Operating Natural Gas Appliances

We've compiled several maintenance and safety tips to help keep your natural gas appliances running safely and efficiently.

• Hot Water Heaters
• Fireplace Tips
• Barbecue Safety

Hot Water Heaters

Is Your Water Too Hot?

Hot water can burn like fire, especially for children. Children are at a higher risk of tap water scalds because they cannot react quickly to remove themselves from water that is too hot. Also, their skin is more sensitive and burns more quickly than the skin of an adult. Water at 60˚C can burn a child in one second, and water at 55˚C can burn a child in 10 seconds.

One of the best ways to prevent tap water scalds is to turn down the temperature on your hot water heater. 49˚C is the recommended temperature to prevent scalding. However, if your dishwasher does not have an internal heating element that can raise the temperature to 60˚C, it may not sterilize adequately at lower temperatures.

Check your tap water temperature and make sure it is safe for children.

Maintenance Tips for your Water Heater 

• Ensure your water heater is checked and serviced an annual basis.
• Keep the area around your water heater clear of clutter.
• Never store items near your natural gas appliances, especially combustible material.

Fireplace Tips

Use Your Wood-Burning Fireplace Safely

Incomplete combustion occurs when the ideal air to gas ratio is not maintained in your gas appliance. If the ideal air to gas ratio is altered, because of poor air supply or a blocked chimney, then carbon monoxide (CO) and soot can be produced.

When a wood-burning fireplace is in use, air is continually drawn out of the home and up the fireplace chimney. This air must be replaced to maintain the ideal air to gas ratio for your gas appliance that allows for complete combustion.

Know the danger signals of CO exposure and what to do. Remember, the first line of defense against CO is an annual inspection of all your fuel-burning appliances. The second line of defense is a properly installed CO detector.

To prevent the buildup of CO in your home it is essential that you follow these precautions when using a wood-burning fireplace:

The fireplace damper must be open when the fireplace is in use. The open damper allows the smoke and gases to exit.

Ensure a fresh air supply into your home before lighting the fire.

Some fireplaces come with their own combustion air duct. If yours is not equipped with this duct, you must have a fresh air supply, such as an open window.

Keep the fresh air supply available, even overnight, until the fire is completely out.

Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Once the fire is completely out and the ashes are cold or whenever a wood-burning fireplace is not in use, close the damper. This will prevent air and heat loss up the chimney and cold air drafts from coming down the chimney.

Natural Gas Fireplaces

Another option to consider is a clean burning, cost efficient natural gas fireplace. Natural gas fireplaces can operate up to 80% efficiency; whereas, a typical wood-burning fireplace operates at 10% efficiency. (Efficiency refers to the amount of heat that is extracted from the flame and is used to heat the home. In the natural gas fireplace, up to 80 % of the heat can end up in the home.)

Additionally, the cost of natural gas is considerably less expensive than it is for wood. Natural gas is cleaner burning, has less emissions and particulates, and requires less maintenance. A natural gas fireplace can create a separate heating zone in the home, allowing the house thermostat to be turned down when only the one room is being used.

Remember to have regular inspections performed on natural gas fireplaces, along with all natural gas appliances. 

Barbecue Safety 

Ensure your barbecue has been assembled and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Read the owner’s manual before using your new natural gas barbecue. Store the manual in a safe place to have as a future reference.

The barbecue lid must always be open when lighting the barbecue.

Should the burners go out during operation or if the burner does not light, turn all gas valves off, open the lid and wait 5 minutes before attempting to relight.

Should a grease fire occur, leave lid open and turn off burners if you can do so safely. If not, turn gas off at quick connect or shut-off valve.

Check for gas leaks every time you disconnect and reconnect any gas fitting or LP tank. For correct procedure, refer to the owner’s manual.

Do not leave food unattended on the barbecue. Barbecuing involves a certain amount of fat dripping onto the heat source which causes flaring. A small amount of flaring is acceptable, as the smoking will contribute to a barbecue flavor. However, if flaring is excessive, it is important to move food to another location on the grid and/or reduce or turn off heat. To prevent excessive flaring, trim fat from meat cuts. Occasionally, turn over lava rock/ceramic briquettes to burn off accumulated fat.

To prevent burns, always use proper tools and oven mitts when barbecuing. Avoid wearing long loose sleeves or clothing, which can catch fire easily.

If your barbecue has a rotisserie unit, once it is connected to an electrical outlet, it should not be operated in damp or wet weather. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before operating.

The barbecue must be thoroughly cleaned at least annually according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When barbecue is not in use, turn the gas off at the quick connection location and cover to protect barbecue from the elements.