LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2009 – As temperatures cool down, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is advising customers to inspect their home-heating appliances and perform any needed maintenance necessary to avoid health or safety hazards.

        “Now is the right time to perform maintenance on your home-heating appliances to ensure safe and efficient operation,” said Richard M. Morrow, vice president of customer service for The Gas Company.  “Customers are beginning to turn on their furnaces for the first time in months.  If they think their heating appliances are not functioning properly, they should call a licensed heating contractor, plumber or The Gas Company.”

        Failure to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances may result in exposure to carbon monoxide, which can cause nausea, drowsiness, flu-like symptoms, and even death.

        Since home heating typically accounts for more than half of the monthly winter gas bill, the best way to keep bills lower – and ensure appliances are operating safely – is to get gas appliances serviced, Morrow said.

        The Gas Company offers customers the following tips to ensure safe and efficient operation of their natural gas furnace:

        • Have gas furnaces checked at least once a year by The Gas Company, a licensed heating contractor or plumber.
        • Vacuum and clean regularly around the furnace, particularly around the burner compartment to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.
        • Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct airflow.
        • Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before heating and circulating it throughout the home.  The filter should be checked monthly for lint build-up during periods of furnace use and cleaned or replaced, if necessary.
        • When installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly.  Never operate the furnace without the front-panel door properly in place because doing so may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
        • Check the appearance of the flame.  If the flame is yellow, large and unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected immediately by a licensed heating contractor, plumber or The Gas Company and the condition corrected to ensure safety.

        For more information on furnace safety or to schedule a service appointment, please visit The Gas Company’s Web site at www.socalgas.com.

        Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years.  It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.5 million consumers through 5.7 million meters in more than 500 communities.  The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.  The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).  Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. 

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