PG&E offers several options to manage your winter energy costs, including tips for reducing gas use, rebates on efficient equipment, and a 10/20 Plus Winter Gas Savings program which offers a credit on your spring gas bill when you reduce your natural gas usage in the winter. PG&E also offers a number of financial assistance options to help customers with high natural gas bills. See www.pge.com/winter for more details.

PG&E also 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. A few inspections most homeowners can make themselves include making sure the flame is blue – a yellow flame may be a sign that the burner could be out of adjustment. Look for cracked or frayed blower belts. Clean or replace your furnace filter and make sure the blower door is properly secured. Securely fasten the door that covers the pilot light and burner area. And remember, never store or use combustible materials or liquids near any gas appliance.