Comforts of - PSNC Energy

Comforts of
MANAGE YOUR ENERGY COSTS • FURNACE TUNE-UPS • NEW CNG STATION OPENS
What in the world is a
Smart PIG?
T
he 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.
A
lthough 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
1-866-877-2217to find out more about these rebates. ■
B
efore 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.
What to look for
in an annual
furnace
tune-up
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.
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.
Inspect the ignition/pilot
system — If this device is
dirty or not working properly,
it may stop your furnace from
working altogether.
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 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.
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
GO
on the
TEXAS BONFIRE
PONDEROSA
W
hen 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.
CHARRED FRONTIER
OAK
1. Give us a call at 1-866-877-2217 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.
Convert to
hassle-free
flames
SUPER SASSAFRAS
CHARRED EVERGREEN
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
CHARRED OAK
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 1-866-877-2217. ■
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 1-866-877-2217.
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. ■
psncenergy.com
is
and
new
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. ■
If you suspect a leak, warn others and walk away from the area
immediately. From a safe distance, call us at 1-877-776-2427 and
911. We’ll send someone right away to investigate. ■
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.
SUN DROP Pound Cake
• 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).
5
eggs
3 cups sugar
3 cups plain sifted flour
• 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.
2 sticks butter or margarine
½ cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla flavoring
1 tsp lemon flavoring
For budget billing program specifics or to
sign up, visit psncenergy.com/budgetbill
or call toll-free at 1-877-776-2427. ■
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
New CNG Station
opens in Chapel Hill
each addition.
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.
degree oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cake tests done.
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. ■
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 325Turn 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.
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBIA, SC
PERMIT #71
Comforts
of
FAL L
2014
Natural Gas. Making Everyday Life Better SM
MANAGE
YOUR
ENERGY
COSTS
• FUR
NACE
TUNE-U
PS • NEW
TION OPE
CNG STA
NS
SEND STORY IDEAS AND COMMENTS TO: Comforts of Home, Mail Code B234, SCANA Corporation, 220 Operation Way, Cayce, S.C. 29033-3701;
email [email protected] ; visit our website at psncenergy.com ; or call 1-877-776-2427.
©2014 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.