A First-Time User’s Guide to Natural Gas Appliances and Safety

If you suspect a natural gas leak, immediately leave the residence and call Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321. Stay away from the area until Atlanta Gas Light indicates it is safe to return. 

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming, but SCANA Energy is here to make your move easier. As an authority on natural gas, we have natural gas safety tips to help keep everyone in your new home safe.

Does My Home Use Natural Gas?

First thing’s first, you need to know if your home uses natural gas or is equipped for it. You’ll want to check your furnace, water heater, stove, dryer, and fireplace to see if any of these are natural gas appliances. We’ve created a helpful guide to help you figure where your home uses natural gas and how to find the right provider for your gas service. 

Is Natural Gas Safe?

People often wonder, “Is natural gas safe?” The answer is yes, but it is important to take care of your natural gas appliances and know how to detect a natural gas leak. Fortunately, leaks are rare, but it’s important to know how to identify them and what to do in case you have one. 

On its own, natural gas doesn’t have a scent. To make it easier to detect a natural gas leak, a sulfur-like scent (think rotten eggs) is added to all natural gas. Although the smell should alert you to a leak, we recommend you install a carbon monoxide detector for added safety. 

If you detect a natural gas leak, you should immediately leave the residence and call Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321. Stay away from the area until Atlanta Gas Light indicates it is safe to return. 

How Do I Care for My Natural Gas Appliances? 

To avoid the dangers of a natural gas leak or fire, it’s important to properly maintain your natural gas appliances. We have easy tips to keep each appliance in top shape to prevent natural gas leaks. 

  

Natural Gas Furnace 

It’s important to keep your natural gas furnace running efficiently, both for your safety and for your savings. Of your home appliances, the furnace typically uses the most natural gas. 

The easiest way to keep your furnace in top shape is to regularly clean and change the filter. This should typically occur every one to three months, depending on the model and manufacturer.

Water Heater

A good way to keep your natural gas water heater in top shape (and save money) is to set the temperature at or below 130 degrees. You should also check the area around the base of your water heater and move any flammable items from the vicinity. 

Dryer 

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s still important to share: Clean out the lint tray every time you use your dryer. This will help prevent fires and help keep your dryer in good shape. Another lesser-known tip is to have your vent cleaned periodically to increase your dryer’s efficiency and your home’s safety. 

To prevent fire and natural gas leaks, you should regularly clean both your natural gas range and oven. Preventing food buildup and mess will not only increase your home’s safety, it will also make cooking more energy efficient.

Fireplace 

A natural gas fireplace is a cozy staple the whole household can enjoy. Proper use is essential for safety. First, make sure the fireplace damper is open each time you use it. You should also clean it regularly to decrease the risk of fire and keep your natural gas fireplace in shape. 

Scana Energy is here to help with your natural gas appliances  

We hope these natural gas safety tips help you feel prepared to take care of your new home. Whether an apartment or house, it’s important to take care of your natural gas appliances to ensure the safety of everyone inside. Remember, if you suspect a natural gas leak, immediately leave the residence and call Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321. Stay away from the area until Atlanta Gas Light indicates it is safe to return.