Propane is an economical source of fuel; however, when using a gas appliance, it is important to keep safety precautions in mind. If there is a gas leak, the consequences can be devastating, so the leak should be detected as soon as possible. When it comes to detecting propane gas leaks, there are three signs you should be on the lookout for.
1. You Notice a Sulfur Odor
Propane does not have a natural scent to it, and for that reason, propane companies will add a small amount of mercaptan, which is a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur to it. In doing so, it makes it easier to identify when you have a gas leak in your home. If you smell this odor, open up your windows and doors to allow fresh air inside, ensure your gas appliances are turned off, and look to see if the pilot lights are lit. If you are unable to determine a reason for the sulfur odor, contact your propane company and ask for an immediate inspection.
2. You See an Orange or Yellow Flame
You should see a blue flame with a little bit of yellow in the center when propane is burning. If you notice that flame is orange or yellow when you are using the cooktop or furnace, this means that the combustion is not complete and there is a risk of carbon monoxide building up inside your home. Ensure the burners are clean and there is no debris buildup. You should also turn off any humidifiers in the home, as air moisture can impact the color of the flame. If you are unable to identify what is causing the variation of the flame, turn the appliance off and contact a propane company to come out to your home to assess the problem.
3. You Experience Nausea and Dizziness
If you begin to feel nauseated or dizzy, especially along with one of the aforementioned signs, switch off the propane at the exterior source and open up your doors and windows to air out your home. Some other symptoms that you may experience as a result of exposure to propane include diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms do not go away on their own within a reasonable timeframe, seek medical attention.
If you notice any of the aforementioned signs, there is a good chance that you have a propane leak somewhere in your home. Visit websites such as http://www.southallgas.com to get in touch with a propane company.
