To ensure the safe and efficient operation of natural gas equipment, Questar Gas reminds homeowners to keep snow from burying exhaust and intake vents, and from piling up on natural gas meters.

All natural gas appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, vent combustion byproducts to the outside, and many of these appliances get their combustion air from the outside. Therefore, it's important that intake and exhaust vents are completely unobstructed and are not blocked by ice or snow. Clear vents will keep pilot lights burning and will allow appliances to operate safely and efficiently.

Also, be careful when shoveling snow off driveways, sidewalks or roofs to avoid burying and possibly damaging the natural gas meter. Throwing snow from a roof onto the meter can damage it and/or cover the regulator vent, causing the meter to malfunction. Significant accumulation of snow on the meter should be carefully cleared away to ensure its proper operation.

Also, do not shelter the meter with a metal sheet or wheelbarrow. When these or other metal objects, including trash cans, bicycles and/or gardening tools, come in contact with the meter, it interferes with the system that protects the meter and associated piping from corrosion.

Keeping snow off meters and obstacles out of the way also makes it easier for meter readers to see the dials and get accurate reads.