Water Heater & Appliance Safety
Pay Attention and Maintain Equipment Properly
Call UGI at 800-276-2722 from a safe location immediately if you smell or hear natural gas.
Remember, there is no charge to respond to and investigate a natural gas odor.
Whether you’re a natural gas or electric customer with UGI, you can make the most of energy convenience and comfort by following these common sense guidelines.
Water Heater Safety:
Ensuring your family’s safety at home is a priority for all of us. Setting your water heater to the proper temperature is one way to ensure your family’s safety. Your water heater should be turned down from 150°F to 120°F for safety and energy efficiency purposes. The chart below shows the impact of improperly set water heater temperatures.
Temperature of the Water | Time to Cause a Bad Burn |
|---|---|
| 150°F | 2 seconds |
| 140°F | 6 seconds |
| 125°F | 2 minutes |
| 120°F | 10 minutes |
Source: University of Michigan Health System
Appliance Safety:
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding care and operation.
- Equipment should be installed, repaired, and regularly serviced by an experienced professional.
- A gas flame should be primarily blue. If it is yellow or orange, turn off the equipment and call for service (gas fireplaces are an exception).
- Always make sure there is no gas buildup around a pilot or burner before relighting it.
- Keep the flues of your gas appliances clean and properly vented. If you installed a gas conversion burner in the past year, be alert for soot and buildup from the previous fuel. A buildup could block the flue and chimney base.
- Teach children to never turn on or light gas appliances.
- Keep trash and other flammable materials away from natural gas appliances.
- If you own an old gas appliance, you should have the appliance connectors checked by a qualified plumber, HVAC or appliance repair contractor. Do not attempt to move appliances to check the connectors yourself.