How often should I have my gas appliances serviced or inspected?

A gas service inspection is important to ensure the safety and proper functioning of gas appliances and systems in your home. Here are some signs that it might be time for a gas service inspection:

1. Regular Maintenance Schedule: Many gas appliances and systems, such as furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, have recommended maintenance schedules outlined in their user manuals. If you’re approaching the scheduled maintenance interval, it’s a good time to consider a gas service inspection.
2. Visible Damage or Wear: If you notice visible signs of damage, wear, or corrosion on your gas appliances, gas lines, or connectors, it’s essential to have a professional inspect them. This includes rust, cracks, or leaks.
3. Strange Smells: If you detect a rotten egg or sulphur-like smell (the odorant added to natural gas to make leaks detectable), it’s a strong indicator of a gas leak. Evacuate your home, turn off the gas supply, and contact your gas provider and a professional technician immediately.
4. Pilot Light Issues: If your gas appliances have pilot lights that frequently go out, don’t light, or have irregular flames (yellow or flickering instead of blue), it could indicate an issue with the appliance that requires inspection.
5. Uneven Heating or Cooling: If you notice that certain areas of your home are not being heated or cooled properly, it could be due to a problem with your gas-powered heating or cooling system.
6. Increased Gas Bills: A sudden and unexplained increase in your gas bills could indicate an inefficient or malfunctioning gas appliance.