Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.

By Dave O’Brien

Gas Department Supervisor

You should have your furnace checked annually by a qualified technician and the New Ulm Public Utilities (PUC) has a program to help make that happen!

The PUC offers a Furnace Cleaning Discount Program that will help reduce the furnace inspection cost. All New Ulm Public Utility residential customers qualify for this program. The following are included with this service: Remove burners and clean if needed, Check filter and replace if needed, clean and inspect heat exchanger, check humidifier replace pad if needed, oil the motor or pump, check the thermostat, check the flu pipe for proper draft, check furnace for proper operation, flush condensate drains if needed, check the pilot safety device, and clean the inside control area and safety devices. The customer is responsible for the cost of any parts or filters that are needed. Any labor beyond the basic one hour check and clean is billed to the customer at the vendor rate. Contact any of the participating vendors and request a furnace cleaning at the discounted $40 program cost instead of the regular $80 check and clean cost. The furnace cleaning vendor applies the discount to your invoice for immediate savings. The vendor then bills the PUC for the furnace cleaning program reimbursement. This program runs from September 1 and ends January 31 of each year. Get your furnace cleaned, inspected, and repaired for worry free winter use!

The local furnace cleaning vendors are:

Ahrens Heating Inc., Fodness Heating, Gag Sheet Metal Inc., JP Plumbing & Heating, Klassen Mechanical Inc., Nilson Heating & Air Conditioning,Schanus-Gag Plumbing, Schultz Plumbing & Heating.

If you have a natural gas appliance that is not working properly, first call the Gas Department at 359-8264 and we will send a Service Technician to make sure the problem is not with the gas supply at no charge to you. After the Gas Service Technician has checked the meter and regulator for proper operation it may be necessary to contact a qualified gas appliance repair technician. If you call an appliance repair technician before us and the problem is with our meter or regulator you will not be reimbursed for the appliance repair technician service call invoice. Also, excessive snow and ice buildup around your gas meter and regulator can cause your gas supply to be interrupted. Please remember to periodically check and remove snow or ice build-up from this area.

REMINDER: If you smell gas in your home or business, vacate the building and go to a safe location and then call 911 for emergency assistance, in that sequence. Calling 911 from the gas leak location could result in an explosion causing harm to people and damage to property.