Gas furnaces are technological marvels engineered to keep your home and family warm and snug through the worst possible conditions winter can throw at them. But despite their state-of-the-art construction and the amazing efficiency with which they do their job they are gas furnaces and, as such, the possibility always exists for a gas leak. Gas leaks are no joke and need to be dealt with immediately. Sometimes however it can be difficult to discern if a suspected gas leak is the real thing. In this post, we’ll provide you with some Toronto-specific furnace repair tips for identifying a real gas leak.
Gas Leaks: Furnace Repair You Can’t Put Off
Gas leaks are extremely dangerous yet it can be difficult to determine if you have one or if something else might be going on with your furnace. Here are 5 ways to spot a genuine gas leak before it turns tragic.
1. Direct observation: If there is inadequate light in the furnace area bring a flashlight and mirror and be prepared to take a close look. Look for cracks in the furnace housing and inspect the gas lines leading into the furnace. Stop every few seconds and be quiet. Do you hear a hissing sound? Is it coming from the pipe fittings or even the pipe itself? If so call the Toronto HVAC company immediately.
2. The soap test: One tried and true method for detecting gas leaks is the soap bubble test. Fill a spray bottle with soapy water and then spray the mixture on all the gas valves, fittings, and gas lines leading into the furnace. The soapy mix will begin to bubble if sprayed on an area with a gas leak. Should you see your soap solution begin to bubble up it’s time to call for furnace repair.
3. Detectors: Gas leak detectors are an inexpensive way to help ensure the safety of everyone in the house. While they won’t necessarily detect 100% of leaks they’ll detect the vast majority of them and that alone should be enough to help you sleep a little better at night. Detectors should ideally be one part of your leak detection program, not the entire thing. If you’ve discovered what you think is a leak use the detector to confirm it, then call for furnace repair.
4. CO detectors: Carbon monoxide kills scores of people every year. It’s a byproduct of the combustion process and most of the time it’s vented harmlessly out into space. But sometimes carbon monoxide can leak through tiny cracks in the combustion chamber and, since CO is odorless and colorless, it’s ridiculously tough to detect without help. You should have at least 1 carbon monoxide detector in the basement near the furnace and at least one more on each floor of the house.
5. Call the pros: If you suspect you may have a gas leak call the pros at Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll get someone over straight away to inspect the furnace and if we detect a leak we’ll make sure to affect appropriate furnace repair before we leave your property. Calling professional HVAC techs is the best way to guarantee any potential leak is properly identified and dealt with.
Gas leaks are not to be trifled with. While many homeowners are more than willing to inspect their system themselves it bears repeating that the only way to ensure a gas leak is properly identified and neutralized is to call the professionals at Tropic Air, Heating and Air Conditioning company, at (647) 955-8625. We have many years of training and experience in furnace repair and will restore your system to safe operation in no time.
For more than 30 years, Tropic Air Heating and Air Conditioning has offered affordable Furnace installations and replacements in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We have become one of Toronto’s top heating, boiler, and air conditioning businesses thanks to our commitment to excellence and going above and beyond for our clients. We put the satisfaction of our customers first by providing emergency same-day boiler repair, furnace installations, tankless water heater, and air conditioner installation, service, and repairs.
