Propane Appliance Safety

Safe at home

Posted: October 25, 2018

Wilson Oil and Propane follows strict safety standards that have been established by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). One of those standards is “Duty to Notify,” which explains, among other things, how to recognize the smell of propane and what to do if you smell propane gas in your home.

Propane smells like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert consumers to propane leaks. If you are concerned that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider installing one or more propane gas detectors. Read more about propane gas detectors.

To know the proper steps to take if you smell gas, please review this safety module from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC):

Preventive maintenance

Without question, propane is one of the safest fuels you can choose for your Delaware Valley home. But to stay as safe as possible, you should always pay close attention to the operation of your gas appliances. The best way to keep all your propane equipment running properly is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance. Be sure to consult your owner’s manuals for what’s required.

More safety tips from PERC

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.

Regularly check the outdoor vents of your appliances to make sure combustion gases flow unobstructed to the outdoors. Insects, birds and small animals have been known to build nests in vent pipes. To prevent any damage, use a broom or a soft brush to gently remove any obstructions you find in your vents.

Read more safety tips and then contact us if you have any questions.