6 Gas Stove Safety Tips

Do you have a gas range in your home? If you do, you know that it has some features that can make cooking more convenient.

While both gas and electric ranges are safe for everyday use, a gas-powered range’s open flames and natural gas connections can pose a greater safety risk.

As with any appliance, taking proper precautions, performing regular maintenance and replacing old or damaged parts will help you stay safe and enjoy a smoother cooking experience.

If you find yourself needing some replacement parts for your range, grab the model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. Most orders arrive in two business days.

If you need some troubleshooting guidance, you can find thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Let’s explore some best practices to protect your family and home with these gas stove safety tips.

1. Routinely check for gas leaks

This is one of the most important safety steps. Escaping gas can lead to very dangerous situations if it’s not quickly fixed.

It’s recommended to inspect your range’s gas connections yearly and whenever you smell gas. You should also recheck the connections if gas appliances are moved during cleaning.

Remember to never use a range with an unrepaired gas leak – immediately shut off the gas and call your utility provider for assistance.

Some signs that gas may be leaking include:

• The smell of rotten eggs.
• Hissing or whistling sounds around pipes or appliances.
• Bubbling if you apply a soap and water solution to areas where you suspect leaks. Soapy bubbles will appear where leaks are present.
• Discoloration on walls or strange staining
• Dying indoor plants that were previously healthy
• Red or orange flames after turning on the burner. The flame should be blue. If you see a red or orange flame, turn off the stove immediately and call a professional to inspect your gas lines.
• Higher-than-normal gas meter readings

Read more: Gas VS Electric: Which Range Is Right For You?

2. Include adequate ventilation

No less important than leak detection is making sure cooking emissions and fumes are removed from living areas. This is where range hoods, vents, and windows come in.

Opening windows may help with ventilation, but properly installed range hoods are much more effective at removing indoor air pollutants.

• Regularly clean the range hood by using a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent grease buildup and fires.
• Inspect the hood a few times a year to be sure it fully vents to the outdoors rather than just recirculating air.
• Make sure the exhaust ducts that lead outside remain unobstructed.

3. Install carbon monoxide detectors

Gas ranges, like any appliance that burns fuel, can produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is a deadly, colorless, and odorless gas.

Always make sure there’s at least one carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of your home to provide timely alerts about any unsafe CO accumulation.

Watch out for symptoms of CO exposure, which can include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

4. Practice fire safety

As with any appliance involving heat or open flames, gas ranges carry fire risks. Take these precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe:

• Keep combustible items like towels, bags or boxes away from burners.
• Turn the temperature control knobs fully to the “off” position after each use.
• Make sure all flames are fully extinguished before leaving the range unattended.
• Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher that works on gas or grease fires in an easily accessible location near the range.
• Install and keep at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your home in the event of a fire hazard.

Read more: Gas Range Smells Like Gas

5. Maintain the burners

Gas range burners require regular maintenance to ensure safety and longevity. Pay close attention to any changes in burner operation and keep the components clean and functional so you can depend on them.

• Remove the burners and scrubbing ports and keep the openings clear of residue using soap and water to prevent gas flow issues.
• Check that each burner individually fires and adjust them properly once lit.
• Replace worn or corroded burners that could leak or malfunction.
• Don’t store cookware or other items on top of burners when the range isn’t in use.

Read more: NEW FLAME, NO PROBLEM: YOUR GUIDE TO CLEANING A GAS COOKTOP

6. Use the correct cookware

Using the right pots and pans on a gas range is also important for safe cooking. You should match the size of the pan to the burner and:

• Avoid oversized cookware that allows flames to escape the confines of the pan.
• Choosing sturdy construction like stainless steel or cast iron that distributes heat evenly without hot spots.
• Never select thin, cracked, or damaged items that could trap heat or cause fires.

Read more: How to Clean an Oven

More gas stove safety tips

• Make sure the range is installed and operated according manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
• Always supervise children and pets that are near any operating range.
• Write down the gas shut-off valve location and numbers for emergency services and keep that information in a well-known, easily accessible place.
• Never use a range or oven to heat your home, since it could potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

By taking the time to check and maintain your gas range, you can help it run better and keep your home safe.

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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