Natural Gas FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about natural gas, and get the scoop on natural gas safety, available rebates and other related topics.
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.
What Should I Do If I Suspect A Natural Gas Leak?
If you notice a distinct ‘rotten egg’ odor or otherwise suspect a natural gas leak, clear your home or business immediately and call 800.427.7712 (or dial 911) once you’re safely outside. DO NOT smoke, use an indoor telephone, light a match, touch electric switches or do anything else that may cause a spark, which could result in an explosion or fire.
How Do I Know If Natural Gas Is Available?
Call FPU at 888.220.9356 to see if natural gas is available for your home or business.
Does FPU Offer Any Rebates or Incentives For Including Natural Gas Appliances or Equipment?
FPU offers a variety of rebates and incentives to offset the initial cost of installing natural gas equipment, including:
- Rebates for residential customers who replace their existing appliances (gas or non-gas) with new natural gas appliances
- Rebates for commercial customers who include qualifying natural gas commercial appliances at their business
- Multi-family incentives for builders who include natural gas in their developments
How Do I Redeem My Natural Gas Rebate(s)?
You can submit your rebate claim online or through the mail. To claim an online rebate, simply visit our Online Rebate Center. Here you can find everything you need, step-by-step, to complete the online application. To claim a mail-in rebate, find a list of what you need on our Redeeming Your Rebate webpage. In addition, this page also lets you track the status of your mail-in rebate.
Please note: You must file for your appliance/equipment rebates within 1 year from your purchase date[s]. Rebate offer expires at end of 12-month period.
What Are The Major Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances?
Natural gas appliances provide many immediate and long-term benefits, including cost and energy savings, superior value and performance, and more.
Click on the appropriate category below to see a long list of ‘natural gas advantages’.
Natural Gas For Home
Natural Gas For Business
Can I Purchase Natural Gas Appliances From FPU?
Yes. Customers can purchase a variety of natural gas appliances at the FPU Marketplace.
What Types Of Factors Affect The Cost Of Natural Gas?
The cost of natural gas is dependent upon the volume of natural gas purchased or the type of customer. Other than associated State and Local taxes, the cost of Natural Gas consists of three components. The first component is the fuel cost, which can vary from month to month based on supply and demand in the open market. The second component is the non-fuel charge. This charge is from the Utility and is a rate established within the Utilities filed Tariff. The third component is a ‘customer’ or ‘meter’ charge. This charge is also from the Utility and is based on the volume of gas purchased or the type of customer (such as residential, commercial or industrial). Market factors also impact the cost of natural gas similar to all other commodities.
Who Do I Contact If I Need To Have My Meter Moved To A Different Location Or Removed For Demolition?
Please contact our Customer Care department at 800.427.7712.
How Are Natural Gas And Propane Different?
From an operating standpoint, there are very few differences between natural gas and propane. Natural gas is mostly made up of methane and occurs in naturally in nature. Propane is a byproduct of both petroleum refining and natural gas processing. Natural gas is usually measured in therms and delivered via underground pipelines. Propane is usually measured in gallons and delivered to homes and business in trucks and stored in tanks. Natural gas is typically less expensive than propane.
What Is The Difference Between Using Natural Gas To Power A Pool Heater And Electric Power To Power A Heat Pump?
Unlike gas heat, which produces heat from the combustion of natural gas, heat pumps move heat that already exists from one place to another. Air source heat pumps move heat from a cooler place to a warmer place, just like air conditioning, but in the opposite direction. Gas heaters are particularly useful for heating up water quickly. The burning gas warms a combustion chamber and the heat that’s produced is then transferred to the pool water. Because of the cost involved in operation and speed at which they warm water, gas heaters are typically recommended for pools that don’t have to be heated often. Heat pumps have one primary difficulty: they cannot operate well in cold temperatures. There is no thermal energy in the air to pull into the house, so the pumps lose their efficiency and, as temperatures drop below 50° Fahrenheit, the pump is not able to move much heat at all.
Can Natural Gas Be Used To Power An Air Conditioning System?
Yes, natural gas can be used to power air conditioning systems. This technology is primary used in commercial applications, but strides are being made for residential use.
Is There A Special License Required To Install Natural Gas Appliances?
Any licensed plumber is permitted to work on natural gas fuel lines.
How Can I Learn More About Natural Gas?
Contact an FPU Representative by calling 888.220.9356. Or visit the following websites:
