While your furnace is vital for heating your home during the winter, the use of natural gas means that homeowners should always be mindful of the potential for a gas leak. Exposure to gas is hazardous, initially causing dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or chest pain. Prolonged exposure could lead to loss of consciousness or even more severe consequences. Here’s what you should know about this potential danger.

What Are Signs Your Furnace Has a Gas Leak?

The natural gas used for your furnace has had the chemical mercaptan added to it. This gives the gas a distinct sulfuric smell that is often compared to rotten eggs so that you can tell when it has escaped the unit. The furnace pilot light will also turn yellow if there is a problem.

In addition to a foul odor, gas leaks can sometimes be identified by a hissing sound coming from the plumbing lines. When the leak occurs in underground pipes, any vegetation situated above it will wither and die.

What Should Be Your Response?

If you notice any of the above, your priority is getting out safely. Leave doors and windows open when you exit the building so the gas can disperse. Call for emergency plumbing service once you are outside the house so a professional can safely mitigate the leak. Do not re-enter the property until you are told it is safe to do so.

To avoid this problem, keep up with routine heating repair and maintenance to allow technicians to identify and correct any issues before they reach the point of a leak. Safety inspections should be performed annually. Installing carbon monoxide detectors inside the home will also give you advanced warning of escaping gas.

No matter what type of work you need to be performed on your furnace, expect quality results from Passanisi Services in Elyria, OH. Serving Lorain County for over 20 years, this licensed, bonded, and insured heating contractor and plumber is available 24/7 to address any repair emergency you might encounter. To learn more about their services, visit them online. Call (440) 984-2322 to schedule an appointment.