5 Steps to Take If You Smell Gas in Your Home

Gas leaks are among the most dangerous incidents that can occur within your home. Although they’re commonly linked to appliances like stoves and ovens, they can also manifest within your HVAC system. Over time, your HVAC’s components can corrode, resulting in small cracks in the gas lines that lead to leaks. And in cases where an HVAC wasn’t installed properly (e.g., its gas lines were poorly fitted), the potential for gas leaks increases.

Discover what to do in the event of a gas leak in your HVAC system to safeguard your home and prioritize your family’s safety:

What should you do if you smell gas?

Gas is naturally odorless, however, gas companies use chemicals to give it an egg-like smell you can’t miss. If you get a whiff of a strong, sulfur-like stench near gas appliances or your HVAC, make sure to do these steps immediately. Knowing what measures to take in the event of a gas leak can save you and your family’s lives:

1. Avoid igniting anything

Do not use items that could create sparks, such as matches, light switches, appliances, and phones. Even the tiniest spark during a gas leak can lead to extremely dangerous outcomes, such as an explosion.

Moreover, these systems can also send notifications to your smartphone, enabling you to instantly take the required measures. Based on the system or device you choose, it can monitor humidity and temperature, water usage, and even turn off the water supply in case of an emergency.

2. Open doors and windows

Gas buildup is bad news. Whenever possible, open doors and windows to allow the gas to disperse to the outdoors.

3. Get out

The moment you smell a gas leak, alert all of your family members. Immediately get out of the home and stay in a safe location far away.

4. Turn off the gas supply

Every home has a valve that shuts off the gas supply—this can be found at the side of your property, beside the gas meter. When you notice signs of a gas leak, try cutting the gas supply to prevent more gas from escaping (as long as it’s safe to do so!).

5. Call your gas company

Once you’re in a safe location away from your home, call your gas company or 911 to report the leak. Remember not to use your mobile phone while you’re still inside your home, as it could generate a spark that ignites the gas!

What are the other signs of a gas leak?

It’s worth noting that an egg-like smell isn’t the only sign of a gas leak. Other signs to be aware of include:

Hissing sounds

This is a telltale sign that there’s a gas leak in your home. In most cases, hissing sounds near gas lines can indicate a dangerous gas leak that must be addressed immediately.

Dead or dying plants

If your plants are receiving proper care but they’re still not thriving, that may be a sign of a gas leak. Plants lose their ability to absorb oxygen when there’s natural gas in the air, causing them to appear yellowish, wilt, and die.

Physical discomfort

Exposure to gas can result in physical side effects, often manifesting in the form of lightheadedness. Additionally, gas poisoning can lead to fatigue, troubled breathing, loss of concentration, and suffocation. These symptoms can also affect pets.

An unexplained rise in gas usage

If your gas consumption is consistent but your utility bill is noticeably higher than usual, that may suggest a leak in your home.

Prevent gas leaks through regular maintenance

Reducing the risk of gas leaks involves regular maintenance, a task that can be expertly handled by the team at Beeson Mechanical Service. By relying on our vast experience in HVAC care, you can ensure your system functions correctly while protecting your home in the process. Take the proactive step today—dial 317-535-9338 to put you and your family’s safety first.