"Now is the right time to perform maintenance on your home-heating appliances to ensure safe and efficient operation," said Richard M. Morrow, vice president of customer service for The Gas Company. "Customers are beginning to turn on their furnaces for the first time in months. If they think their heating appliances are not functioning properly, they should call a licensed heating contractor, plumber or The Gas Company."

Failure to perform annual maintenance on gas appliances may result in exposure to carbon monoxide, which can cause nausea, drowsiness, flu-like symptoms, and even death.

Since home heating typically accounts for more than half of the monthly winter gas bill, the best way to keep bills lower -- and ensure appliances are operating safely -- is to get gas appliances serviced, Morrow said.

The Gas Company offers customers the following tips to ensure safe and efficient operation of their natural gas furnace:

--  Have gas furnaces checked at least once a year by The Gas Company, a
    licensed heating contractor or plumber.
--  Vacuum and clean regularly around the furnace, particularly around the
    burner compartment to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.
--  Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct
    airflow.
--  Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before heating
    and circulating it throughout the home.  The filter should be checked
    monthly for lint build-up during periods of furnace use and cleaned or
    replaced, if necessary.
--  When installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the
    front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly.  Never operate
    the furnace without the front-panel door properly in place because doing so
    may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
--  Check the appearance of the flame. If the flame is yellow, large and
    unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected immediately by a licensed
    heating contractor, plumber or The Gas Company and the condition corrected
    to ensure safety.
    

For more information on furnace safety or to schedule a service appointment, please visit The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com.

Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.5 million consumers through 5.7 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.

Media Contact:
Raul Gordillo
Southern California Gas Co.
(877) 866-2066
www.socalgas.com

SOURCE: Southern California Gas Company

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