LPG is the best and most efficient source of heat when it comes to cooking. It’s also good for storing hot water when you need it thanks to gas water heating systems.
However, heating systems like these do have their downsides. With proper installation and maintenance, you shouldn’t have any trouble with this tried and tested method.
Our experts here at Plus Gas highly recommend having a gas water heating system installed in your home by professionals. If there are any problems or errors with the installation process, the repercussions will include several dangers to your health.
Without you knowing it, your gas water heating system might just be causing you more harm than good.
The Dangers Of A Mishandled Gas Hot Water Heating System
A poorly installed or faulty LPG tank can emit high levels of carbon monoxide. This silent killer can and will affect everyone in your home.
If you live with children, a pregnant woman, senior citizens, and people with chronic illnesses – they’re at higher risk for side effects of the gas.
What’s even more worrying is that carbon monoxide is both colourless and odourless. That means it can go in your home undetected. This is a big problem as carbon monoxide poisoning can result in various health risks including death.
Some of the common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Unexplained exhaustion.
If the problem isn’t dealt with immediately, it can also result in impaired thinking, irritability, and impulsive behaviour.
Another unseen peril you have to worry about is nitrogen dioxide or NO2. It’s a gas that can be produced by a burning flame. If your LPG installation is faulty, it can emit high levels of NO2 as well. Though not as bad as carbon monoxide, NO2 is still a serious problem you need to tackle.
Prolonged exposure to this gas can cause sore throat, headaches, vertigo, and nausea. It has also been linked to increased occurrence of asthma attacks during the winter.
Last but not least, faulty gas hot water heating systems also create excess vapour. It can create moisture in parts of your home that would eventually allow mould and mildew to thrive.
Apart from being a home and furniture killer, mould can also cause a variety of respiratory problems which certain people are more prone to.
The problem with gas tanks is that you don’t really notice them until everyone has started to become unexplainably sick. As such, you should consider looking for these signs that tell when it might be time to have your gas tank checked by a professional.
1. Moisture Around The Unit
LPG tanks and gas hot water heating systems are supposed to be dry, as well as the area around them. As we’ve said before, some gas hot water heating problems result in excess moisture which shouldn’t happen at all.
Aside from inspecting your unit and the area around it, feel around the general room where it is installed in. If the room feels damp and it smells a little earthy, that’s a sign that there are moisture problems possibly coming from your tank.
2. Unpleasant Odors
Carbon monoxide is odourless so it’s not something that you can sniff out. However, if something really is going on with your gas tank, you should smell other unpleasant odours as well. A LPG tank or a gas hot water heating system should not emit any odours as that is how they are designed.
The most common smell to sniff out should be likened to that of something that’s burning. In some cases, gas tanks can also emit a smell that’s likened to that of rotten eggs because of the natural gas it is powered by.
3. Increased Utility Bills
At the very least, your gas bills should stay consistent if there are no issues with your tank. In fact, you can even save up on your utility bills because hot water heating systems help you store hot water in preparation for when you need them.
Small leaks can cause your LPG tank to use up more gas than usual, thus increasing the amount you spend on your gas monthly.
Make sure to check your spending for any unexplained spikes in your gas bill. Have it checked ASAP as your gas tank and gas hot water heating is draining your wallet as well.
4. Problems With Cooking
Cooking is the most common use for LPG. It can get frustrating when you’re cooking and the stove doesn’t provide consistent flames.
The problem could either be with your cookware especially if it’s had trouble in the past. However, it can also be a problem with your gas tank as well. Most commonly, uneven heating means there’s a leak on the pipes.
If none of these signs appears, then you’re in luck. However, it’s highly recommended that you have your gas tank and hot water heating system serviced at least once every two years. This is to ensure that there are no lingering problems that are left unnoticed.
Investing in a good gas heater and having it installed by professionals is also a great way to prevent these problems. It’s your health that’s on the line if you don’t take care of your gas tanks well.
