For Release: 11/17/2006

"Tis the Heating Season. Play it Smart," advises Michigan Gas Utilities

Monroe, MI – As temperatures begin to plummet outside, residents turn to their heating systems for indoor comfort and warmth during the colder months. Besides keeping your heating equipment in top operating condition, there are some additional ideas customers should consider, according to Michigan Gas Utilities, to ensure a warm, comfortable and safe heating season.

At the top of the list is to install and maintain a quality carbon monoxide (CO) detector and a smoke detector. Both devices should have a battery back-up, in case the power goes out. Both detectors should be made by a reputable manufacturer and should be UL (Underwriters Laboratory, Inc) approved. Consider units with audible and visible warning systems. CO detectors should have a digital readout to warn of CO problems even before the alarm point.

An annual check-up of your heating system and equipment by a reputable heating and cooling mechanic is also advised. The mechanic will run tests and inspect your equipment so it is operating safely and efficiently. This check-up can save residents money in operating costs, resulting in lower heating bills.

A recent growing safety concern involves supplemental heating units as residents attempt to offset some of their heating costs. Unvented fuel-fired heaters require special attention while in operation.

Unvented heaters come in many shapes and sizes, including kerosene or gas space heaters, wall heaters, fireplaces and fuel oil torpedo-shaped heaters and are available in many retail outlets. These heaters can also be quite popular in garages, hunting cabins and ice fishing shanties.

The Michigan Department of Commerce code allows the use of unvented heaters in occupied spaces. However, improper combustion from air supply and ventilation can result in contamination from CO, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and other combustion-related contaminants and water vapor buildups.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that is odorless and tasteless and results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Any fuel-burning equipment using wood, coal, gasoline, oil, propane, kerosene or natural gas can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide if not vented properly. Unvented room heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, along with state and local codes.

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