When it comes to propane safety, we often discuss what to do if you smell propane gas.
That’s because propane has a distinct odor, often described as being like rotten eggs or sulfur. Propane, on its own, has no odor. That’s why the propane industry adds an odorant to give it that smell, so it can easily be detected.
But, sometimes, you may not smell propane. You may have a cold or allergies, or another medical condition that affects your sense of smell. Older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell. Medications, alcohol, smoking tobacco, or drugs can also reduce your sense of smell.
And, on very rare occasions, propane can lose its odor because there is water or rust inside the propane tank.
While propane has an outstanding safety record thanks to high industry standards and strong government regulations, those reasons we mentioned above are why we urge our propane delivery customers to install propane gas detectors in their homes.
Propane gas detectors use sensors to measure the concentration of propane gas in the area around it. If the concentration of gas reaches an unsafe level, the alarm is set off. This helps protect your home from fire or explosions.
Propane gas detectors are affordably priced, and you can find them in home improvement stores or online.
Install propane detectors where your propane appliances are, such as near your propane water heater or furnace in the basement, near your range in the kitchen, or near your propane fireplace. You should also have propane detectors in rooms where you use space heaters and outside all sleeping areas.
Propane is heavier than air, so place propane detectors no higher than the pillows on your bed or preferably lower.
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential equipment for any home, regardless of whether or not you use propane.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that is potentially lethal. When carbon monoxide builds up in the bloodstream, it replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells. That means vital organs like your brain, heart and lungs aren’t getting the oxygen they need to function. CO poisoning can cause serious injury or death, and often occurs when people are sleeping or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You should have CO detectors on every level of your home, and outside all sleeping areas.
But most carbon monoxide detectors do not detect propane in your home. So, you need propane detectors as well.
Contact us to learn more about propane detectors.