Atmos Energy urges jeans to reduce their energy consumption as icy temperatures continue.
Atmos released the advice Sunday, as the dangerous cold weather will continue throughout the week across Texas.
Atmos Energy has asked industrial-sized business customers to reduce their natural gas consumption and has been urged to comply.
Atmos Energy offered the following tips for reducing energy:
• Businesses and large consumers of utilities should minimize energy consumption.
• Lower the thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider wearing extra layers of clothing and lowering the thermostat even further.
• Lower the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees, as it can account for up to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
• Reduce shower time and avoid toilets. The shower accounts for approximately 40% of the hot water your home uses.
• Turn off electronic devices and turn off unused lights. By conserving electricity, you also help conserve the natural gas that sustains the food.
• Do not use large appliances such as the washing machine, dryer, oven and dishwasher for the next few days. When in use, limit the oven door opening to avoid wasting energy.
• Keep the chimney cap closed unless it is burning. Leaving the shock absorber open is like keeping a window wide open: hot air rises up to the chimney.
• If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run the pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
Atmos also reminds jeans how to stay safe at home:
• Never use an oven or gas stove to heat your home.
• Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather resistant; however, to make sure the meter continues to run smoothly, remove snow and ice from the natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or tear snow and ice with a hard object.
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Let the taps run smoothly, leave the cabinet doors open and close all doors and windows to keep the heat inside.
• If you think it smells like gas, act quickly. Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance, call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866-322-8667.
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