Natural gas appliances, equipment and connectors should always be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper use of these devices or continued use of recalled products may result in a hazardous situation.

In order to keep you and your family safe, you should have your heating system inspected by a qualified contractor every year before heating season begins. They should:

• Check the heat exchangers for cracks, rust and corrosion.
• Clean and check the flue and vent pipes for any obstructions, corrosion, pipe separations and proper venting.
• Test your heating system for proper ventilation.
• Clean or replace all furnace filters.
• Check blower operation, clean and lubricate when applicable.
• Check and adjust any pilots and burners.
• Check that your gas appliances produce a sharp blue flame.
• Check all electrical connections and controls.

It’s also important to keep flammable materials outdoors, in approved containers and away from all natural gas appliances.

Appliances may also be subject to manufacturer product recalls. It is recommended that you periodically check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission or product manufacturers to see if any of your natural gas equipment has been recalled.

Replacing appliance connectors

Natural gas connectors consist of corrugated metal tubing used to connect gas appliances in your home to gas supply pipes. Some older, uncoated brass connectors can crack or come apart, causing a gas leak that could be very dangerous. Any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with a new factory coated connector made of stainless steel.

After disconnecting gas appliances, gas connectors should always be removed and should never be reused. The natural gas line should then be plugged or capped. Only a qualified, licensed plumber, heating contractor or appliance repairperson should check your connector and replace it if needed.

Do not move your appliance to check the connector. Moving the appliance, even slightly, could cause the complete failure of one of these connectors.