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Along with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, you should also install natural gas detectors in your home. This substance is commonly used around the home, particularly in heating appliances, but it can be extremely dangerous.

The good news is that leaks are generally fairly easy to detect – even though the gas naturally has no colour or odour, it is mixed with a non-toxic odorant (it might remind you of the smell of rotten eggs) before it is bottled or leaves the facility. Even though leaks are quite rare, it is important to keep in mind that they can happen. Methane is extremely flammable, so just one spark from a match is enough to cause a fire or even an explosion.

This is why discovering leaks immediately is so important. Whilst you can rely on your nose to some degree, the safest way to confirm your suspicions is with the installation of a detector.

So, what should you consider when choosing a natural gas detector for your home?

• Type of Alarm – We have found a light and sound alarm to be the perfect combination. Ensure that the alarm is placed strategically so that it will alert family anywhere in the house (either with flashing lights or a screeching alarm).
• Number of Alarms – If you have more than one gas source in your home (such as a gas stove in the kitchen and a gas clothes dryer in the laundry), it is wise to install more than one alarm. This will ensure that leaks are picked up immediately.
• Location of Alarm – Obviously, you should keep a detector near gas sources (such as ovens, water heaters and fireplaces), but you should also consider installing at least one alarm per floor so that all family members can see and/or hear it.
• Monitoring – Connecting your smoke alarms, CO and methane detectors to your monitored security alarm is a great idea (if applicable). If a leak occurs and you’re not at home or are asleep, the alarm will alert the security company who can alert the authorities.

What should you do if you suspect there is a leak?

In short, leave the house immediately. Do not turn on any lights, unplug any electrical appliances, make any phone calls, or light any matches/lighters. Call 000 once you are clear (at a neighbour’s, for example), and do not re-enter your home until you’ve been given the all clear from the authorities. Once your home has been made safe, you may need to air it out for a few hours to get rid of the rotten egg smell that will have permeated the space.

We hope that the information provided above has shown you exactly why a natural gas detector is a must for your home. If you have gas appliances, from heating appliances through to an oven, it is essential that you have taken appropriate steps to protect your family.

If you require any assistance in choosing a detector that best meets the needs of your home, do not hesitate to speak with an expert. They will be able to assess your needs and wants, making recommendations for devices that they believe will quickly alert your family to a problem.