Having a gas-powered heater is a great way to guarantee that you stay warm during our winter season. However, it also means that you need to be on the alert for any signs of a gas leak in your home. The smell of gas coming from your heater can be one of the most troubling things to experience. There are sounds, smells, and other signs that indicate a possible gas leak which should never be ignored.
What Does a Gas Leak Smell Like?
Gas is naturally odorless, so you wouldn’t be able to detect it without the use of additives. Added ingredients give gas its telltale “rotten eggs” smell. If you detect even the faintest whiff of this scent, you should follow these steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Gas Leak?
The most obvious sign of a gas leak is the smell of rotten eggs. You could also smell another strong odor, like sewage, sulfur, or petroleum.
More subtle signs of a gas leak in the house include:
- Dead plants. If gas is leaking from the mainline, it will contaminate any soil above it. Plants rooted in this soil will absorb the gas and shrivel up as a result.
- A hissing or whistling sound. Gas may hiss as it exits the line or exits your heating system. Listen closely for this sound when you turn on your heat. Contact a professional to take a look at your heater and look for any sign of a gas leak.
- Worrying symptoms. Don’t ignore sudden presentations of nausea, fatigue, and other signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you ever suspect you might have a gas leak, let emergency responders help.
Protect Yourself From a Gas Leak
Follow these steps if you think you may have a gas leak in your home heater.
1. Shut Off Your Heater
Turn off all heat on your thermostat, and head to your furnace or boiler’s main switch. Turn it off immediately and proceed to the next step.
2. Open Doors and Windows to Allow Clean Air to Flow Indoors
It’s crucial to help the gas dissipate from the home. Open all doors and windows as wide as they go to get the gas out of your home. Although this can help remove the gas and limit your exposure, it does not mean you should stop here either.
3. Evacuate the Home and Call for Emergency Services
The smell of gas is an emergency, and you should call emergency services right away. Firefighters are trained to safely detect and resolve gas leaks in a home. They can also evaluate you and your family for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure that you remove pets from the home as well. Stay away from the building until a gas technician or fire responders tell you it’s safe to reenter.
4. Once It’s Safe to Enter, Call for Repairs ASAP
After a gas leak, you have to call a professional heating company to look at your furnace. You should never turn it back on or attempt to make any repairs yourself.
If you are looking for furnace repair in Staten Island, we are here to help. Contact Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment.
