Natural gas is colorless and odorless, and an electric spark can ignite it. It is important to always follow the operating instructions on the device or manual, if you have one. If you have an open-burning gas heater, it is best to limit its use and consider safer alternatives for heating. Most homes have several appliances or features that generate heat by burning fuel, such as gas ovens, water heaters, boilers, clothes dryers, and fireplaces.
When these devices are in good working order and well-ventilated, they are perfectly safe. However, it is important to keep any objects stored near the oven away from it. Do not place items close to or leaning against the oven, as overcrowding can decrease its efficiency and paper or cardboard can catch fire if the equipment gets too hot. Non-combustible gas heaters draw air from inside the room and emit combustion products back into the same space, which can be dangerous and even deadly.
To prevent this, these heaters require continuous ventilation of outdoor spaces to allow fresh air to feed the burner and discharge the products of combustion. If the pilot light on your gas water heater does not stay on, you may need to replace the thermocouple on your water heater. Additionally, it is a good idea to place a carbon monoxide detector near your gas heater and one on each floor of your home for added security. Consider replacing open-burning gas heaters with sealed gas heaters for rooms or split systems for added safety.
Regular Maintenance of Gas Heaters
It is important to have your gas heater checked by a qualified gas installer at least every two years to help keep your family safe.Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and sometimes replacement parts are not available for older heaters. A flame sensor in the oven shuts off the gas if a flame is not ignited, so there is no danger of gas accumulation or explosion. If you experience health problems that seem to worsen or only occur when the heater is turned on, they may be due to carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. A licensed gas installer must repair all types of gas heaters at least every two years and check them for carbon monoxide spills. Regularly maintain your gas heating system to prevent this from happening with your heater.
If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide, see your family doctor and check your gas heater before using it again. A furnace flame sensor is a safety feature that disconnects the gas supply if it detects that the gas is not burning.
Tips for Turning On Pilot Lights
Turning on a pilot light can be intimidating for homeowners, whether for the gas stove or for the gas water heater. The room where the gas heater is located should not be used as storage space for rarely used items such as tools or construction items. If you find a gas heating specialist online, make sure they are a licensed gas installer to service gas appliances. Gas heaters are an efficient way to provide warmth in homes but they must be used safely and regularly maintained in order to prevent accidents or health problems related to carbon monoxide poisoning.Always follow operating instructions on devices or manuals and keep objects away from open-burning heaters. Place carbon monoxide detectors near your gas heater and consider replacing open-burning models with sealed ones for added safety. Have your system checked by a qualified professional at least every two years.
