Atmos Energy urges Texans to reduce their energy consumption as freezing temperatures continue.
Atmos launched Sunday because the dangerous cold weather will continue throughout the week throughout Texas.
Atmos Energy has asked industrial-scale economic customers to reduce their natural gas consumption and they have been urged to comply.
Atmos Energy offered the following tips to reduce energy:
• Businesses and large consumers of utilities should minimize energy consumption as much as possible.
• Lower the thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider wearing extra layers of clothing and lowering the thermostat just below.
• Reduce the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees, as it can represent up to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
• Reduce shower time and avoid bathrooms. The shower represents about 40% of the hot water consumption in the house.
• Disconnect electronic devices and turn off unused lights. By conserving electricity, you also help preserve the natural gas that maintains the power supply.
• Refrain from using large appliances such as the washing machine, dryer, oven and dishwasher for the next few days. When using it, limit the opening of the oven door to prevent energy waste.
• Keep the fireplace flap closed unless a fire burns. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – the warm air goes right up the chimney!
• If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run the pool pump in the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
Atmos also reminds Texans how to stay safe at home:
• Never use a gas oven or hob to heat your home.
• Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather resistant; however, to ensure that the appliance operates smoothly, remove snow and ice from the gas meters with a broom or brush. Never hit with scratches and ice with a hard object
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave the taps running in a thread, leave the cabinet doors open and close all doors and windows to keep the heat inside.
• If you think you smell gas, act quickly. Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866-322-8667.
For more information, click here.