Appliance Safety

Natural gas appliances are designed to operate safely and efficiently when they're properly installed, maintained, and used as intended. Regular maintenance not only helps extend the life of your appliances—it also helps reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, fire hazards, and unexpected repairs.

Follow these safety tips to help keep your home and family safe.

General Appliance Safety Tips

Schedule Annual Inspections

Have your natural gas appliances inspected each year by a licensed heating or plumbing contractor. If repairs are needed, always hire a qualified professional.

Keep Flammable Materials Away

Never store or use flammable liquids or aerosols near natural gas appliances. This includes:

Flammable vapors can ignite when they come into contact with a burner or pilot flame.

Keep Appliances Clear

Allow plenty of space around your appliances for proper airflow. Never store boxes, clothing, or other items where they could block air intake or exhaust vents.

Watch the Flame

A healthy natural gas flame is typically blue.

If you notice a flame that's yellow, unusually large, or unsteady, have the appliance inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

👉 Read more about carbon monoxide safety.

Safety Tips by Appliance

Gas Stoves & Ranges

• Make sure burners are completely turned off after cooking.

• Keep burners, drip pans, and oven racks clean.

• Use your range hood whenever recommended by the manufacturer.

• If a burner doesn't ignite, check whether the pilot light is lit (if applicable).

• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

Gas Water Heaters

• Keep air vents, controls, and valves free from insulation or other obstructions.

• Never cover the top of the water heater or block the space beneath it.

Gas Furnaces & Space Heaters

• Clean or replace furnace filters regularly.

• Keep the area around your furnace or space heater clean and free of clutter.

• Schedule annual inspections by a qualified heating contractor.

Gas Grills

• Only use gas grills outdoors.

• Keep the grill at least 3 feet away from siding, deck rails, and roof overhangs.

• Open the grill lid before lighting.

• Inspect hoses for cracks, brittleness, or sharp bends before use.

• Clean cooking grates and grease trays regularly to reduce flare-ups.

• Use a bristle-free grill brush to help prevent loose wire bristles from contaminating food.

Gas Clothes Dryers

• Avoid overloading the dryer.

• Clean the lint screen after every load.

• If the dryer won't start, check the electrical plug and household breakers or fuses before requesting service.

Signs of Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation can affect the safe operation of natural gas appliances.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Persistent unusual odors inside your home

• Houseplants that suddenly become unhealthy without another explanation

• Yellow or flickering appliance flames

• Pilot lights that frequently go out

• Soot buildup around appliances

• Excessive indoor condensation, especially near windows or chimneys

If you notice any of these conditions, have your natural gas appliances inspected by a qualified contractor.

Who Maintains Natural Gas Piping?

Natural gas systems have different maintenance responsibilities depending on where the piping is located.

YCNGA maintains the natural gas mains, service lines, meter, and regulator that deliver gas to your property. The customer is generally responsible for maintaining the natural gas piping that runs beyond the meter to appliances and other equipment on the property.

If you're unsure who is responsible for a particular section of piping, or you'd like to learn more about maintenance responsibilities, visit our Piping Responsibilities page.

💸 Don't Pay for Meter Maintenance! 💸
Your natural gas meter, regulator, and the service line leading to the meter are owned and maintained by YCNGA. No one other than authorized YCNGA personnel should perform maintenance, repairs, or modifications on this equipment. If you are offered "gas meter maintenance" by another company, please know that any necessary maintenance or repairs to YCNGA-owned equipment are provided by us at no cost to you.