Appliance Safety Review for Our Propane Customers

Posted: November 1, 2016

Posted: November 1, 2016

We’re sure you know that propane appliances should be properly maintained to operate safely and efficiently. That’s why we recommend scheduling an annual appliance inspection, which is performed by one of our certified propane service technicians.

Besides a professional evaluation of your appliances, there are a number of safety tips to keep in mind throughout the year. Our propane team, in conjunction with the Propane Education and Research Council, recommends the following:

• 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 us for service if you notice a yellow flame or soot on your appliances.
• 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. If you want to reposition your appliances, it’s best to talk with us first.
• 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.
• 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.