Comforts of MANAGE YOUR ENERGY COSTS FURNACE TUNE-UPS NEW CNG STATION OPENS

Transcription

1 Comforts of MANAGE YOUR ENERGY COSTS FURNACE TUNE-UPS NEW CNG STATION OPENS

2 The days are growing shorter, but that doesn t seem to limit our fall schedule. Football games, school carnivals and family gatherings bring much-needed fun, fellowship and even frenetic energy to everyday life. What in the world is a Smart PIG? Although the headline might sound like the set up for a corny joke, a Smart PIG is actually one of the assessment tools PSNC Energy uses to help keep its natural gas pipelines safe and reliable. But having more to do on your list can dampen the enthusiasm for what some describe as the most wonderful time of the year college football season. So we hope our tips in this issue of Comforts of Home will help you get a few of those tasks checked off. Before the first blast of cold air arrives, think about having your heating system checked out by a professional. While not a cost-free measure, it may help you avoid future repair bills. For no-cost, low-cost ways to ward off high heating bills, be sure to review our top energy-saving tactics. And if natural gas logs are on your wish list for the holiday season, learn more about how easy it can be to convert your wood-burning fireplace to gas. Just keeping the heat on will be a struggle for many families across our service area this winter. That s why we continue to support The Salvation Army Heat Care Fund, and I invite you to consider adding a Heat Care donation to your gift list. You can do it all online by going to psncenergy.com/heatcare. Right now, the leaves are changing and the weather is pretty close to perfect. So here s hoping you take every opportunity to enjoy your favorite autumn activities even if they don't include college football. So what exactly is a Smart PIG? The name stands for Smart Pipeline Inspection Gauge, Smart PIG for short. There are many different types of Smart PIGS, but basically a Smart PIG functions as an in-line inspection device that travels through a pipeline to collect specific data about the health of the pipeline and detect any irregularities that might need further study. Designed to measure a pipeline s diameter, curvature, bends, temperature and pressure, as well as identify any areas of corrosion or other metal loss, data from a Smart PIG is analyzed to target areas of potential concern that require further inspection. Despite its odd name, Smart PIG technology gives us another way to evaluate the integrity of our pipeline infrastructure and perform maintenance work long before any issues arise. Up to $250 in Tankless Water Heater Rebates Rusty Harris President and Chief Operating Officer PSNC Energy Purchase a Rinnai or Rheem tankless water heater from now until the end of the year, and you could get up to $250 in rebates. Both Rinnai and Rheem are offering a $150 rebate and, if you are changing out an existing natural gas water heater, you may be eligible for PSNC Energy s $100 conservation rebate. Visit psncenergy.com/tankless or give us a call at to find out more about these rebates.

3 Before the chill of winter sets in, do yourself a favor and make an appointment for your furnace s annual tune-up. Just like your own annual physical, a tune-up is designed to make sure everything is working properly, and to catch and address the small things that could develop into much larger problems if left unchecked. When you schedule your appointment, don t just look for the lowest price. There is no industry standard for what a tune-up should include, so the tune-up you get with a $35 coupon will most likely be a lot less thorough than one that costs more. The best way to make sure you re getting a comprehensive tune-up is to ask the company for a list of what their service includes. Below are several things you ll want to make sure are on the list, and why it s important to have them checked. Inspect the ignition/pilot system If this device is dirty or not working properly, it may stop your furnace from working altogether. Inspect the burner flame for proper burning characteristics The burner is the heart of your furnace. It must be burning properly to achieve maximum efficiency. A tune-up should include cleaning the burner if it s dirty. Check for proper air and natural gas flow Your furnace needs the correct mixture of air and natural gas to function at peak efficiency. If necessary, a tune-up should include adjusting these levels. Check the combustion chamber/heat exchanger for rust, corrosion or holes Problems here should be addressed immediately because this is where combusted air is kept sealed away from the heated air that warms your house. A small hole could allow carbon monoxide to enter your home. What to look for in an annual furnace tune-up Check for carbon monoxide around the unit A properly functioning furnace will safely vent carbon monoxide to an outdoor area. The presence of carbon monoxide around the unit is a sure sign of a problem. Check the condition of the blower wheel The blower circulates the heated air through the ducts and into your home. A dirty or damaged wheel is less efficient at moving heated air. Inspect electrical connections Damaged wire coatings and loose connections could lead to bigger problems. Inspect ductwork for leaks Even if your furnace is performing at peak efficiency, leaky ducts will prevent heated air from making it into your home. A tune-up will not include repairing leaky ducts, but the technician should identify them and provide an estimate to have them repaired. This is by no means a complete list, and it s always a good idea to compare several different companies to make sure you re getting the best tune-up service possible. You can now use your smartphone to make a payment on your PSNC Energy bill. Go to psncenergy.com, log in to your account and pay your bill. It s quick and easy. Payments on the GO

