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Gas Appliances in Your Home

pmcplumber • December 15, 2019

Safe Use of Gas Appliances in Your Home

We have talked about gas appliances before but with winter upon us it warrants mentioning a few key points again.

Many Albertans have multiple different gas appliances in their homes. Natural gas appliances, although more expensive to purchase and install, over time, are more economical. Gas, however, takes the trophy as more eco-friendly! In particular, Gas Dryers, use 30% less energy than electric ones. That reduces your carbon footprint!

Some things to consider when you have gas appliance:

Ensure the appliances is installed correctly, with all the correct clearances and that the connections are soap tested for any potential leaks
Keep the area around your furnace and water heater clear of clutter
Do not store items near any heating appliance, especially combustable items
If the flame on your pilot or gas burner is yellow, it may require an adjustment by a qualified gas fitter
Always ensure that your furnace and home get proper ventilation. Make sure these intake vents are kept clear of ice and snow in the winter time.
Do not run your furnace with the fan compartment cover off. This will severely upset air circulation and may cause a dangerous build up of Carbon Monoxide.
Be aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Dull headache, tight feeling across your forehead, watering and or burning of your eyes, abnormal tiredness, dizziness, weakness, nausea and/or vomiting, difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, go outside immediately and then call 911.
Always have a Carbon Monoxide detector installed in your home.

**Keep the intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home clear of snow and ice buildup to ensure good ventilation and protect again a buildup of Carbon Monoxide**

**Most Carbon Monoxide detectors have either a manufacture date or and expiry date stamped on the back of them. Their life span is approximately 5-7 years.**

Examples of gas appliances include furnace, hot water heaters, BBQ, clothes dryers, stoves, fireplaces. Any fuel burning device has the potential to produce carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide detectors should be placed in every bedroom or room where someone is sleeping. They should also be placed on every floor of your home.

If battery operated, these batteries should be changed every 6 months to ensure the detector works when needed.

***Safety Note – Most Carbon Monoxide detectors expire after 5-7 years. Most have an expiry date stamped on them.

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