Properties of natural gas

Natural gas is a combustible gas that is a mixture of simple hydrocarbon compounds. It is a fossil fuel that contains primarily methane, along with small amounts of ethane, butane, pentane, and propane. Natural gas does not contain carbon monoxide. The by-products of burning natural gas are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor, making natural gas safer for our environment compared with the use of other fossil fuels.

Natural gas is a colorless, tasteless, odorless, and non-toxic gas. Because it is odorless, a powerful chemical called mercaptan is added to the gas, in very small amounts, to give the gas a distinctive smell of rotten eggs. This strong smell can be helpful in detecting the source of any gas leak.

Natural gas is about 40% lighter than air, so should it ever leak, it can dissipate into the air. Other positive attributes of natural gas are a high ignition temperature and a narrow flammability range, meaning natural gas will ignite at temperatures above 1,100 degrees and burn at a mix of 4 – 15% volume in air.

Natural gas is found in rocks beneath the earth’s surface, in sedimentary rock that is porous. Production companies explore, drill, and bring the natural gas to the surface. Transmission companies operate large pipelines that bring the gas from the production sites (“wellheads”) to “gate stations” where distribution companies, like St. Lawrence Gas, bring the natural gas to homes and businesses through a network of underground pipelines.

Benefits of natural gas

Natural gas use has increased by 35% over the last decade in the U.S. and is projected to grow by 45% by 2015. More than 60 million customers enjoy the benefits of natural gas. In the St. Lawrence Gas territory, where gas service is available, about 85% of the homes and businesses select natural gas. About 95% of our customers use natural gas for heating. Why is the use of natural gas so popular? Here are seven very good reasons:

1. Natural gas is cost-effective:

• Natural gas can save you money. Over the last ten years, natural gas has been less expensive than any other fuel sources like oil, electricity, and propane.
• See our Savings calculator to determine how much you can save

2. Natural gas is clean:

• It is the cleanest and most efficient fossil fuel
• Natural gas can help reduce acid rain
• Natural gas can reduce greenhouse emissions
• Natural gas can reduce smog and industrial pollution

3. Natural gas is convenient:

• You never call for deliveries
• You pay for gas as you use it. There’s no upfront delivery costs

4. Natural gas is safe:

• The two million mile delivery system of underground pipes has an outstanding safety record
• The physical properties of gas, including its weight, ignition temperature, flammability range, and distinctive smell, add to its safety

5. Natural gas is reliable:

• Supplies of natural gas are abundant. More than 95% of the natural gas used in the U.S. comes from North America. Compare that fact to the use of oil, where almost 50% of the oil that is used in the U.S. is imported from countries outside North America.
• Natural gas is piped directly to your house. It’s there when you need it, even during power outages

6. Natural gas is versatile:

• Natural gas can do more than heat your home. It can be used for water heating, clothes drying, cooking, and authentic looking fireplaces and stoves. In your backyard, natural gas lights, grills, and pool heaters are favorite applications.

7. Natural gas appliances are easy to maintain:

• Because natural gas burns clean, your appliances will require less maintenance and repairs over the years

Testimonials

Here’s what our customers say about the benefits of natural gas:

“I replaced my electric water heater with natural gas and saved $250 a year in electricity costs!” (Beaver Falls)

“I still remember the ice storm. Thank God we had natural gas. Our insert kept us warm and we cooked on our stove!” (Norwood)

“I’m glad we got rid of our propane tank. Plus, we don’t have to worry about running out of fuel!” (Croghan)

“Even with our cheap electricity, I was surprised to find out that natural gas was less!” (Massena)

“Since we switched from oil, I’ve seen substantial savings in my overall fuel costs!” (Ogdensburg)

Calculate your savings with natural gas (residential customers)

DISCLAIMER  -  The following information can be used to determine your potential savings by switching from oil or propane to natural gas.  Please note that St. Lawrence Gas cannot make any guarantee that you will actually save money by switching fuels, since a number of factors can change from year to year (temperature, fuel prices, equipment efficiency or performance, etc.).  If you have any questions, please contact us.

 Oil vs. Natural Gas

  Propane vs. Natural Gas

  Electricity vs. Natural Gas

Efficiency tips

Below is a checklist of steps you can take to save energy and money around your home and/or business:

q   If your regular thermostat setting maintains a temperature of 70^oF/21^oC, try turning down the setting to 64^oF/18^oC at night while you're sleeping or during the day if you and other occupants are away.  Compensate for the lower temperature by adding an extra blanket to your bed.

q   If you have a forced air furnace, keep the filter clean.  A dirty filter reduces air flow and wastes energy.  If your furnace has an electronic "air cleaner" attached, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the filter.  Be sure to close the furnace access door or panel after you check or clean the filter.

q   Check window frames and trims for cracks that let heat escape and cold air in.  Apply caulk between the frame and the wall, between the trim and the frame, and where the trim joins the window sill.  Use a latex caulk or a clear silicone product designed for interior applications.

q   Check for cracks and cold air leaks along wood baseboards or the "quarter round" molding next to floors.  Caulk along the seam with the baseboard on, or carefully remove the baseboard and caulk between the wall and the floor.

q   Check entry doors.  You may need to caulk between the frame and the wall or between the threshold and the floor.  Also replace any worn or flattened weather-stripping.   If you find a gap at the bottom of the door, consider attaching a new door sweep or bottom.

q   Check the basement sill plate, located at the top of basement walls where the concrete or masonry foundation joins the wood framework and wood supports of the house.  This area can be a major source of heat loss and cold air infiltration.  Apply a suitable product (such a butyl rubber caulk) along the wood sill plate and around the wood supports where you detect cold air leaks.

q   Install low-flow showerheads and aerators in your kitchen and bathrooms to lower water consumption and reduce gas use.

q   Clean or replace your natural gas furnace filter at least once a year.  Ensure your equipment is maintained on an annual basis.

q   Install efficient “Energy Star” equipment to reduce your consumption of natural gas.  Call 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278) or visit to their web site (www.nyserda.org) to get information about a home energy audit and access to low-interest loans for Energy Star improvements. Please note: Massena Electric Customers are not eligible for low interest loans since Massena Electric is not a participating member of this state program.

