Safety First with Your Propane Appliances

Posted: February 24, 2016

All propane appliances must be properly maintained to operate safely and efficiently. That’s why we recommend an appliance inspection by our service technician once a year. In between this time, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind, courtesy of the Propane Education and Research Council:

• 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 – a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas. Arrange for service if you notice a yellow flame or soot on your appliances.
• Regularly check the vents of your appliances to make sure combustion gases flow unobstructed to the outdoors. Sometimes, insects, birds, and small animals build nests in vent pipes. Snow and ice can also cause obstructions.
• If you need to move an appliance, be careful not to damage the gas connector. Older connectors can easily crack if twisted, which can lead to a gas leak.
• Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert customers to propane leaks. If you have someone living in your household with a diminished sense of smell (elderly relative, etc), consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.

If you have any questions or concerns about your propane appliances, please contact us and we will be glad to help. You can read more propane safety tips here.