Exploring Newer Features for Heating and Cooling Systems

3 Tips To Avoid A Furnace Gas Leak

23 November 2021

Jessie Nichols

A central HVAC system equipped with a gas furnace is a comfortable, safe, and economical way to heat your home. However, homeowners with gas furnaces should know that certain circumstances can create a small risk of a gas leak, as is true of any gas-powered appliance.

Understand the Causes of Gas Leaks

The best way to prevent any problem is to understand its causes and address them proactively. The gas supply lines and the heat exchanger are the two most common areas for leaks to occur. Gas supply lines can corrode and leak due to high humidity, nearby plumbing leaks, and other sources of moisture.

The heat exchanger is the chamber inside of a furnace where combustion takes place that transfers heat directly to the air. If the heat exchanger is cracked, some gas may be able to leak out before it combusts. Long-term furnace overheating can lead to a cracked heat exchanger.

Keep Up With DIY Maintenance

There's a lot you can do as the homeowner to avoid a furnace gas leak. Watch out for signs of gas supply problems, such as frequent furnace cycling or a flickering pilot light. Visually inspect the supply line near your furnace every month or two and call a technician if you see signs of corrosion.

You should leave your home and call an HVAC professional if you notice a sulfur-like smell near your furnace. This smell is caused by an additive in gas called mercaptan that is meant to alert people to exposure. 

Airflow is crucial when it comes to preventing furnace overheating. Don't forget to clean or replace your furnace filter each month so your furnace doesn't suffer from dust buildup. Also, check with an HVAC technician to make sure you're using the right kind of filter. For example, not all furnaces can produce enough air pressure to work efficiently with a heavy-duty HEPA filter.

Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

DIY HVAC maintenance only goes so far, and homeowners can't be expected to handle all aspects of furnace maintenance on their own. HVAC technicians can replace worn components in your furnace, make sure your ducts are clean and free of blockages, and spot other issues that could lead to a gas leak.

A furnace gas leak is a rare occurrence, and it's one you can avoid with the right know-how. Use these tips and remember to equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors so you can be sure your home is protected from this health risk.

For more information, reach out to a furnace maintenance service in your area.

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