SALT LAKE CITY -- Questar Gas is reminding its customers to keep ice and snow away from natural gas meters, intake vents and exhaust vents.
"Once we start getting the freezing and the thawing occurring throughout warmer days and freezing nights, that's where we start to run into problems with a buried meter. That snow pile melts and contracts and expands and that can cause a lot of stress on the pipes and the meter itself," said Questar Gas spokesman Darren Shepherd.
Natural gas appliances like water heaters and furnaces need to vent combustion byproducts to the outside. These vents are often on the roof, but many are also near ground level.
"Clear vents will keep pilot lights burning and will allow appliances to operate safely and efficiently," a news release from Questar Gas said.
Keeping meters clear of snow and other obstacles also allows for easier access to the shut-off valve in the event of an emergency.
