Stop what you’re doing
Don't smoke or light a match. Don't open the windows. Don’t use anything that could cause a spark, like a phone, light switch, appliance or flashlight. Don’t start your car or use your garage door to leave.
Consider the following tips to help you save on energy costs and stay safe and warm when it's cold outside.
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Cold Weather Energy Tips
Adjust your thermostat
Bundle up in heavier clothing and set your thermostat 2-4 degrees below what you’re used to. Aim to keep your thermostat at 68° F to help save energy and money.
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Cold Weather Energy Tips
Set water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Water heaters are one of the biggest energy users in the home. Check the temperature and take quick showers to use less hot water.
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Cold Weather Energy Tips
Let the sun in
Use the sun’s energy to help heat your home. Open blinds and drapes to let the sun shine directly into a room. Remember to close them when the sun goes down to insulate heat in.
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Cold Weather Energy Tips
Set ceiling fans clockwise
Keep warm air circulating by running ceiling fans clockwise to draw air up.
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Cold Weather Energy Tips
Don't use ovens to heat your home
Never use ovens or stoves as a source of heat. Not only is this inefficient, it’s dangerous and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Winter weather can cause safety hazards for your meter and equipment
Stay safe
Your meter, regulator and outdoor piping can withstand harsh winter weather, but hard-packed snow, icicles and water dripping on outdoor equipment can create a safety hazard. Follow these tips to stay safe and warm this winter:
- Keep your meter visible at all times so it is accessible for maintenance or in the event of an emergency
- Never let snow completely cover the meter setting
- Don’t use a shovel or hammer to hit the equipment to break up snow or ice
- Don’t shovel snow up against your meter
- Watch for freezing rain or water dripping from your roof that can create icy build-up on your meter
- Be sure to use a broom to clear snow from the meter
- Be careful using a snow blower or plow near the meter
If your meter is completely encased in ice, or if you think there's a potential problem with the outside piping or equipment, call us at 1-800-4NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726).
Keep vents clear
In addition to your meter, be sure to clear snow and ice from your intake, exhaust and/or make-up air vents. Keeping those vents clear can help you avoid carbon monoxide buildup and operational issues with your appliances. Know where your air supply ducts are and keep them free of snow and ice. Some direct-vent and high-efficiency appliances have side-wall vents and air intakes that can become obstructed during heavy snow fall. Make sure that your chimney or roof vent is clear. Learn more about venting.
Stay safe with space heaters
Space heaters can provide additional comfort during the cold winter months, but should be used with caution. When using, place the space heater on a hard, non-flammable surface away from bedding, drapes, furniture and flammable products.
Follow these steps if you smell gas or think you have a gas leak:
Leave the area immediately
If you're inside, get out immediately. If you're outside, leave the area quickly.
Call 911 and us
From a safe location, away from the building, call 911 and our emergency number at 1-800-634-3524 (24/7) and wait for crews to arrive.
More safety tips
Proper Venting
All natural gas appliances require proper ventilation to bring fresh air to the appliance and to safely vent exhaust gases out of the building.
Flooding Safety
Flooding can damage your natural gas lines and appliances, causing a safety hazard. Find out what to do if flooding affects your home or business.
Appliance Safety
Learn how to safely care for your natural gas appliances over time and how to have natural gas appliances safely installed in your home or business.