Natural Gas Appliance Maintenance and Safety

STAY SAFE WITH NATURAL GAS HEATING, APPLIANCE MAINTENANCE AND CONSERVATION TIPS.

In order to keep your natural gas appliances operating safely and efficiently, it's important to perform regular maintenance and repairs.
Below are appliance safety and maintenance tips to help keep you safe and your appliances working properly.

 

Forced Air Furnace Safety Tips

 

Some older forced-air furnaces do not have a blower safety switch and can be operated with the filter compartment door/panel off or not properly in place. These older furnaces, when installed in a closet and operated with the door/panel not in place, may circulate carbon monoxide throughout the house.
 

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    Do this:

    • Replace your furnace filter(s) monthly during heating season or as often as the manufacturer recommends.
    • Keep heat registers and cold air returns clean and clear of furniture and other obstructions.
    • Have your furnace inspected by a qualified professional. Inspections can help you make sure your home is properly heated for the colder months, and help you avoid any other potential problems.

     

    Your qualified professional should:

    • Test the thermostat
    • Visually inspect the heat exchanger, motor, and vents
    • Lubricate the blower motor
    • Check the flue
    • Check the pilot light, unless your furnace features pilotless ignition


    Newer forced-air furnaces have a blower safety switch that prevents furnace operation when the filter compartment door/panel is not in place.

     

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Water Heater Safety Tips
 

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    Do this:

     
    • Elevate Garage Water Heaters
      Water heaters installed in garages must be elevated so the pilot or other source of ignition is a minimum of 18 inches above the floor or installed per local building codes and the manufacturers' installation instructions.

      Note Manufacturers' labels and/or instruction manuals for new Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) tank water heaters may not indicate the 18-inch elevation requirement for garage installations. This is because applicable codes have been updated to exempt FVIR water heaters in garages from the elevation requirement. For tankless water heaters please follow the manufacture's installation recommendations.
       
    • Secure Storage-Tank Heaters for Earthquakes
      Earthquakes can cause improperly secured water heaters to move or topple. To help prevent this, strap it firmly to the wall studs in two places - the upper and lower one-third of the tank - with heavy bolts and metal strapping. Place the lower strap at least four inches above the thermostat. Kits are often available at your local hardware store and we recommend having a qualified professional install it.
       
    • Lower Your Temperature Setting
      Lowering your temperature setting can prevent scalding accidents and lower your energy costs. Water temperatures above 125° F can cause severe burns or even death. If you live with small children, or disabled or elderly persons, you may require a 120° F or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with hot water. Please refer to your water heater manufacturer's recommendation for safe temperature settings.

      Our technicians set the thermostat at approximately 120 degrees, as recommended by manufacturer, every time the appliance is serviced.
       

    Instead of this:

    • Storing or using flammable products, such as gasoline, paint, thinner or cleaning products near or in the same room as your water heater.
       

image of fireplaceNatural Gas Fireplace Safety

To help avoid serious accidents, the fireplace damper must be kept open on a permanent basis. Use the damper lock included with the natural gas log assembly kit.

 

 

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Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that you cannot smell, taste or see. It can build up in a home or other structure when gas appliances are not working properly or when combustion gases are not being safely vented to the outside.

Appliance Safety Recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) periodically announces safety recall programs for certain natural gas appliances and equipment. Information about product recalls that may affect your appliances is available at the CPSC website or by calling the CPSC at 1-800-638-2772. TDD/TTY 1-800-638-8270.

For Your Home

Being more energy efficient in your home is the best way to help lower your energy costs and save money. Get more information on
your energy usage and saving tools available to you.

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    Energy-Saving Tips

    Tips to get the most out of your appliances while using the least amount of energy possible.

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Assistance Programs

We offer various customer assistance programs to support eligible customers based on income, home weatherization or medical needs.