While propane is a remarkably safe fuel, if you need a propane heating system repair or want to install a gas appliance, always call in a professional—don’t start watching “how-to” YouTube videos!
Repairing or installing a complex propane appliance can often present unique challenges that require extensive training and sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
Certified propane technicians have the training, experience, and tools to get the job done—quickly, correctly and safely—thanks in large part to the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP), which is run under the direction of the Propane Education & Research Council.
On-going technician training includes in-house seminars and hands-on demonstrations from manufacturer representatives, insurance companies, and our NYPGA association, who discuss the safe installation and repair of the latest appliances.
So remember, if you need a repair or an installation, your propane service technician can do that. You shouldn’t.
What To Do If You Smell Gas
- Extinguish all smoking materials and any open flames or other sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the building, vehicle or area.
- Move away without using any electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones.
- If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder.
- Call your propane supplier or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone.
- Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not reenter the building, vehicle or area. Let a qualified propane service technician or emergency personnel check for escaped propane.
- Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to determine that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all of your gas appliances and relight any appliance pilots.
- Return to your home only when the service technician or emergency responder indicates that it is safe to do so.
Preventive Maintenance
Without question, propane is one of the safest fuels you can choose for your New York home. But to stay as safe as possible, you should always pay close attention to the operation of your gas appliances. The best way to keep all your propane equipment running properly is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance. Be sure to consult your owner’s manuals for what’s required.
More Propane Safety Tips
When appliances operate properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames—or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment–the gas may not be burning completely. This can create carbon monoxide. Contact your propane company or HVAC contractor for service if you notice a yellow flame or soot on your appliances.
You should also regularly check the outdoor vents of your appliances to make sure combustion gases flow unobstructed to the outdoors. Insects, birds and small animals have been known to build nests in vent pipes. To prevent any damage, use a broom or a soft brush to gently remove any obstructions you find in your vents.
If you have questions or concerns about propane safety, be sure to consult with your local New York propane company.