Your Winter Weather Checklist

Opt in to receive updates related to your natural gas service.

Sign up in the Account Center under Notification Preferences.

 

Even though natural gas is one-third of the cost of electricity, increased usage during periods of extreme cold will lead to higher bills. When the temperature plunges, consider implementing these conservation tips to save energy, where safe to do so:

• Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home.
• Limit your shower and bath time - this can account for 40 percent of your hot water use. 
• Do not use a pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.
• Operate your clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher only when fully loaded. 
• Unless a fire is burning, close your fireplace damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.

• Customers in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas can take advantage of rebates on high-efficiency natural gas appliances, energy-saving devices, and weatherization upgrades.

  Click here to learn more about our SmartChoice Rebate program.

To help keep your home and family safe during winter weather follow these safety tips:

• Inspect your gas piping and appliances. In most states, except Kansas, you are responsible for any natural gas piping on your property from our gas meter to your house or business.*  As the owner of your home’s gas piping and appliances, it’s your responsibility to schedule regular inspections and maintenance. 
• To help keep your home safe and to improve energy efficiency, always operate and maintain your natural gas appliances according to the manufacturers’ instructions. 
• Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.
• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are in working condition. Learn more here.
• Snow and ice buildup can damage gas meters and pipes and make them difficult to reach in an emergency.
• Carefully remove snow and ice from meters and pipes by gently using a broom or brush.
• Do not use ice-melting chemicals, salt, shovels, or sharp-edged tools. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.
• Make sure that external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions about proper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor.
• Make sure the meter is visible to snowplow drivers if it is near a street or sidewalk.
• Make sure snow and ice from your roof does not land on or bury your gas meter.  
• Repair leaky gutters and make sure water does not drip onto the meter and freeze.
• If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866.322.8667.
• For more home safety information, click here.

*If you are purchasing metered gas from Atmos Energy for resale through a gas distribution pipeline system for tenants, you may be a master meter pursuant to the definition in 49 CFR 191.3 or state statute, which would subject your system to additional codes and standards.  Contact your state natural gas regulator if you have any questions.