4 TEXAS BONFIRE PONDEROSA CHARRED FRONTIER OAK When you purchased a home with a wood-burning fireplace, chances are you envisioned family gatherings in front of a blazing fire on cold winter nights or romantic evenings snuggled up next to the flickering flames. But then reality set in and you realized stacking and hauling wood was too much trouble, and cleaning up ash was something you d rather not deal with. So, like most people, your fireplace now sits cold and barren except for a very rare, special occasion. All that can change if you convert your wood-burning fireplace to natural gas logs. Nothing beats the comfort and convenience of natural gas logs. They give you all the warmth and ambiance of a real wood fire without all the hassles. Converting is simple, and one of our natural gas experts will help guide you through the process. Here are the simple steps you can take to get your fireplace converted to natural gas logs. 1. Give us a call at and one of our natural gas experts will come to your home to make sure your fireplace can be converted. This is a simple, free inspection. If the fireplace can be converted, our rep will also give you an estimate to have a gas line run to the fireplace and help you select the perfect logs for your home. 2. There are three different natural gas log types from which to choose. Vented Gas Logs Known for their large flames and realistic appearance, vented logs come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Although some newer radiant models cast a lot of heat into the room, vented logs don t generate much heat, and are primarily used to create the look and ambiance of a wood-burning fire. The lower heat output makes them great for multi-season use.

5 Convert to hassle-free flames SUPER SASSAFRAS CHARRED EVERGREEN OAK CHARRED OAK Vent-Free Gas Logs Known for their high efficiency and ability to heat a room quickly, vent-free logs also come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Since there is no venting required, you may opt to close your existing fireplace flue to maximize the heat output into the room. Fireplace Inserts These all-in-one kits literally slide right into your existing fireplace. They install quickly and are a great way to give an old fireplace a brand new look. They also have a wide variety of decorative surrounds to match your room s décor. 3. Once you ve decided which of the three types of logs you want, it s time to select your perfect set of logs. Your new logs can include options like a glowing ember bed, a wide variety of stones and gravel, and even a remote control. 4. Now that you ve selected your perfect logs, the installation will be scheduled at a time that s convenient for you. At that time, the gas line will be run, the logs will be installed, and the logs will be turned on and tested. 5. Finally, sit back, relax and enjoy the simplicity of turning your logs on and off with the press of a button. No more hassle and no more mess! To learn more about converting your wood-burning fireplace, call PSNC Energy sells and installs a wide variety of natural gas logs. Purchase your logs before November 30, 2014 and get 0% APR financing for 12 months. Don t see a set that you like here? Visit us online at psncnergy.com/gaslogs or give us a call at

