A gas leak can be hazardous if left unaddressed. Many people are unaware of the subtle signs of a gas leak in their homes that could serve as early warnings. Being able to recognize these subtle signs and acting quickly could prevent a devastating home explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

 

As a leading equipment and services provider in the natural gas industry, we put your safety first. Gas leaks in the home or office can be deadly, and fast. Let’s cover some of the subtle signs you should look out for, steps on what to do if you suspect a leak, and how to stay safe.

Smell an Odor Like Rotten Eggs

This tip is a given, but we’d be remiss to exclude it! A faint rotten egg smell is one of the first signs of a possible gas leak. 

 

Natural gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinct sulfur or rotten egg odor so that leaks can be more easily detected. If you catch a whiff of rotten eggs in or around your home, you should take it seriously as a sign of a gas leak even if the smell is very faint. .

See Dead or Dying Plants Near Gas Lines

If you have dead patches or inexplicably dying plants on the exterior of your home near gas lines coming into your house, it could indicate a gas leak. 

 

Natural gas contains substances that can be harmful to plants. So, vegetation that appears unhealthy or dead near gas lines should prompt suspicion. 

 

If you notice dying plants only in concentrated areas around gas lines, it’s a warning sign to investigate further to ensure natural gas safety. 

Hear Hissing Noises Near Appliances or Gas Lines

An important sensory clue is to listen for any hissing sounds near appliances fueled by natural gas or near gas lines. A high-pitched hissing or roaring sound often accompanies gas leaks as the gas escapes from pipes or valves. 

 

Use your sense of hearing as you walk around rooms with gas appliances like stoves, water heaters, or furnaces, and listen closely for abnormal hissing. Also, listen to exposed gas lines running into appliances or outdoor gas connections. Even a faint hissing could signal a real leak.

What To Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak  

So you’ve discovered you have a gas leak. It’s time to take prompt action now!

Flee From the Home

If you notice any of the warning signs above or directly smell natural gas inside your home, you should instantly leave the house with all occupants and pets. 

 

Do not stop to shut off appliances, turn off lights, or gather belongings. Once safely outside, move a reasonable distance away from the home in case of explosion. 

 

Call emergency services and your gas company’s emergency gas leak hotline if available. Stay outside until officials give clearance. 

Avoid Using Electronics

A key thing to avoid is turning on or off any electrical devices including lights, and garage doors, and especially do not try to make a phone call from inside a home with a gas leak. 

 

Electronics could produce sparks and risk explosion. It’s vital to immediately exit the house and call for help from a safe distance outside.  

Open Doors and Windows 

If you suspect a major gas leak and have time to ventilate on your way out quickly, you can open doors and windows to allow gas to diffuse instead of concentrating in an enclosed space. 

 

Opening up the house can diminish gas buildup and reduce certain risks. This is only something to do if you can do so non the way out of your house.

Call Emergency Services

After leaving your home, call emergency help from a secure location at least several houses away from the gas leak. Call 911 to report the situation so that firefighters, medical services, hazmat teams, gas company professionals, and police if necessary, can all respond for coordinated management and resolution of the gas leak. 

 

Give details on the gas smell detected, your household size, and if anyone is still inside or has health conditions for EMT awareness. 

Wait For the All Clear  

Once emergency crews arrive on site, they’ll use specialized gas detection tools and ensure the area is safe before letting you back into your home.

 

After calling for help, the rest of the process is just a waiting game that ends with you getting the “all clear” to go back to your safe home.

Pro-Gas Services Helps America Stay Alert For Signs of Gas Leaks  

 

While we mainly provide equipment like gas coolers and NGL storage, we also love advising our customers about natural gas safety and industry news.

 

Concerning this tidbit, we say always remain alert in your home for any of the subtle warning signs indicating a hazardous gas leak. Taking quick action if you ever suspect a leak could save your life and those of your loved ones. 

 

If you are a natural gas production facility manager or just a natural gas consumer who wants to know more about natural gas production, contact us today to learn more about our products and availability.

Natural gas prices have been on a roller coaster ride, decreasing and increasing steadily over the past year. 

 

Even though it feels like we’re in the heart of the summer, the truth is, fall and winter are coming up.

 

Much like summer’s AC bills, many households worry about affording their natural gas bills when the heat has to come on. 

 

The good news is there are several easy ways to cut down on your natural gas usage and save money without storing it in portable NGL storage. 

 

Let’s jump into our favorite savings tips.

 

1. Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater 

One of the easiest ways to conserve natural gas is to lower the temperature setting on your water heater. 

 

Most come preset at 140 degrees Fahrenheit – way hotter than needed. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering it to 120 degrees to reduce gas usage by 4 – 22%. 

 

The best part is you likely won’t notice the difference in your hot water temperature.

