Natural gas appliances can be used in many places in the home. From stoves to air-conditioning units, there is a natural gas counterpart to almost all-electric ones. And as with any appliance, upkeep is a vital part of keeping the longevity and efficiency of your items at their highest. Do you know the proper ways to stay on top of these household duties? Read on for a detailed list.

Stay On Top Of Check-Ups

You should have your appliances serviced at least once a year by a qualified professional. A gas inspection will deduce many crucial details like if your ventilation isn’t blocked, appliances are fully functioning, if the appliance is suitable for the room it is in, and more. These safety precautions should not be overlooked. When looking for a gas engineer to inspect your home, be sure to check their credentials. We want to impress, that these inspections should not be done by homeowners themselves. Proper safety measures, equipment, and know-how will keep your home and family safe.

Know The Signs

Did you know that natural gas is actually odorless? Because of this, for the safety of natural gas users, we add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give gas a distinctive odor. That smell of rotten eggs or sulfur is the number one sign you may have a natural gas leak. There may also be a hissing or whistling noise you cannot identify or even a white-ish cloud of air. The physical effects of natural gas on humans can be toxic, look for unexplained headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Always check to make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working and has batteries. It is important to leave the affected area immediately, that means the entire house while contacting emergency services.

Keep Away

There are certain items to naturally keep away from any flammable substance. While natural gas is one of them, it is in no way a volatile gas. To keep safety a main priority in your home, avoid storing any combustible fluids or solids near your natural gas appliances. These include paint and paint thinners, gasoline, and cleaning supplies. A good rule of thumb is to keep animals and children who are unsupervised away from these appliances.

Safety and preparation should always be on your mind when it comes to what happens in your home. By taking these proper precautions and following our detailed guidelines, your natural gas appliances will stay in top working condition! This saves you money and also gives you peace of mind. Keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for helpful lifestyle tips!