Outdoor
Safety | General Safety Guidelines
 Space Heaters
Propane gas
space heaters are either direct-vented or vent-free. Direct-vent
heaters require outside air to support combustion. They are typically
installed on outside walls. Check the outside vent from time
to time and keep it free of debris. Vent-free space heaters use
inside air to support combustion and vent directly into a room.
Newer models have an oxygen-depletion sensor that automatically
turns the unit off if room oxygen levels drop below a pre-set
level. All space heaters should be checked periodically by your
local propane delivery company. A trained technician will inspect
the unit, clean the burner and controls and check for proper
operation. |
Propane
has an odorant added for easy identification of any leaks. If
you smell gas, whether the heater is operating or not:
1. Do not touch any electric switches, light matches or use the phone.
2. Exit the structure immediately.
3. If there is an outside tank,
turn off the gas valve at the tank. The valve
is located under the dome or protective cover of the tank. To close it, turn
the wheel or handle to the right as for as 'it can go.
4. Call your propane supplier or fire
department from a neighbor's phone. |
Water Heaters
A little upkeep can make your propane gas water heater live
longer and work more efficiently. If the tank rumbles or creaks,
collected
sediment is the likely cause. Every six months, you should flush
the tank by attaching a hose to the drain and letting the water
run out for three to five minutes. Your owner's manual will show
the drain location and the proper flushing procedure.
Water heaters come with
relief valves that open automatically if the water temperature
exceeds 210° F. or the pressure exceeds
150 psi. Once a year, check the relief valve by flipping the test
lever. If water flows out when the lever is opened and stops without
leaking when the lever is closed, the relief valve is in good working
order. If the valve is stuck or leaks, have a properly licensed
propane gas technician put in a new one.
Also inspect the insulation outside your water heater and hot
water pipes. Proper insulation can reduce energy consumption 5
to 10 percent-if your water heater is located in an unheated space.
Gas Logs and Fireplaces
Have your propane gas log and fireplace systems checked each
fall. During your propane 
gas supplier's inspection, a trained
technician
will check the system, clean the control compartments and burners,
and make sure all components are operating properly. Propane
fireplaces are either direct-vent or vent- free. Direct-vent
units require outside air to support combustion and are typically
installed on outside wall. Check the outside vent to keep it
free of leaves or debris.
Vent-free gas hearths, logs and free-standing stove units rely
on inside air to support combustion and vent directly into the
room. Newer units must have an oxygen-depletion sensor that automatically
turns off the unit if the oxygen level gets too low. If you smell
gas, whether the fireplace or stove unit is operating or not, follow
these steps.