Important safety information

By following the instructions below, you can help prevent a serious gas leak. . .

St. Lawrence Gas has been installing gas lines using pneumatic boring tools and other trenchless technology for over twenty years.  As you may know, most municipalities have few, if any, records regarding locations of sewer lines (especially lateral sewer lines).  St. Lawrence Gas recognizes that there may be instances where a gas line has been installed within a sewer line whose location was unknown at the time the gas line was put in.

Under normal circumstances, if a sewer line is damaged during gas line construction, a problem with the sewer line soon appears and leads to discovery of the cause of the problem.  However, when a gas line has been installed for many years without creating a sewer problem, penetration of the sewer by the gas line may remain undetected for years.

For the safety of all persons, we request that your sewer clearing personnel refrain from using root-cutting equipment in any sewer line before ruling out the possibility that a gas line may be involved in the blockage. We strongly request that your sewer clearing personnel, before auguring a plugged sewer, contact St. Lawrence Gas to obtain information as to the location of gas lines in the vicinity of the sewer. Through a cooperative effort, we will likely be able to determine if the location of the sewer obstruction is in the area of any gas facilities. If it is determined that a gas line is the cause of the sewer problem, we will, of course, take immediate action to remove the gas line from the sewer and responsibly assist in completion of the necessary sewer line repairs.

Should a gas line be damaged and begin leaking while clearing a sewer line, the proper procedure to follow involves immediate evacuation of all persons in the building, notification of the local fire department, and notification of St. Lawrence Gas.  We regularly train fire departments and other emergency personnel on how to handle such an event.

What to do in an emergency

Emergency Service

The following information has been provided for customers of St. Lawrence Gas, or other parties who might report a gas related problem in an area served by St. Lawrence Gas.

If you are NOT a St. Lawrence Gas customer, we recommend you consult with your fuel provider, your local fire department, or emergency response organization, for emergency instructions.

Recognizing an Emergency Situation

1. gas odor, or fumes (indoors or outdoors)
2. a hissing sound (indoors or outdoors, near gas facilities)
3. you have a carbon monoxide detector and the alarm sounds
4. individual(s) exhibits symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
5. a broken gas pipe or meter

St. Lawrence Gas offers 24-Hour Emergency at no charge to our customers.

Contact us at 800-673-3301. Call us to report:

1. any gas odor, fumes, or gas leaks
2. carbon monoxide presence
3. fires that involve natural gas
4. a broken gas pipe or meter

If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, INDOORS

If you notice a smell of gas in your home or business, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, please follow the steps below:

1. Remain calm.
2. Call St. Lawrence Gas immediately (24 hour service at 800-673-3301). Be sure to give your complete address.
3. Open doors and windows to get fresh air into the rooms.
4. If the smell gets stronger, remain calm.
1. Get everyone out of your home immediately, leaving the windows and doors open to allow air to enter.
2. Don't use your phone, including a cell phone. Call St. Lawrence Gas from a neighbor's home, your cell phone OUTSIDE, or a pay phone.
3. Do not turn any electrical switches (lights, appliances) either on or off. Do not use your doorbell.
4. Don't use lighters or matches, and don't smoke.
5. If an individual(s) exhibit symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, in call 911 or your local fire department, and wait outside the premises for help to arrive.

If you smell gas, OUTDOORS

If there is a gas odor in your yard or on your street, it could mean there is a gas line that has been damaged. Please follow the steps below:

1. Call St. Lawrence Gas immediately (24 hour service at 800-673-3301). Be sure to give your complete address.
2. Keep yourself and others clear of the area.
3. Don't use a cellular telephone near the area of the gas odor.
4. Don't start any motors or motor vehicles near the area of the gas odor.
5. Don't use lighters or matches and do not smoke.

What you should know about carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating. When CO is breathed into the body, it combines with the body’s blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen. Carbon monoxide is not a physical property of natural gas. Carbon monoxide is produced from the incomplete combustion of such common fuels as natural gas, propane, heating oil, gasoline, coal, wood, charcoal and kerosene, and from almost any other combustible material such as tobacco, fibers and paper. Carbon Monoxide is found in the exhaust fumes from motor vehicles and malfunctioning heating equipment.

Symptoms of CO poisoning

A person exposed to carbon monoxide may complain of dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms similar to those associated with the flu. The severity of the symptoms will vary, depending on the person’s age and general health, level of physical activity, and the duration and concentration of exposure. In very severe cases, CO poisoning can be fatal.

What can I do to prevent CO in my home?

A few common sense precautions can greatly reduce the risk of CO poisoning in the home:

• Never operate vehicles in an enclosed area, such as a garage. • Keep vents and chimneys clear of blockages. • Never operate charcoal grills, portable gas grills or similar equipment inside a home, garage or other enclosed area. • Do not use a range, oven or clothes dryer for heating. • Have space and water heating equipment inspected regularly by a qualified technician. • If an additional measure of protection is desired, consumers may wish to purchase a CO detector, which should be certified to the national standard for CO detectors.

What to do if you suspect you have a CO problem

Click here for Emergency instructions

Industry terms and definitions