TEXAS, USA — With the coldest air of the season thus far set to arrive in North Texas by next week, Texas Water Utilities has some tips to prepare your home for the freezing temperatures.
The coldest temperatures of the season are set to arrive Sunday afternoon into Monday.
Atmos Energy has some tips to stay safe and conserve energy:
- Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
- Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object. Call Atmos Energy's emergency number, 866-322-8667, if you have concerns about your meter.
- Make sure external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions about proper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor.
- Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle overnight, open cabinet doors, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.
- Save money and energy by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home (where safe to do so).
- If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately, and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number, 866-322-8667.
- These tips and more are available on the Storm Center page at atmosenergy.com.
Texas Water Utilities recommends the following tips to prepare your home for a freeze:
- Open cabinets and keep your thermostat to a consistent temperature during the day and night.
- Leave the heat on when going away for vacation during cold weather.
- Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas and seal off openings in doors and air vents.
- Drain swimming pool equipment, shut down your sprinkler system, turn off outside faucets and remove connected hoses.
- Cover outdoor spigots with faucet covers/freeze caps.
- Do not drip faucets throughout the day and night. Instead, shut off your water and run all faucets to drain out the water from your pipes right before going to bed. Then, in the morning, you can turn your water back on and use it during the day.
- If a pipe freezes but hasn’t burst, try to thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hairdryer, or towel soaked with hot water.
- Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipes. Never concentrate heat in one area because cracking ice can shatter a line.
More tips and information are available on SouthWest Water Company’s website.