To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.
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What is natural gas?
Natural gas is methane (CH4), a combustible gas than can be used as fuel for automobiles, for industrial process heat, for residential uses like cooking, and for electricity generation in power plants.
Natural gas is found in a variety of geologic formations, including coalbed seams, sandstone, limestone, shales, and, frozen methane hydrates under the ocean floor. The extraction of natural gas from the ground also produces natural gas “associates” or “gas liquids” like propane, ethane, and butane, that are typically separated from methane and used for other commercial purposes. Because natural gas takes so many different forms and exists in so many different formations, vast quantities of it are found in most parts of the world.
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What does a gas leak smell like??
Natural gas is one of the cleanest and safest fossil fuels used within the home, powering gas appliances and systems such as the stove and water heater. Since natural gas is odorless and tasteless, a harmless substance called mercaptan is added into it so that a leak can be detected.
Mercaptan has the odor similar to rotten eggs or cabbage. If you smell this odor, contact us.
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Is natural gas safe?
Natural gas is considered to be one of the safest and most reliable energy sources available. Not only does the natural gas industry take stringent measures to ensure the best-possible pipeline safety, but the distinct ‘rotten egg’ odor added to natural gas allows you to detect even the smallest leak. See the many other reasons why natural gas is ‘trusted safe’ by more than 750,000 homes and businesses across Florida.
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Is it true that I can still use natural gas during a power outage?
It depends on the appliance, but yes – many natural gas appliances can work during a power outage. During a power outage, you’ll still have natural gas coming to your home because your supplier will have backup generators maintaining service. You can use gas hearth appliances, like zero-clearance gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts, gas barbeques and gas stoves, to continue working once you light them with a match. However, most furnaces won’t continue to work, as they’ll have components that require electricity to operate.
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How can I convert my home to natural gas?
The first step is reaching out to a natural gas provider in your area. They will help you find out whether gas is available in your neighborhood and give you a cost estimate. Next, you’ll choose your equipment, and your natural gas provider will bring a gas line to your home. Then, you’ll work with a plumber to install your new natural gas equipment and schedule an inspection. Once your equipment passes inspection, the gas company will install a meter. Finally, you’ll remove any old equipment, like an oil tank, from your property, possibly by working with a contractor. And that’s it! Home upgrade accomplished.