Month: March 2021

Many older propane gas furnaces rely on a pilot light for ignition (most newer models feature an electronic ignition for better efficiency and more reliable start-ups). If that pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t work.

Why Do Pilot Lights Go Out?

Primarily for one of four reasons:

1. A blocked intake valve – A buildup of dust or debris can cut off oxygen to the pilot light chamber, making it difficult for its flame to “breathe.”
2. A damaged thermocouple – A thermocouple is an electrical switch that varies its output when temperatures change – on your gas furnace, it’s used to cut off gas supply as a safety measure. A qualified technician must repair or replace a damaged thermocouple; it’s definitely not a DIY job.
3. A fuel leak – Insufficient fuel reaching the pilot light can cause your flame to glow yellow rather than blue – a yellow pilot light flame usually indicates a leak somewhere in your system. Your furnace responds to that leak by automatically shutting down for safety reasons. Do not attempt to repair heating system leaks yourself.
4. Wind or a draft – Most pilot lights simply blow out. Luckily, this is one of the easiest problems to fix. Follow these steps to reset your pilot light (please note: always follow manufacturer’s instructions if they are different than those listed below!).
   • Step 1: Find the gas valve in the pilot light assembly; it typically has “on,” “off,” and “pilot” settings.
   • Step 2: Turn the valve to the OFF position and wait three minutes or more for It to reset.
   • Step 3: After three minutes, turn the valve to the PILOT setting and hold a lighted match next to (not inside!) the pilot light opening. While holding the match, push and hold the reset button on the pilot control panel until you see the pilot light ignite, then set the valve to the ON position.
   • Step 4: If the pilot light doesn’t light after several attempts, contact a heating professional for service.

Stay safe and warm this winter with reliable propane delivery in Buffalo and Rochester New York from the exerts at Irish Propane. Contact us today to become an Irish Propane customer!

Most of us are hunkered down indoors even more than usual this year, relying on our home heating systems to keep us safe and protected in our Buffalo- or Rochester-area homes. But we shouldn’t take that safety for granted: when we spend all those hours indoors with our propane furnace cranking out BTUs, we also expose ourselves to risks from carbon monoxide poisoning.

More than 20,000 people visit emergency rooms with symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning each year – and nearly 40 percent of those visits come in the winter, when our heating systems are running at full tilt.

The good news is the dangers of CO poisoning are preventable with a little education and care. To stay safe, you’ll need to know some CO basics: how to spot the signs of poisoning, how to deal with its symptoms, and how to prevent CO buildup from occurring in the first place.

Carbon Monoxide Basics

• Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, odorless, and colorless gas produced when you burn propane, wood, oil, or any other kind of fuel. Exposure to it can cause illness, disorientation, or, in extreme cases, death.
• Carbon monoxide usually accumulates due to poor ventilation or equipment malfunction. A blocked vent or flue, a damaged or poorly maintained heating system, or overuse of an unvented heating appliance can all cause a dangerous CO build-up in your home.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

• Symptoms of CO poisoning worsen with increased exposure to the gas. Limited exposure can cause flu-like symptoms (headaches, nausea, and fatigue). Moderate exposure can cause severe headaches, drowsiness, and disorientation. High exposure can lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, and potentially death. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be especially dangerous for young children, in whom the spread of CO poisoning is more rapid.
• If you notice CO poisoning symptoms,
  • Get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors, then leave the house
  • Call 911
  • Report your symptoms to your doctor
  • Get a professional inspection for your appliances before using them again.

Preventing CO Dangers In Your Home

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with some sensible preparation and awareness. Here are five of the best ways to prevent CO dangers in your home:

1. Get your heating equipment serviced every year. An expert will spot issues before they pose risks to your family.
2. Install a CO detector on every floor of your home. Replace batteries once a year and replace the detector itself every five years.
3. Keep outdoor exhaust vents clear. Blocked vents can cause a dangerous buildup inside your home. Be sure to clear exhaust vents, flues, and other lines after all storms.
4. Keep an eye on your pets. If your pet seems sick or unusually slow to awaken, take him or her outside, check your CO detectors, and open windows.
5. Never start a vehicle indoors. Start your car with the garage door open, and never run it for more than a few minutes.

At Irish Propane, your comfort and safety are always our priority! See for yourself by becoming an Irish Propane customer today.