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Natural gas appliance safety

One of the most important ways to keep your home safe is to ensure that your natural gas appliances are inspected and maintained to work efficiently and safely.

Appliances that are working incorrectly can lead to the dangerous production and accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home and cause fires.

Enbridge Gas does not sell or repair furnaces, boilers or fireplaces. Contact a certified heating contractor to learn more about installing natural gas appliances.

Natural gas appliances safety tips

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that items are not stored too close to appliances.
  • Always provide gas appliances with an adequate air supply.
  • Make sure that appliance venting systems terminate outdoors and are not cracked, corroded or blocked.

While conducting an inspection, your certified heating contractor will look for the items mentioned above, ensuring potentially hazardous situations are controlled. When removing a gas appliance, they’ll ensure the gas appliance supply line valve is off and the pipe has been capped.

CSST pipes? Time for a safety check

If your home or business was built after 1990 or you’ve had work done to the natural gas piping system, it is possible that Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubbing (CSST) was installed. CSST is a flexible, stainless steel pipe and often has a yellow or black plastic coating.

If lightning strikes a structure containing CSST, there is a risk the lightning charge can travel along the structure’s natural gas piping system and cause a leak in the CSST or, in some cases, a fire.

The International Fuel Gas Code, requires the following; “CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system between the point of delivery (customer side of the meter) and the first downstream CSST fitting. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent.”

If you find CSST in your home or business, Enbridge Gas recommends that you contact a licensed electrician to make sure it is bonded and grounded properly.

If you are unsure whether your building contains CSST, contact a building inspector to obtain a professional inspection.

Want a safer home? Follow these pointers.

Furnace safety

Today’s most popular choice for home heating is the high-efficiency, forced-air gas furnace. Keep your furnace running safely and efficiently:

  • Give your furnace a checkup: Have your furnace inspected and maintained yearly by a certified heating contractor.
  • Replace your filter regularly: A dirty filter will restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and increase your natural gas use. Change or clean your filter at least every three months.

Boiler safety

Use these tips to keep your boiler running safely:

  • Annual service visit: Keep your boiler in good condition with an annual service visit from a certified heating contractor.
  • Venting system: Regularly inspect your vents, chimney and exhaust for secure connections, obstructions, blockages, damage, carbon buildup and any discolouration.
  • Radiator: Regularly inspect your draft hood, vent termination and access doors for discolouration or carbon buildup, which may indicate improper combustion or downdraft.
  • Valves: Regularly check your temperature and pressure relief valves to make sure they're operational and not seized up.

Fireplace safety

A natural gas fireplace gives you all the cozy warmth and comfort of a traditional fireplace—with none of the hassles and hazards of a wood fire. Plus, it may still work if your electricity service is interrupted.

  • Maintain your fireplace. Keep your fireplace in good operating condition with an annual service visit from a certified heating contractor.
  • Don’t put flammable materials near your fireplace.
  • If the pilot light or flame goes out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting.
  • Never use a fireplace with cracked glass. If your fireplace has cracked glass, have it inspected or replaced by a certified heating contractor.
  • Ensure that your chimney is operating safely. Have your chimney inspected every year by a certified heating contractor. Regularly check your chimney for blockages.

Water heating safety

Follow these tips to keep your family safe and your water heater working efficiently.

  • Schedule regular maintenance check ups with a certified heating contractor.
  • Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for operating and maintenance procedures.
  • Don't let dust, lint or dirt block the air intakes at the bottom of your tank.
  • Only use insulation blankets and commercial pipe wraps that are approved for gas water heaters in the manufacturers instructions.

Cooking with gas

How often should a gas stove be serviced? Can you use your burner without using a ventilation fan? Stay safe when cooking on your natural gas stove and follow these simple tips:

  • Always read your owner’s manual.
  • Keep the burners and interior of your oven clean.
  • Schedule maintenance annually.
  • Never use your stove or oven if the ignition switch isn’t working or is making unusual noises.
  • Never use your burners without using your ventilation fan.
  • Clean spills so they don’t clog pilot lights and outlets.
  • Don't line your oven with aluminum foil, it can block an air vent or interfere with circulation.
  • Never use your stove or oven to heat your indoor air space.
  • Consider guards to keep your children and pets safe.

Barbecue safety

When cooking outdoors on your natural gas BBQ, follow these tips for safe grilling:

  • Schedule regular maintenance check ups with a certified heating contractor.
  • Use long-handled barbecue tools and heat-proof mitts.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing. Watch out for apron strings or other loose fabric.
  • Never leave children or pets alone near a hot grill.
  • Never smoke or light a match while checking gas connections, and be sure to turn off the natural gas supply.
  • Never use a barbecue inside – it should be outdoors, on level ground, out of the wind and away from combustible materials.