For North memory of the devastating February 2021 winter storm, which left numerous homes without power and caused widespread pipe damage and flooding, is still fresh.
As the winter season of 2021-22 draws near, numerous homeowners are curious about the potential impact of a sudden drop in temperature on their home’s gas system.
A cold snap of similar severity in Texas could potentially lead to a recurrence of the widespread power grid disruptions, based on recent findings.
Chrome heating & air conditioning operates in the northern suburbs of DFW, catering to a large customer base. In this area, many households receive natural gas from Coserv Atmos for various purposes like water heating and fueling furnaces. As highly regarded gas line experts, our team addresses frequently asked questions about preparing homes for winter with natural gas.
Can Natural Gas Service Be Interrupted During Winter?
Is it possible for natural gas service to be in the winter? While the gas infrastructure is generally more reliable than the electric grid and interruptions due to bad weather are less common, they can still occur. For example, during the freeze in February 2021, some customers experienced interruptions in their natural gas service. Additionally, certain components of the natural gas infrastructure rely on electricity, so when power outages occur, it leads to significant issues.
Although natural gas is often seen as more dependable than the electric grid, it still relies on the grid in various ways, making it more susceptible to vulnerabilities.
Will Gas Appliances Still Work With The Power Out?
Can Gas of a power outage, certain gas appliances will remain operational. This includes conventional gas-powered tank water heaters, which rely solely on gas and do not require an electrical connection. Similarly, some gas fireplaces and gas log lighters will continue to function normally, even when the electricity is out.
Although your gas oven relies on electricity for its electronic controls, it is possible to manually ignite it. If the “clicking noise” is not heard when you turn the stovetop knob to the starter, this indicates you have an electric igniter. Simply turn the knob to the gas setting and, using a long match or handheld lighter, light the burner carefully.
Even if your home is heated by a gas-powered furnace, a power outage will still leave you without heat. This is because gas furnaces rely on electricity to power the fan and other essential parts, making them inoperable during an outage, despite having a natural gas supply.
Can Natural Gas Lines Freeze?
Unlike water pipes, residential gas lines are not susceptible to freezing in the same way. Despite the disruptions to natural gas by freezing temperatures, and concerns about gas plant shutdowns, the natural gas itself remains unaffected by freezing temperatures. As don’t need to worry about their gas lines freezing, since the pipes are designed to be dry and free from significant water accumulation.
In certain situations, water can collect in gas pipes due to subterranean leaks or other factors. If this trapped water freezes in extremely cold temperatures, it may lead to a service outage and necessitate repairs to the gas line. However, such incidents are unlikely to occur in most residential settings, as these types of problems are often identified and addressed through other means before significant disruptions.
Certain gas appliances can be negatively affected by extremely cold temperatures in a different manner gas appliances, such as certain tankless water heaters and natural gas furnaces, generate condensation during operation. Typically, this condensation drain pipe is linked to the sanitary drain system or directed outside the house.
If these lines are not adequately insulated against freezing temperatures, they can become clogged with frozen condensate, which can then flow back into the appliance and trigger a shutdown of the water heater or furnace. Luckily, this problem is often relatively simple to resolve, compared to the more complex and urgent task of repairing a gas line emergency.
What Happens If I Need An Emergency Gas Line Repair During The Winter?
In the event of a gas line emergency during the winter months, the situation can be particularly dire if you rely on a natural gas-powered heating system. When the gas supply is interrupted for repairs or inspection, your home’s heating system will be inoperable, leaving it vulnerable to freezing temperatures and potentially causing water pipes to freeze.
If there is a gas leak and the gas company turns off the gas supply to the home, there are specific steps that need to be taken to have the.
Intail, a plumber specializing in natural gas lines will be required to visit the to identify the leak. The time taken for the diagnosis can vary depending on the size and complexity of the system. For smaller systems or leaks in easily accessible areas, the process may be brief, whereas it could be considerably longer for larger systems or when dealing with multiple leaks.
After that, the plumber will have to carry out the necessary repairs. The repairs may vary in complexity, depending on their location and quantity.
Once the leak is fixed and the main plumber confirms there are no more leaks, the system must undergo a static test. This test will continue until the city can inspect and sign off on the plumber’s work and the system’s reliability.
After the city inspector has approved, a notification is sent to the gas company, enabling them to return and restore gas service to the residence by unlocking the meter. Following this, appliances that rely on continuous pilot lights, such as conventional water heaters, will require re-ignition.
The entire process may be finished in one day on occasion, but it often requires two or three days to complete. The inspection process may be expedited due to the urgency of the situation, although multiple factors can influence the timeline.
It’s crucial to identify and fix any potential problems that arrive, if feasible. If you’re already scheduling a plumber to visit for another reason, consider having them also inspect your gas system to catch any hidden problems before they become major issues.
How Can I Lower My Gas Bill During Winter?
To effectively manage your gas costs during the colder months, it’s essential to begin by deciphering your gas bill to grasp your consumption patterns. Fortunately, both Atmos and Coserv offer online resources that provide a detailed explanation of how to interpret your gas bill.
Your energy expenses can be achieved by implementing a few simple strategies. Reducing your shower time and adjusting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can significantly decrease your gas consumption.
Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature at a lower setting can also contribute to energy savings. By dressing in layers at home, you may be able to reduce the thermostat to 65 degrees or lower. When you’re away from home, consider dropping the temperature to 58 degrees. Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat can help you optimize your temperature.
Gaps around doors and windows are another effective way to reduce heating expenses properly insulated and sealed to prevent heat from escaping. Additionally, don’t forget to close your fireplace damper when not in use to prevent warm air from slipping away.
What’s Next?
If you’re interested in further exploring gas system materials and understanding problems they are susceptible to an informative blog post on this subject.
For additional information regarding our gas piping repair and installation services, you can visit our service page in the northern Dallas region, we are a highly regarded gas line plumber who has received awards. Our commitment to honesty, skillful work, and transparent pricing is well-known.
To find out pricing and schedule availability, give us a call today at 469-361-2700
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