You need a natural gas detector if your home uses natural gas appliances, as it provides a critical layer of safety by alerting you to slow leaks or forgotten unlit burners before they become explosive. While gas companies add a "rotten egg" smell for detection, you may not notice it while sleeping or if your sense of smell is reduced.
Natural gas detectors are worth the investment (typically $30–$60) as they provide crucial, 24/7 safety monitoring for invisible leaks that the human nose might miss, especially while sleeping or if the senses are impaired. They offer peace of mind by detecting methane leaks before they reach dangerous, combustible levels.
What if I don't want the natural gas detector? Installation of a natural gas detector is mandatory to maintain gas service and is required to obtain new or upgraded gas service.
Yes, a gas leak can absolutely cause headaches. Leaking natural gas—or incomplete combustion that creates carbon monoxide (CO)—reduces the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe, causing mild to severe physical symptoms.
To detect natural gas, you need a combustible gas detector or a dedicated natural gas (methane) detector. Standard smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors do not detect natural gas.
Natural gas detectors should be placed high on a wall, within 12 inches of the ceiling, as natural gas (methane) is lighter than air and rises. Install them 3–10 feet away from gas appliances—such as stoves, furnaces, or water heaters—and in rooms with gas lines, ensuring they are not directly in "dead air" corners.
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer. You can't see it or smell it, but it can make you very sick or even be deadly. This November, take simple steps to protect your home and family: Check your CO detectors, inspect appliances, and never use generators or fuel-burning tools indoors.
The first signs of a gas leak usually involve a distinct rotten egg or sulfur smell (due to an added odorant), a persistent hissing or whistling sound near gas lines, or physical symptoms like sudden dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
Yes, opening a window helps dissipate leaking gas by diluting the concentration in the air.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
If you smell gas but cannot find a leak, it could be caused by sewer gases, a malfunctioning pilot light, a burping gas meter, or even a water heater producing hydrogen sulfide. Because the "rotten egg" smell used for natural gas is highly potent, trace odors can often be misleading.
Disadvantages: They are non-selective, cannot detect permanent gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide, and their performance can be affected by humidity and lamp contamination, requiring periodic maintenance.
Faulty Gas Appliances
Many homes and businesses rely on gas appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, ovens, and dryers. Over time, these appliances can wear out, leading to leaks. Gas lines that supply these appliances may develop cracks or other weaknesses, allowing gas to escape into the surrounding area.
Early detection of natural gas leaks can prevent potentially catastrophic incidents. Firefighters should be trained to detect the telltale odor of gas and to use gas detection monitors to identify the presence of leaks.
Because natural gas is naturally odorless, utility companies add an odorant called mercaptan, which gives it a distinct, pungent "rotten egg" or sulfur smell.
Yes. Even in an all-electric home without gas, you still need a carbon monoxide (CO) detector.
Sleeping with windows open can introduce outdoor pollutants, allergens, and noise that disrupt rest. It also creates security vulnerabilities and allows pests inside. Furthermore, uncontrolled drafts can cause muscle stiffness and dry out your nasal passages.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is widely known as the "silent killer" gas. It gets this name because it is completely invisible, tasteless, and odorless, meaning it can build up to lethal levels in a room without the victim ever realizing they are breathing it in.
No, you should never sleep in a house with a known or suspected gas leak. Sleeping in these conditions poses severe and life-threatening risks due to suffocation, fire, and explosion.
Common Places For Gas Leaks
There are several common places where gas leaks occur in the gas line system. It is much more likely for a gas leak to occur where pipes join together at the fittings: old shut off valves, tees, unions, flexible supply lines, regulators, and risers.
Yes, even a small gas leak can make you sick. Natural gas reduces the amount of oxygen in the air, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. For safety, leave the area immediately without turning on lights or switches, and call your gas provider or 911 from outside.
What common household smells can be mistaken for a gas leak? Sometimes mold, rotten eggs from food, or sewer smells can confuse you. Gas leaks have a distinct rotten egg or sulfur smell added by gas companies.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the suspected cause in the death of 76-year-old Dayle Haddon, a Canadian supermodel best known for being the face of the makeup brand L'Oréal. Haddon died Friday at the Solebury Township, Pennsylvania home of her actor son-in-law, Marc Blucas.
Hidden mold in your home can have many serious side effects on the health of you and your family. Mold is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because it can make people sick without them knowing that it's the cause.
Never leave your car running inside the garage. Without proper ventilation, toxic levels of carbon monoxide can build up, seep into your home and cause illness or worse.