Five Ways To Ensure The Safety Of Your Gas Range
Though the prior decade may have emphasized glass-top stoves, gas ranges have come back into style. Not only are gas ranges faster to cook on, but they're also more affordable over time. Nevertheless, the idea of gas may make an individual nervous. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your gas range is safe for your family.
1. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector in the Kitchen
Fire detectors aren't always CO2 detectors; they may detect fire but they won't detect natural gas. A CO2 detector, however, will detect anything that releases carbon monoxide, including gas. Advanced carbon monoxide detectors will also be able to tell you whether they went off previously — this will give you information about potentially intermittent leaks that may have stopped.
2. Put Covers on the Stove Knobs
The knobs of a gas stove are turned to release the gas and then to ignite it. It is possible for the gas to run without ignition if the knobs are turned just the right way. This can happen if they are bumped or played with by children or pets. Covers slip over the stove knobs to ensure that they aren't accidentally turned on.
3. Get a Professional Installation
Because a gas stove has to be connected directly to the gas line, it's very important to have a professional installation. Though you can install it yourself, an improper installation could create a slow leak over time. It could also loosen over time, creating issues later on that weren't apparent immediately. Professional installation is often offered for free by appliance companies.
4. Never Leave the Oven On
An oven should never be left on when you're out of the house. This is true for any type of oven, but especially true for a gas oven. With an electric oven, the primary fear is that the contents of the oven could ignite. But with a gas oven, the gas itself could fill the house or ignite.
5. Call an Appliance Repairman If It Fails to Ignite
If your stove top fails to ignite when it's being turned on, it's best to immediately turn it off and call a repairman. Trying to ignite the stove multiple times could simply release gas. If gas does not properly ignite, it becomes a hazard.
Owning a gas range doesn't have to be a fearful experience. Gas ranges can be just as safe as any other appliance — there are just some extra considerations that come with natural gas. If you're concerned about the safety of your household, you may want to consult with your local appliance sales team.