SAN DIEGO, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is reminding customers to schedule their free appliance safety check at sdge.com before the cold winter weather arrives. 

"After months of non-use, customers may be unaware if their furnace is not operating properly," said Caroline Winn, vice president of customer service for SDG&E. "Scheduling an appliance safety check is an easy way our customers can make sure their gas appliances are in good working order."

Free Appliance Safety Checks

Maintaining gas appliances is the homeowner's responsibility, but all SDG&E customers are eligible for a free appliance safety check. To schedule an appointment, call SDG&E at 800-411-SDGE (7343). Customers may also schedule an appointment online using the "Check My Appliances" link.

A furnace that is not in good working order can emit carbon monoxide. The colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is formed when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal or wood, are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly, which is one of the reasons all California homeowners are now required to install carbon monoxide detectors in their home.

SDG&E also recommends customers change the battery in their carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Unexplained nausea
• Unexplained drowsiness
• Mental confusion
• Flu-like symptoms

If carbon monoxide is suspected, the following immediate actions are recommended:

• Turn off the appliance. If safe to do so, immediately turn off the suspected gas appliance.
• Evacuate. Evacuate the premises and call 911.
• Seek medical attention. Seek medical attention if anyone in the home experiences possible carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
• Call for appliance inspection. Contact SDG&E at 800-411-SDGE (7343) or a licensed, qualified professional immediately to have the appliance inspected.
• Don't use the appliance. Don't use the suspected gas appliance until it has been inspected, serviced and determined to be safe by SDG&E or a licensed, qualified professional.

For more winter safety tips, visit sdge.com/winter.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 861,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.  Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at 800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)