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Gas
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Gas Natural gas is a safe and economical choice for heating your home and powering your major appliances. Click on one of the questions below or scroll through to read all the answers to these frequently asked questions about natural gas.
1. Why should I choose natural gas? Natural gas is safe and cost-effective. It is a by-product of nature and geological formations. The use of natural gas releases less greenhouse gas into the atmosphere than other fossil fuels, such as oil. For many reasons, it is the primary fuel used for heating homes, businesses, and industry in Ontario. Whether you choose to use natural gas for heating your home and powering your major appliances depends on several factors:
2. What safety precautions should I take when I use natural gas in my home? Have your natural gas appliances checked annually to ensure they working efficiently and safely. Also, it is important you do NOT store combustible products near natural gas appliances.
3. What does natural gas smell like? Natural gas is a very safe form of energy, regulated by rigorous controls and safety standards. It is non-toxic, and leaks can be detected with the added odourant. Because natural gas is lighter than air, it disperses quickly in well-ventilated areas. In its pure state, natural gas itself has no smell or taste. That’s why methyl mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs, is added to natural gas as a safety precaution. This distinctive odour allows even small leaks to be detected.
4. What should I do if I suspect a natural gas odour in my home? Call Kitchener Utilities at 519-741-2541. Kitchener Utilities will respond within 20 minutes. If the smell is extremely strong, call the Fire Department at 911.
5. Can I buy gas from a provider other than Kitchener Utilities? Since 1985, the natural gas market in Ontario has been deregulated to allow consumers a choice of natural gas suppliers. If you sign a contract with a different gas marketer, Kitchener Utilities will continue to provide your natural gas delivery service. Your gas supply and transportation charges will continue to be included on your utility bill on behalf of your broker (depending on the contract arrangements between the natural gas marketer and Kitchener Utilities), and the marketer’s name and contact number will be listed on the bill for your reference.
6. How often should my natural gas appliances be serviced? Natural gas furnaces and central air conditioners should be inspected and serviced annually to ensure they continue to operate at peak efficiency. Kitchener Utilities offers our customers economical maintenance and inspection programs as well as cost-effective appliance protection plans.
7. Can I rent natural gas appliances from Kitchener Utilities? You can rent a natural gas water heater from Kitchener Utilities for a worry-free, economical choice. See here for details or call 519-741-2626. Many other natural gas appliances can be easily and cost-effectively financed through Kitchener Utilities. Click here for appliance financing information or call 519-741-2626.
8. Can I finance natural gas appliances through Kitchener Utilities? Kitchener Utilities provides financing options for many types of natural gas appliances, including furnaces, fireplaces, barbecues, and more. You can get no payment, no interest financing for an initial period, then choose the length of your financing term. Click here for more information or call 519-741-2626.
9. Can I have my gas meter installed wherever I want? While there is some flexibility about where your gas meter is placed, it must be easily accessible and visible in case of an emergency and for meter readings. It should not be installed behind your house, bushes, or a locked gate. Gas meters installed in or beside a driveway must have an impact barrier installed by Kitchener Utilities, and an extra charge will apply.
10. Who do I call for questions about my natural gas bill? If Kitchener Utilities is your natural gas supplier, please call us at 519-741-2450 for all your billing questions. If you use a supplier other than Kitchener Utilities:
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