Do you smell gas when you turn your furnace on or hear a hissing noise when you turn it on?
According to a report, there have been nearly 2,600 gas leaks in the US from 2010 to 2021. Did you also ask yourself the question, why does my furnace smell like gas? That is a troubling thing indeed, and you need to get things fixed as soon as possible.
But what do you do if your furnace smells like gas? Perhaps you’re worried about the possibility that it might cause fire and explosion. This article is an answer to your question.
Keep reading to know more about what to do with the gas smell coming from the furnace.
Shut Off Your Furnace
If you smell gas, it means there is already a fairly large leak. Shutting off the furnace secures your safety against a potential explosion. Do not restart your furnace.
Do not troubleshoot the system yourself; you are not trained to do it. After shutting off the furnace, you must contact a professional HVAC company.
Ventilate the Area
To lower the risk of explosion, you must ventilate the area by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. If the smell is strong, you may need to leave the area right away. Once you have ventilated the area and the gas smell has dissipated, you should also secure things that may cause a spark.
Unplug Electric Appliances
Natural gas is extremely flammable, and even the smallest spark could ignite and cause an explosion during a gas leak. Do not turn on any lights or appliances, as this could create a spark and cause an explosion. If you can’t unplug every electric device and appliance, at least switch off the circuit breaker before leaving your house.
Immediately Leave Your Home
If the smell is powerful, immediately vacate your house because of the presence of harmful carbon monoxide. Do not find the source of the leak. Gas leaks can be very dangerous and can cause explosions.
Upon leaving your house, be sure to keep the doors open to lessen the gas buildup. The chance of an explosion is very much possible, so leaving the house will increase your safety. As you exit the house, try to check also if there are still people and pets inside the house.
Call Your Gas Company Immediately
If you have a natural gas furnace, they will shut off the gas in your home. If you have a propane furnace, they will tell you if there is a gas leak and how to fix it. Never try to fix this problem by yourself. Call your gas company right away and be sure to stay away from any open flames.
Know if Your Furnace Smells Like Gas
It is important to take immediate action if your furnace smells like gas. Shut off the gas supply to your furnace and ventilate the area. Unplug electrical devices, leave the house and call your gas company right away.
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