Be safe and stay clear of power lines when working outdoors
BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct 03, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- With the first weeks of autumn already putting a chill in the air, Puget Sound Energy encourages consumers to take time now to get their homes ready for cooler temperatures to manage energy costs and be comfortable and safe this winter.
PSE offers a checklist of simple fall preparation and safety tips:
-- Seal gaps around doors and windows by adding weather stripping or caulk to keep heat from escaping.
-- Add insulation to attics, walls, ducts and floors. PSE offers up to $1,400 in insulation rebates.
-- Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in good working order.
-- Change or clean furnace filters monthly during the heating season.
-- Make sure the area around the furnace and water heater is clear of all flammable materials such as rags, cardboard boxes, solvents and paint thinners.
-- Repair or replace damaged heating ducts.
-- Keep all heating vents open and unblocked by furniture or other items.
-- Look up before doing any outdoor overhead work, like cleaning gutters, pruning trees or working with ladders, to avoid power lines. Maintain a minimum of 15 feet of clearance from overhead power lines.
-- Don't let anyone climb a utility pole or green electric transformer cabinet. If a pet is stranded on a utility pole or if a ball or toy goes into a power substation, don't go after them.
"As cooler temperatures are upon us, preparing homes to save on heating expenses and conducting annual safety checks are important for our customers' pocketbooks, safety and the reliability of their heating equipment," said Agnes Barard, director of customer care for PSE.
"If you are having problems with your natural gas furnace or water heater or if you have problems with pilot lights, call us to schedule a PSE natural gas service technician for a free visit to diagnose the problem," added Barard.
To report a furnace problem call PSE at 1-888-225-5773. Visit PSE.com for additional preparation and safety tips as well as information about heating rebates.
About Puget Sound Energy
Washington state's oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its customers through incremental, cost-effective energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service and delivering energy that is safe, dependable and efficient. For more information, visit www.PSE.com .
SOURCE: Puget Sound Energy
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