Few things rival the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is warm and your family is safe. Natural gas appliances play a significant role in delivering that comfort and convenience. However, regular maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring they continue to operate safely and efficiently.
Natural gas is a dependable and secure energy source, but staying proactive with minor maintenance can help you avoid unexpected problems. Make it a habit to have your gas-powered appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces, inspected annually by a certified professional.
If you ever notice a gas odor in your home, act quickly: leave immediately without using any electrical devices or switches, leave doors open, and contact your natural gas provider once you’re outside.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s look at some practical tips for keeping your natural gas appliances in top shape.
Check for Uncapped Gas Lines
If you’ve moved into a new home, inspect for any uncapped gas lines. Occasionally, appliances may be removed without properly capping the associated gas lines. Any steel line not connected to an appliance should have a valve and a black steel cap at the end. If you find an uncapped line, don’t attempt to fix it yourself—call a licensed gas fitter immediately. Only qualified professionals should handle the installation, repair, or relocation of natural gas appliances.
Understand Your Hot Water Tank
In Alberta homes, natural gas water heaters are a common sight. These vertical tanks feature a gas valve, thermostat, and burner at the base. The thermostat lets you control the water temperature, with lower settings helping to prevent accidental scalding.
The burner, connected to a continuously-burning pilot light (or electronic ignition in some models), heats the water as needed. Many tanks also have a reset button or adjustable settings hidden behind a cover plate. When making adjustments, be cautious to avoid touching exposed wires, as they may pose a shock risk.
If your hot water tank stops working, check the instructions for relighting the pilot light—these are often printed on the tank itself. Don’t forget to check your breaker panel or fuse box before calling a technician; it might save you unnecessary service costs if the issue is simply a tripped circuit.
Know Your Fireplace
Natural gas fireplaces are another Alberta favorite. Like water heaters, they use a pilot light and occasionally require maintenance, such as replacing the thermocouple sensor after several years.
While it’s possible to replace this sensor yourself, consult your owner’s manual and proceed with caution. If you’re unsure, hire a qualified service technician. And remember, never leave an open flame unattended.
Taking the time to understand and maintain your home’s natural gas appliances can save you from future headaches while keeping your home safe and efficient. Now, you’re truly “cooking with gas”!
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