top of page

Gas Furnace Safety: What to Do If You Smell Gas and How to Handle It

Owning a gas furnace to heat your home can be a great way to help beat the frigid winters in Calgary. However, gas furnaces come with the risk of gas leaks, which are a massive health and safety risk for your home and family. In this blog, we’ll go over what to do if you detect a gas leak.

 

What Dangers Do Gas Leaks Pose?


gas furnaces

Natural gas is a useful fuel source, but a gas leak can pose a real danger for you and your family. The risks include:


Fires and Explosions

First and foremost, there is the risk of an explosion and fire. Gas is very flammable and can lead to catastrophe if there are any ignition sources.


Poisoning

Inhaling natural gas in large quantities can lead to a severe illness, called asphyxia. This can even be fatal if you don’t recognize the signs and leave the area. Symptoms you should look for include:

·       Ringing in your ears

·       Fatigue

·       Dizziness

·       Difficulty breathing

·       Light-headedness

·       Nosebleeds

·       Reduced appetite

·       Blistering or pale skin

·       Chest pain

·       Flu-like symptoms

 

What to Do if You Smell Gas

Natural gas has no natural odour, but because of the danger associated with gas leaks, gas companies add a sulfuric, rotten egg smell to it so leaks can be detected. If you do smell natural gas (and you know there aren’t any rotten eggs around), here is what you should do:

  • Avoid Any Ignition Sources – Put out open flames and avoid using anything that can generate sparks or electrical discharges such as lighters, thermostats, light switches, and doorbells.

  • Leave the Area – You shouldn’t try and fix it yourself. Leave the building immediately. Avoid using your vehicle or any other equipment as they might pose safety risks.

  • Leave Doors and Windows Open – As you and your family evacuate, leave doors and windows open so that the gas does not build up inside your home.

  • Call the Authorities – From a safe location, call your gas company or emergency services and inform them of the potential leak. Never leave the situation unreported.

  • Wait for the All Clear – The authorities will send someone to assist. The gas company may turn off the flow remotely, at which point they can send an inspector to find the source of the leak. Once they have given the all clear, you can return to your home.

 

If you have severe symptoms of natural gas exposure, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

 

For Furnace Repair in Calgary, Call Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning

Gas leaks can happen for a variety of reasons, including old and worn-out gas furnaces. To help avoid the possibility of your furnace leaking, you can call Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Calgary. Our knowledgeable technicians will inspect your gas furnace for any signs of wear and tear that could lead to a leak, repairing any issues we find. We are your go-to gas furnace guys in Calgary!

 

Please contact us today to request an estimate.

bottom of page