Electronics consumes a lot of units, is expensive in the pocket and leaves a huge carbon footprint. People choose a gas appliance over an electronic appliance due to potential units efficiency and it is also cost-effective and to an extent eco friendly as well. The gas appliance includes ovens, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, clothes dryers, stoves and etc.
Although natural gas is by far the world's cleanest fuel only producing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and small amounts of nitrogen oxide, if handled improperly can cause fire and damage. Here are four things to remember while you go through the process of Gas appliance installation.
1. Gas Line:
It is likely that at least one of your appliances runs on gas. However, if you are installing a gas appliance for the first time, you need to convert your electric line into a gas line. It is advisable to get your line converted into gas only by a professional only to avoid any loopholes for the danger and damage. Moreover, if you shifted into the new house and the gas line already exists make sure to get it checked for leaks and rusted pipes.
2. Child Proof Your Appliance:
As the phrase goes better safe than sorry. Children are rebellious, reckless, and playful, fully unaware of the dangers. Leaving gas appliance noobs/ buttons unattended and within reach can be dangerous in the presence of children. While you can't keep an eye on your children all the time but can buy childproofing kits from a departmental store and install it over your gas appliances such as knobs or back burners. Also, teach your kids how a gas leak may smell and alert you right away.
3. Gas leak signs and safety:
As a safety measure, you and your family must be aware of all preventative and cautionary measures of a gas leak and safety of your gas appliances. Some of the major signs of gas leaks include: you smell rotten eggs even though your refrigerator eggs are absolutely fine, hissing sounds and air bubbles, you may experience the symptoms of gas poisoning, your plants keep dying despite intensive care and usage of gas on meters. Air bubbles usually appear in standing water, puddles, and mud outside of the house caused by external gas pipes. An individual should never ignore the signs of a gas leak and wait for overtime for it. Call a consultant right away if you suspect even a minor leak.
4. Install your appliances for safety:
Read the manufacturer's instructions on how to keep your appliance safe and maintained and more importantly how to use it. You can also install gas and carbon monoxide detectors to detect the slightest leak. Read instructions on how to manually turn off the natural gas system.
If you have little or no experience with gas appliances it is highly advisable to hire a professional. A professional will help you avoid appliance and system damage. If you make small repairs on the appliance yourself you will void the warranty. Consult professionals to maintain the longevity of your gas appliances.
