Watch for the following signs that your furnace has a gas leak
One of the common signs that you have furnace problems is a gas leak. With a gas furnace, you have the risk of a gas leak. With yearly maintenance and service, you can reduce the risk of a gas leak and save money on costly furnace repairs. However, even a system that is inspected by heating contractors and serviced by heating companies each year can develop a gas leak. Therefore, it is very important that you know the signs of a gas leak so that you can take the steps you need to protect yourself and your family.
Signs that you might have a gas leak
Even though you might not be able to smell or see the gas, a gas leak can be dangerous. Even a small gas leak can cause you to become ill and, if not repaired, a gas leak can be deadly. Some symptoms that are associated with a slow-leaking gas line include memory loss, respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sinus pain. Many of the symptoms of a gas leak are similar to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, call our Edwardsville, IL heating contractors to inspect your home as soon as possible.
Signs that your gas furnace has a leak include:
- Hissing Sound — Do you hear a hissing sound when you are near the gas lines inside or outside your home? If so, you might have a gas leak. In fact, if you hear a hissing sound, you probably have a substantial gas leak, and you need to act quickly. Turn off the gas line to your home and call a professional for help.
- Rotten Egg Smell — Do you smell an odor that is similar to rotten eggs? Propane and natural gas have a distinctive smell to help individuals detect a gas leak. Utility companies use an additive to make the odorless, colorless gas smell that way so that individuals have as much warning as possible that they might have a gas leak.
- Dead or Brown Plants — If the plants in your home or near your gas lines turn brown or die, a leaking gas pipe might be the cause.
- White Mist or Fog — A ruptured gas line can cause a white mist or fog. Call the gas company immediately if you notice fog or white mist around your home or inside your home.
- Bubbles — A quick test you can perform to detect a gas leak is the bubble test. Mix water with a small amount of dish soap. While the gas is on, use a cloth to wipe the area with soapy water. If the area bubbles, you have a leak.
Call an Edwardsville, IL heating company for help
The heating contractors of B & W Heating and Cooling can test your HVAC system for gas leaks. We perform furnace repair and heating repairs for clients throughout the Edwardsville, IL area.
