PREPARING FOR WINTER

Each year, Washington Gas helps customers prepare for the winter heating season. Take simple steps now to help you and your family manage energy costs better and stay safe, warm and energy-smart when temperatures start to drop.

Safety and Energy Efficiency:

Nearly one-half of your energy budget is spent on heating and cooling so consider the following:

• For safety, comfort and energy efficiency, schedule an appointment to have a qualified, licensed natural gas contractor perform a thorough inspection of your heating system, including the furnace, water heater, all pilot and burner chambers, venting systems and thermostats. Remember that heating contractors get busier as the weather gets cooler, so call today.
• Replace your air/furnace filter every month during the heating season to maintain the safe and efficient operation of your heating equipment. Let your natural gas bill be a reminder.
• Use the Low or Warm settings on your water heater – never turning it above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will improve efficiency and prevent scalding accidents. If you have an automatic dishwasher and the manufacturer recommends a normal temperature setting for your water heater, ask your plumber about anti-scald devices for shower and sink taps. 
• Caulk, weather-strip and insulate openings where air infiltrates your home. The most common places where air escapes include doors, attics, windows, plumbing penetrations and electrical outlets.
• Taking showers instead of baths, washing full loads of dishes and using cold water for full loads of laundry can help to reduce hot water use.
• If you are replacing appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label for efficiency ratings. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.

IMPORTANT WINTER SAFETY TIPS:

• Never use your oven or range top to heat your home. Using the oven to heat a room or apartment during winter is dangerous – for two reasons. First, leaving burner flames on and unwatched is a fire hazard. Second, oven burners operating continuously can use up indoor oxygen and lead to the production of deadly carbon monoxide.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends putting CO detecting alarms outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of your home. Replace batteries at least twice each year and change the batteries in your smoke alarms too.

Energy Assistance:

If you are having trouble paying your gas bill, click here or call us at 703-750-1000 as soon as possible. Washington Gas can provide you with information about the company's programs as well as state and federal government energy assistance programs for eligible customers. The sooner you call the better chance we have of helping you.

Payment Plans and Services:

Washington Gas offers several payment plans and services to help you manage your time and energy costs. The Automated Payment Plan, Budget Plan, eService Center and Automated Services line work well together or separately.

Payment Plans:

• Pay your gas bill automatically each month on its date through the Automated Payment Plan. Washington Gas continues to send you a statement each month but, on the due date, the amount of the bill will be deducted electronically from your checking account - no check writing, postage or waiting in line. To enroll, click here or call 703-750-1000.
  
• Customers who qualify can take advantage of the Budget Plan to spread the cost of fall and winter heating over the entire year and lessen the impact of typically higher winter energy bills. For more information or to enroll, click here or call 703-750-7944.

Payment Services:

• Enjoy the convenience of free, paperless billing with eBill. For more details about our eBill program or to enroll, click here or call the Automated Services Line at 703-750-1000.
  
• For information regarding all of our payment services and locations, download our Billing and Payment Plans Brochure, visit the Billing and Payment page of our website or call 703-750-1000.

Additional Resources

• View our energy efficiency video at washingtongasliving.com. 
  
• Download, Energy Saver$ Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home, at one of the U.S. Department of Energy's sites, www.eere.energy.gov/consumer, or call 877-337-3463 for a copy.
  
• Go to www.energyhog.org to learn about energy efficiency through interactive games the entire family can enjoy.

Winter Safety Information

During the winter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm or warning is issued.

Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

• Freezing rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
• Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Storm Warning means that severe weather conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

For additional information about winter weather preparedness, go to the following FEMA sites:

• Checklist to Use Before a Winter Storm or Extreme Cold
• Checklist to Use During a Winter Storm