Customers Encouraged to Monitor Natural Gas Meter and Furnace Vent Areas
BOISE, IDAHO | Feb 27, 2019
With the recent heavy accumulations of snow, Intermountain Gas Company is encouraging customers to inspect their natural gas meter and furnace vent areas to make sure there is not a buildup of snow and ice. Customers are encouraged to clear the snow and ice away from the meter set and the furnace vent area.
Also, anyone operating snow removal equipment needs to be aware of objects buried under the snow, which can include natural gas meters and risers.
Accumulations of snow and ice can cause the regulator and meter to malfunction and result in a hazardous situation. A buried or iced-over regulator may become clogged, affecting the supply of gas to the appliances. When melting occurs and the snow becomes wet and heavy, it can put pressure on the meter setting and cause strain on the associated piping. In extreme cases, the possibility exists that the piping could break.
Customers should also inspect the area around the furnace vent to ensure snow and ice is not blocking the vent. Blocked vents can cause your equipment to stop working properly. Vents can be either PVC pipe or galvanized cylindrical steel. PVC vents can be found extending through the exterior walls of the home or the roof; galvanized vents are found extending through the roof.
Prior to starting any roof clearing project, verify the location of your meter and make sure snow is not piled on top before or during snow removal. The impact of heavy and compacted snow can damage the gas piping, causing leaks and potentially hazardous situations. Buried meters create a potential safety hazard and can inhibit emergency responders from addressing issues surrounding a natural gas leak. The public’s cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated.
If you are unsure of where your meter is located, need assistance clearing accumulated snow and ice or believe damage has occurred around the meter set, please call Intermountain Gas Company at 1-800-548-3679 so the problem can be repaired.
Intermountain Gas Company is a natural gas distribution company serving approximately 350,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 75 communities in southern Idaho. Intermountain is a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc., which provides essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses. It is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as “MDU.” For more information about MDU Resources, visit the company’s Web site at www.mdu.com. For more information about Intermountain, visit www.intgas.com.
Media Contact: Cheryl Imlach, Manager Energy Utilization, 208-377-6179