With the colder months fast approaching, many of our natural gas appliances will be working harder to keep us warm. It also means we need to think of safety.
Natural gas is an invisible, odourless and highly flammable gas. We add a chemical compound called mercaptan to give it a strong rotten egg smell, so it can be easily detected.
Appliances like furnaces may use natural gas to heat your home. It’s important to have your natural gas furnace inspected annually by a licensed heating contractor to ensure it is working safety and efficiently.
Be sure to stay on the lookout for signs that your furnace isn’t working properly. These include:
- A loud bang when your furnace turns on. If this happens, turn down your thermostat and call Manitoba Hydro.
- A pilot light continually goes out (on older model furnaces).
- A yellow or wavering flame (it should be blue).
- Excessive soot or corrosion on the appliance or vent.
- Signs that the flame has extended out of the furnace, like scorch marks by an opening.
- Too much or too little heat.
If you smell a strong scent of sulphur or rotten eggs, evacuate the home immediately. Ensure the door remains open when exiting. Call 9-1-1 or Manitoba Hydro for an emergency inspection at 1-888-624-9376.
