Posted: August 4, 2023

Why Gas Appliances Should Be Professionally Installed

Don’t cut corners installing propane appliances!

As a homeowner, you can undertake many DIY projects, ranging from simple tasks (like replacing a showerhead or painting walls) to more difficult ones (like constructing a deck or installing a patio), for those who want to challenge themselves.

However, there are times when even the most avid DIY-ers need to know their limits and call in the professionals. That definitely applies in the case of propane appliance installation.

Tidewater Energy’s team of trained and experienced service technicians can expertly and safely install propane appliances in your home.

Installing gas appliances on your own is a really bad idea for several reasons. Let’s review them together.

Safety comes first

To ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, it’s crucial to hire a trained professional for the installation of gas appliances. Improper installation can lead to hazards such as propane leaks.

While propane is typically safe, it can be extremely hazardous in specific circumstances due to its flammable nature. In the event of a propane leak in your home, the gas can accumulate and be sparked by things such as appliances, light switches, phone use and lit candles or cigarettes.

To be safe, make sure that everyone in your household is aware of what to do if they smell propane gas. It’s also important to have propane leak detectors installed near all appliances that use propane.

Ensure that installation is done correctly

To install an appliance that needs a gas pipeline, you should hire a professional who can extend or fit the pipeline properly. It’s crucial to keep in mind that this type of project should only be handled by a trained specialist with a thorough knowledge of how these systems function.

To safely use the propane gas in your home, make sure that the regulator is adjusted properly. The regulator is responsible for reducing the high pressure of the gas that’s stored in your home’s propane tank. It’s important to use the correct settings for propane, which are different from those for natural gas. Failing to adjust the regulator correctly can result in a dangerous gas leak. This is why we are required to do a pressure test after you have a propane runout and we do an emergency propane delivery.

The regulator has the dual responsibility of both regulating pressure and ensuring the efficient combination of propane and air for combustion. Any changes made by someone lacking sufficient understanding of this process can disrupt the ratio and result in the creation of hazardous amounts of carbon monoxide.

Installing a gas appliance is not simply a matter of plugging it in and switching it on. Depending on your existing system’s setup, you may have to install or connect an exhaust pipe or flue.

Proper ventilation is crucial for the safety and performance of your appliances. Different settings have ventilation codes that must be followed. Inadequate ventilation can result in poor performance and the buildup of carbon monoxide.

DIY may nullify your appliance’s warranty

Please be aware that many manufacturers of gas appliances mandate that their products must be installed and serviced by a trained gas appliance service technician in order to keep their warranty valid. If you fail to follow this requirement, your warranty may become void, which can leave you responsible for paying all future repair expenses, even those that would normally be covered by the warranty.

Play it smart when it comes to propane appliance installation! Contact the professionals at Tidewater Energy and get the job done right.