JACKSON, Mich., Dec. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that winter
weather with snow, ice and freezing temperatures has arrived across
Michigan, Consumers Energy is
offering tips to help residents stay safe and save energy while
staying warm throughout the heating season.
"During this holiday season and throughout the winter our wish
at Consumers Energy is that Michigan residents stay safe. Safety is always
our top priority, so we offer some simple yet important energy
tips," said Aaron Kantor, Consumers
Energy's director of emergency management and public safety.
REMOVE SNOW AND ICE
One of the most important tips is
to keep natural gas and electric meters and gas furnace intake
pipes free of ice and snow. If snow is allowed to build up, it can
become compacted and freeze around the meter, causing damage that
can interfere with its proper operation, and can affect appliances
served by that meter.
- Snow should always be removed by hand, never with a shovel,
metal/wood tools or power snow removal equipment.
- Residents with high-efficiency furnaces should make sure the
intake pipes (typically two white plastic pipes coming out from the
side of the home) are free from piled or drifting snow to prevent
possible obstructions that could interfere with safe
operation.
- Those living in mobile/manufactured homes should safely clear
away snow from rooftop chimneys, fresh air intakes and furnace
exhaust pipes.
HEATING SAFETY
- Safely removing snow and ice around meters, intake valves and
chimneys can also help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Often called the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is an odorless,
colorless, tasteless toxic gas that can be produced when appliances
are not operating or venting properly. Keep chimneys and vent pipes
free of obstructions like leaves and nests.
- Installing a UL listed audible carbon monoxide alarm is the
only way to be warned if this dangerous gas is produced. Most
carbon monoxide problems occur in the winter when doors and windows
are closed and furnaces are operating.
- Never use a generator inside of your home, basement, garage or
near a window.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- Do not store paper and other flammable materials near your
furnace or appliances.
- When using space heaters, keep the heater away from curtains,
drapes, bedspreads and other flammable materials. Always unplug the
heater before you leave the home or go to bed.
WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY
- Change your thermostat settings -- Save energy by
setting your heat to a lower temperature. Use your programmable
thermostat to set your heat at 68 degrees when you are home and 65
degrees when you are away for less than 5 hours. If you're going to
be away for more than five hours, set the thermostat to 58
degrees.
- Maintain your furnace: Have a professional inspect
your furnace every year to be certain it is running as efficiently
as possible. Also, change your furnace filter regularly.
- Prep your windows and doors: Check for leaks in
your windows and doors by feeling around for cool air. Caulk, fill,
or weather-strip if necessary.
- Pay attention to your water heater: In most homes,
the water heater is the second highest energy user. Set your water
heater to the lowest setting, or 120 degrees. For more savings, put
a manufacturer's recommended insulation blanket around your water
heater.
Consumers Energy, Michigan's
largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy
(NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7
million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers
Energy, go to
www.ConsumersEnergy.com.
Media toolkit
LEARN MORE: Check out winter safety tips
and ways to use less energy during cold weather:
www.ConsumersEnergy.com/coldweather
Check out Consumers Energy on Social
Media
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/consumersenergy
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/consumersenergy
View original content with
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mother-nature-delivers-winter-blast-consumers-energy-offers-tips-to-stay-safe-and-warm-300572041.html
SOURCE Consumers Energy