Natural gas is one of the world’s cleanest fossil fuels. When used correctly, it’s a safe and efficient power source. However, gas leaks can occur and, if not dealt with promptly, can lead to fires or gas poisoning. Here are five signs you may have a natural gas leak in your home.
1. You smell a foul odour
Natural gas is actually odourless. However, many gas companies add a pungent, non-harmful chemical called mercaptan to the gas to make it easier for homeowners to detect if there’s a leak. Therefore, if you notice a nasty odour similar to rotten eggs, sewage or skunk, you may have a gas leak.
2. Your house plants are dying
Plants are extremely sensitive to any buildup of natural gas in the air. In fact, natural gas prevents a plant’s roots from absorbing oxygen. Therefore, if your indoor greenery unexpectedly starts to wilt and die, it could be a sign that you have a slow gas leak somewhere in your home.
3. You hear a hissing sound
If you hear a high-pitched hissing or roaring sound coming from one of your natural gas appliances, even when it’s turned off, it could indicate that you have a leak. It’s a good idea to check your pipes and appliances regularly and listen for any irregular sounds.
4. Your gas bill is higher than usual
If your gas bill has spiked unexpectedly, it could mean that you have a slow leak somewhere causing excess gas to escape from your home. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on your energy bills and ensure they’re consistent with how much gas you’re using.
5. You’re experiencing health issues
Breathing in too much natural gas can have serious health consequences. Therefore, if you experience persistent and unexplained headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea, it could be a sign there’s a gas leak in your home, especially if more than one person in your home is having the same symptoms.
If you suspect you have a gas leak in your home, immediately stop what you’re doing and leave. Get to a safe place and then call your gas company to have them turn off your gas. Afterwards, you should contact a professional gas line repair expert to inspect the problem and make any necessary repairs.
Gas Fitting Services in Calgary
You can count on the Calgary HVAC expert technicians at Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning to handle all your gas fitting needs. Whether you need to repair or install a fireplace, barbecue or kitchen gas line, we have you covered. Contact us today to learn more or book a service call.
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