Homeowners may not always understand the potential risks or the importance of furnace safety. So, can a furnace leak gas?

Furnaces can leak, filling your home with an alarming smell or releasing carbon monoxide that can be detrimental to health and safety. It’s vital that homeowners know how to react in these situations to protect themselves and their property. 

After securing the situation and evacuating, homeowners should immediately seek professional assistance from HVAC technicians in Cary, IL. Improper maintenance and continued usage of old, damaged units can cause leaks. Keep your family safe with regular inspections from WeatherWise Heating & Cooling.

How To Handle Gas Leaks in Cary

Gas furnace issues can occasionally happen to even a perfectly maintained system, so it’s essential to learn the signs of carbon monoxide escaping and how to respond. 

Identifying a Gas Leak

Gas leak detection has become easier with the addition of mercaptan to the natural gas used in homes. This substance is what gives the fuel its distinctive rotten egg smell, as it would otherwise be odorless.

Beyond the scent, there are a few other indicators of a furnace issue. First, if there is a leak, the pilot flame on your unit may burn entirely yellow or orange. You might also notice a hissing sound coming from the appliance. 

Additionally, you may notice physical symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure. These include headaches, disorientation, dizziness, and nausea. Some research indicates that pets may be the first to be affected by exposure, so sudden behavioral changes or sickness in your animal companions can also be cause for concern.

Carbon monoxide exposure is very dangerous and can lead to severe health consequences or even death. Evacuate your family immediately if you begin experiencing these symptoms or notice any of the other signals, and call 911 for emergency assistance. 

Act Fast for Safety

It’s crucial to act quickly as soon as you notice a leak. If the smell has just started, your first step should be to turn off your furnace and stove. You should also make sure there are no open flames present (for instance, lit candles). 

From there, shut off your gas completely using the external shut-off valve. Then, call your local HVAC service or energy provider for an inspection. You may be advised to evacuate until the inspection determines that you can safely return to your home.

Any repairs should be safely handled by a professional, even if you think you know the cause of the issue.

Preventing Gas Leaks

The most important factor in preventing gas leaks is consistent maintenance. Often, these events are caused by an overheated and cracked heat exchanger. This happens when airflow is restricted, typically because of dirty, unmaintained filters or failing ductwork.

This is a major safety issue, so homeowners must be diligent in staying on top of filter maintenance and professional inspections. All other appliances that use gas should also undergo regular inspections to ensure there are no faulty parts or potential leak hazards. 

Homeowners must know where the external shut-off valve is in case of emergency. Be sure to educate children and other family members about the valve’s location, the signs of a leak, and your evacuation plan.

Upgrading your heating system can also lower your risk of these incidents, as normal wear and tear over the years leaves parts of older units vulnerable. Consult a professional to learn how a more efficient unit could be safer and save you money on repairs and your energy bill in the long run. 

Finally, for added peace of mind, invest in carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home. These will alert you to elevated levels of the toxin, sometimes even before you can smell it. A professional HVAC service will help you install, test, and replace these as necessary.