UGI Provides Essential Heating System Safety and Efficiency Checklist for Winter Season

UGI Utilities has issued a critical heating system maintenance and safety checklist as temperatures drop across its service territory, emphasizing that proper system care is essential for safe and reliable energy delivery throughout the heating season. The utility company, which serves more than 760,000 customers, stresses that professional system servicing not only maintains proper operation but can significantly reduce heating costs for homeowners facing winter energy expenses.

The comprehensive checklist includes several key maintenance items that impact both safety and efficiency. Regular filter cleaning or replacement is highlighted as having substantial effects on both energy costs and indoor air quality, while installing programmable thermostats can lower heating bills by automatically adjusting home temperatures during periods of absence or sleep. Proper chimney and exhaust flue maintenance requires inspection for damage and checking for holes that could compromise system safety.

Air flow considerations form another critical component of the safety recommendations. The utility warns that furnaces and water heaters located in enclosed rooms or closets must receive adequate air circulation to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup and ensure proper system function. Homeowners are also advised to seal air leaks around windows, doors, pipes, lighting fixtures, and electrical outlets, as these small openings can collectively contribute to significant heat loss and higher energy bills.

Safety equipment verification represents another essential element of the winter preparedness guidelines. UGI recommends testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure proper operation with fresh batteries, placing detectors on every floor and in each bedroom. The company also suggests considering natural gas detectors for additional safety protection. The utility emphasizes immediate evacuation if customers detect the characteristic rotten egg odor added to natural gas, advising people to avoid turning anything on or off while exiting and to call UGI at 800-276-2722 or dial 911 from a safe distance.

Additional information about UGI Utilities is available at https://www.ugi.com. The company reminds customers that 800-276-2722 serves as the exclusive contact number for all inquiries, including billing and account questions, as well as emergency situations requiring immediate assistance.