clients

Welcome to my ActiveRain real estate blog and profile. I'm a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United and specialize in NW Austin. Once a school teacher I still like the learning process. Only now I enjoy learning what dreams my clients have and what I can do to help them. Dorie Dillard, Real Estate Professional in Austin, TX

Dorie Dillard

Dorie Dillard on Zillow

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