SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As the weather begins to cool down in November, Pacific Gas and Electric Company reminds customers to schedule free furnace inspections and gas pilot relights. Safety and efficiency inspections performed on gas furnaces will help customers save money on their home heating bills this winter. Gas furnaces with dirty filters, leaky ducts or other problems use significantly more energy to heat living space.

To avoid these problems during a cold snap, PG&E has created the following 10 point safety and efficiency checklist for customers. Performing this important check before turning on the furnace this year can save money on monthly energy costs and ensures that gas heating appliances are in safe operating condition. Some of these steps can be performed by customers, while others, for safety reasons, should be performed by a licensed contractor or technician. Tips with an asterisk can be performed by most customers.

10-Point Furnace Safety and Efficiency Check
Internal Inspection
1.) Look for cracked, rusted, misaligned, or clogged vents.
2.) Check your flue assembly for alignment and rigidity; a small
earthquake is all it takes to loosen the flue and allow the products
of combustion into your home.
3.) Make sure the flame is blue -- a yellow flame may be a sign that the
burner could be out of adjustment.
4.) Inspect for soot in the burning area and vents -- this can be an
indication that the gas burner is not properly adjusted and requires
servicing.
5.) Look for cracked or frayed blower belts. *
6.) Clean all dust and lint near the burning chamber. Please ensure that
the thermostat is in the off position prior to cleaning.
7.) Clean or replace your furnace filter and make sure the blower door is
properly secured. *
External Inspection
1.) Securely fasten the door that covers the pilot light and burner area.
*
2.) Do not store or use combustible materials or liquids near any gas
appliance. *
3.) Check ducts for leaks and have them properly insulated. *
* These safety steps can be performed by most customers

PG&E offers free furnace safety inspections and gas pilot relight appointments. Customers can schedule these free services with PG&E online by using the "My Account" feature on http://www.pge.com to select a convenient date and time. Customers can also schedule an appointment by calling PG&E's customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000.

For more safety and energy efficiency tips, please visit our website at http://www.pge.com/safety and http://www.pge.com/foryourhome or contact PG&E's Smarter Energy Line at 1-800-933-9555.

Source: PG&E