Chester, VA – June is National Safety Month, and it’s also a key time for planning and carrying out home improvement projects. Columbia Gas of Virginia is sharing an important safety reminder for its customers -- for those projects that involve natural gas equipment and lines, don’t do it yourself (Don’t DIY)!
“If you’re looking to install a new natural gas stove, dryer, furnace or other appliance, please don’t attempt to do so yourself – contact a qualified professional who can help,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “Those professionals can safely perform work on natural gas lines and equipment inside your home.”
Columbia Gas of Virginia owns and regularly inspects the gas lines up to your gas meter, including the meter itself.
If you do want to have professionals add new natural gas equipment or appliances to your home and already have Columbia Gas of Virginia service, you can make sure you have enough gas pressure to support your improvements by calling 1-800-718-1811. Be prepared to discuss your current equipment as well as the new appliances that you’d like to have installed.
Here is more information you’ll need to know:
- Never install a furnace where someone sleeps.
- Contact a qualified professional if you notice any change with your appliances such as no heat or overheating from your furnace/boiler, a yellow flame or the presence of soot around a burner on your gas stove, or your furnace or hot water heater fan often kicking on and off.
- Make sure a qualified professional determines that the equipment is properly vented and adjusted, and that it has an adequate supply of fresh air for safe, efficient combustion.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and care of your equipment.
- If you have flexible appliance connectors, do not reuse them — connectors should be replaced along with your appliance.
For more safety information on installing natural gas appliances and equipment, visit www.columbiagasva.com/safety/home-safety/appliance-safety/safe-appliance-installation.
To help find a qualified contractor to install your natural gas equipment from our list of Trade Allies, please visit www.columbiagasva.com/contractors. Columbia Gas Trade Allies are contractors who have demonstrated that they are licensed and insured to provide customers with plumbing and/or heating services.