6 Give the gift of comfort Each night, there are families in our community who go to bed cold. That s why PSNC Energy has sponsored The Salvation Army Heat Care Fund for more than 30 years. Is there a leak? Natural gas is one of the safest fuels available but accidents can happen. Use your senses to identify a potential natural gas leak. SMELL Natural gas leaks smell like rotten eggs. LOOK Natural gas leaks often cause bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead plants. You may also see sinkholes and/or exposed pipe. LISTEN Natural gas leaks often cause a hissing or roaring sound near a natural gas line or meter. Heat Care is a financial assistance program that helps people pay their heating bills, regardless of the type of fuel they use. This fall, we re kicking off the heating season with a $60,000 donation to the Heat Care Fund. Join us in helping others in our community by making a Heat Care contribution at psncenergy.com/heatcare. If you suspect a leak, warn others and walk away from the area immediately. From a safe distance, call us at and 911. We ll send someone right away to investigate. psncenergy.com is new and improved If you haven t visited psncenergy.com in a while, check it out. Our new website is designed to make it much easier to find the information you need to manage your service. Plus, the new design improves readability on mobile devices such as your tablet or smartphone.

7 Lower your energy costs this winter Check out these top ways to help manage energy costs as heating season nears. This easy dessert made with a favorite local soft drink works great for your ballgame tailgate and can be enjoyed again at Sunday lunch. The even heat of a natural gas oven will help you achieve a perfectly moist cake. Install or program an existing programmable thermostat to help regulate your home s energy use. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the heating season. Each degree higher can increase your heating costs. Have your heating system tuned up by a professional heating contractor and check your heating system s air filters monthly; replace if dirty. Stop air leaks by caulking or weather stripping windows, doors, pipes and electrical outlets. Make sure your water heater is set to the normal or medium setting (usually 120 degrees). Sign up for PSNC Energy s Budget Billing program to avoid fluctuations in your bill. Your bill is estimated for the next 12 months and spread into 12 equal payments. For budget billing program specifics or to sign up, visit psncenergy.com/budgetbill or call toll-free at New CNG Station opens in Chapel Hill PSNC Energy recently opened another compressed natural gas station, bringing the company s total number of public stations to seven. The Chapel Hill station is located at the company s operations center at 66 North Chatham Parkway. The company plans to have its eighth CNG station at 2020 Energy Drive in Apex available for public use by the end of October. Less expensive and more environmentally friendly than diesel or gasoline, CNG is a clean alternative fuel for vehicles. PSNC Energy already has 74 service vehicles that run on CNG and will have close to 100 by year end. For more information about PSNC Energy s CNG station locations, visit psncenergy.com/cng. To find public CNG stations across North Carolina, visit cngprices.com. SUN DROP Pound Cake 5 eggs 3 cups sugar 3 cups plain sifted flour 2 sticks butter or margarine ½ cup shortening 1 tsp vanilla flavoring 1 tsp lemon flavoring 6 ounces regular SUN DROP Cream butter (or margarine) and shortening, adding sugar gradually. Add eggs, one at a time, and continue beating well after each addition. Slowly blend in flavoring, flour (one cup at a time) and SUN DROP. Turn into a large greased and floured tube pan. Bake in a 325- degree oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cake tests done. Turn out on rack to cool. Frosting Glaze 2 cups confectioner s (powdered) sugar 2 ounces regular SUN DROP 2 Tbs butter or margarine Prepare frosting glaze by melting butter or margarine and blend with confectioner s sugar and SUN DROP. Spoon glaze over warm cake on rack over waxed paper. Glaze that slides off cake can be spooned back up over cake.

8 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID COLUMBIA, SC PERMIT #71 Comforts of FALL 2014 Natural Gas. Making Everyday Life Better SM MANAGE YOUR ENERGY COSTS FURNACE TUNE-UPS NEW CNG STATION OPENS SEND STORY IDEAS AND COMMENTS TO: Comforts of Home, Mail Code B234, SCANA Corporation, 220 Operation Way, Cayce, S.C ; visit our website at psncenergy.com; or call All rights reserved. Comforts of Home is published by PSNC Energy, a SCANA Company. PSNC Energy appliance sales, installation, maintenance and repair are not part of the regulated services offered by PSNC Energy and are not in any way sanctioned by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. There is no advantage to customers of PSNC Energy if they buy these products or services from PSNC Energy. A customer does not have to buy such products or services in order to continue to receive the same safe and reliable natural gas service from PSNC Energy.