Q&A with Don Sherry
Inspections may help keep heating costs down this winter

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Published: November 4, 2009

Q: What can people do, without spending a lot of money, to protect themselves against high winter heating costs?

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A: One of the most important things you should do by this time of year is have your home heating equipment inspected and adjusted by a qualified contractor. A heating unit that is properly adjusted is more efficient and, of even greater importance, keeps you and your family safe from potential fire hazards or carbon monoxide poisoning. We recommend that you have a professional technician do this so in the event that a significant problem is discovered it can be fixed and won’t jeopardize your natural gas service. Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. will light your pilot lights and do a visual inspection of your equipment for a $35 fee, however we are not allowed to make repairs. If you’re a senior citizen and don’t mind letting us know that you’re 65 or older, there is no fee for the pilot light and inspection service. You should also make sure that your home is as well insulated as you can afford to make it.

Q: What other steps can people take if they’re willing to spend a little money to do it?

A: Consider investing in newer, more efficient heating equipment, water heaters and clothes dryers. The latest generation of natural gas furnaces use much less energy. Make sure that your heating system is properly sized and look for the EnergyGuide label that includes the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.

Q: Are there any easy fixes that most people seem to overlook?

A: You can save money by keeping your thermostat set between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and turning it even lower when sleeping or if you’re away from home (presuming no one in the home has a health condition that would make that unwise). An easy way to do this is by installing a programmable thermostat. Apart from that, make sure that doors and windows are properly weather-stripped and caulked so you’re not losing energy. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and shut dampers on fireplaces that are not in use. We have a lot of suggestions at our Virtual Energy Tips House at www.oklahomanaturalgas.com.

Q: Now that we’ve covered how to save money, what are you hearing about this winter? Will it be a harsh one or relatively mild?

A: If I knew the answer to that one, I’d be doing TV weather. In Oklahoma, we just learn to expect the unexpected. But there may be a silver lining this winter: Natural gas prices are lower and we think there’s a good chance that Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. customers will spend less to heat their homes during the cold months than they did last season.

JAY F. MARKS, BUSINESS WRITER