One of the most important ways to keep your home safe is to ensure that your natural gas appliances are inspected and maintained to work efficiently and safely.
Appliances that are working incorrectly can lead to the dangerous production and accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home and cause fires. Download our guide below for more information.
Enbridge Gas does not sell or repair furnaces, boilers or fireplaces. Contact a Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) or Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) contractor to learn more about installing natural gas appliances.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that items are not stored too close to appliances.
Make sure that gas appliances are provided with an adequate air supply. It’s also important to make sure that appliance venting systems are not cracked, corroded or blocked and terminate outdoors.
Your TSSA-registered HVAC contractor will look for these things when inspecting to ensure potentially hazardous situations are controlled.
Your TSSA-registered HVAC contractor when removing a gas appliance will ensure the gas appliance supply line valve is off and the pipe has been capped.
Furnace safety
Today’s most popular choice for home heating is the high-efficiency, forced-air gas furnace. Keep your furnace running safely and efficiently:
- Give your furnace a checkup: Have your furnace inspected and maintained yearly by a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Replace your filter regularly: A dirty filter will restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and increase your natural gas use. Change or clean your filter at least every three months.
Boiler safety
Use these tips to keep your boiler running safely:
- Annual service visit: Keep your boiler in good condition with an annual service visit from a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Leave a clear path for heat flow: Make sure there’s no furniture directly in front of the radiators.
- Radiator basics: Clear any dust from the radiators.
Fireplace safety
A natural gas fireplace gives you all the cozy warmth and comfort of a traditional fireplace—with none of the hassles and hazards of a wood fire. Plus, it may still work if your electricity service is interrupted.
- Maintain your fireplace. Keep your fireplace in good operating condition with an annual service visit from a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Don’t put flammable materials near your fireplace.
- If the pilot light or flame goes out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting.
- Never use a fireplace with cracked glass. If your fireplace has cracked glass, have it inspected or replaced by a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Ensure that your chimney is operating safely. Have your chimney inspected every year by a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor. Regularly check your chimney for blockages.
Water heating safety
Follow these tips to keep your family safe and your water heater working efficiently.
- Schedule regular maintenance check ups with a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for operating and maintenance procedures.
- Don't let dust, lint or dirt block the air intakes at the bottom of your tank.
- Only use insulation blankets and commercial pipe wraps that are approved for gas water heaters in the manufacturers instructions.
Stove and range safety
To stay safe when cooking on your natural gas stove, always read your owner’s manual and follow these simple tips:
- Keep the burners and interior of your oven clean.
- Never use your burners without using your ventilation fan.
- Clean spills so they don’t clog pilot lights and outlets.
- Don't line your oven with aluminum foil, it can block an air vent or interfere with circulation.
- Never use your stove or oven to heat your indoor air space.
- Yellow burner flames could cause excessive carbon that can lead to the production of carbon monoxide. Shut off your stove and call a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Consider guards to keep your children and pets safe.
Barbecue safety
When cooking outdoors on your natural gas BBQ, follow these tips for safe grilling:
- Schedule regular maintenance check ups with a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
- Use long-handled barbecue tools and heat-proof mitts.
- Don’t wear loose clothing. Watch out for apron strings or other loose fabric.
- Never leave children or pets alone near a hot grill.
- Never smoke or light a match while checking gas connections, and be sure to turn off the natural gas supply.
- Never use a barbecue inside – it should be outdoors, on level ground, out of the wind and away from combustible materials.