2. Seal Air Leaks 

Air leaks let out heated or cooled air, wasting energy. Take time to seal any leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, or wherever drafts may enter. 

 

Use caulk, weatherstripping, or foam sealant to fill the gaps. This extra step may seem tedious, but it prevents wasted energy from leaking outside.

3. Insulate Your Attic

 

Aside from sealing your home, adding insulation in your attic is one of the best ways to boost energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR recommends attics have at least R-38 insulation. That is about 10 – 14 inches of insulation thickness.

 

If yours is less, adding more insulation can really help trap heat in winter and reduce the amount of natural gas needed to keep your home warm.

4. Install Storm Windows

Storm windows create an extra barrier over your existing windows to prevent drafts. This added layer helps insulate your home better in winter, keeping warm air inside. Storm windows can slash heat loss through windows by 25-50%.

5. Use a Programmable Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to conserve natural gas is by installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set back the temperature at night or when you’re away from home. You can save about 10% per year just by turning the thermostat back 7-10°F for 8 hours daily.

6. Check for Leaks in Your Gas Lines

We talk a lot about natural gas safety at Pro-Gas. This even extends to checking your gas lines throughout your home.

 

Small natural gas leaks can really add up over time. Check flexible gas lines leading to appliances for any worn or cracked areas. Also, apply leak detector fluid on joints and connections to check for tiny leaks. Fixing minor leaks can save significant amounts of wasted natural gas and prevent natural gas poisoning.

7. Change Furnace Filters Monthly 

A dirty furnace filter makes your heating system work harder to keep your home warm. Be sure to change filters every month during winter for optimal efficiency. 

 

Clean filters keep airflow moving smoothly to reduce gas bills while keeping the heat on!

8. Switch to High-Efficiency Appliances

When old appliances break down, look for energy-efficient replacements. High-efficiency furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances consume less natural gas. 

 

Many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances.

Stay Up-to-Date on Natural Gas and Oil With Pro-Gas, LLC

Implementing some of these natural gas conservation tips can help you save energy and money when the weather finally cools down.

 

Being proactive gives you greater control over your utility bills and contributes to greener practices abound in the natural gas industry.

 

Remember, every small change brings you closer to energy savings, and Pro-Gas, LLC is here to help.

 

Contact us to learn more about our facility and field equipment availability.

Gas conditioning plays a critical role in the energy industry. As we all know, natural gas isn’t consumer-ready and must undergo a series of processes to remove impurities and ensure it meets the required quality standards.

 

Gas conditioning is essential for enhancing efficiency and safety for consumers. However, the process also comes with inherent risks if not managed properly. 

 

To safeguard the environment, workers, and the public, stringent safety regulations and best practices must be a priority at your facility. 

 

Let’s go beyond the importance of gas conditioning and explore the importance of safety and compliance in the process, along with the latest best practices to ensure a secure and sustainable operation.

The Importance of Safety in Gas Conditioning

Safety should be the foremost consideration in gas conditioning processes due to the nature of the substances involved. 

 

Natural gas often contains impurities, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, which can be hazardous if not properly managed. 

 

Gas conditioning facilities deal with high pressures, extreme temperatures, and potentially toxic chemicals, making safety protocols a crucial aspect of their operations. Let’s dig into some of the biggest safety measures facility managers can take to keep their employees safe.

Implementing Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Before commencing any gas conditioning project, a comprehensive risk assessment must be conducted to identify potential hazards and their corresponding mitigation measures. 

 

Facility managers should work closely with experienced engineers and safety experts to assess and address risks effectively. 

 

The risk assessment process helps facilities and equipment operators identify potential risks and hazards. As these practices keep safety in mind, they prevent accidents and ensure personnel start the process with the best foot forward. 

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Periodic inspections and maintenance are essential to identify and address equipment wear and tear, potential leaks, and other safety concerns. We suggest inspecting gas coolers and other production equipment every six months. 

 

These pieces of equipment are put through heavy use, and implementing preventive maintenance measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and subsequent safety incidents. 

Ensuring Compliance with Regulatory Standards

 

Compliance with regulatory standards is non-negotiable when it comes to gas conditioning. Governments and international bodies have established strict guidelines and regulations to ensure raw natural resources are safely transformed into consumer products used around the world. 

 

Gas production companies must adhere to these standards to prevent accidents, protect the environment, and maintain the integrity of the gas supply chain.

Understanding Local and International Regulations

Gas conditioning facilities are subject to a wide range of regulations at the local, national, and international levels. Compliance requirements may vary depending on the location, size, and type of gas conditioning operation. Staying informed with the Texas Administrative Code about the latest updates and amendments to relevant regulations is crucial to maintain compliance and ensuring all-around safety.

Thorough Safety Training

It’s no secret that drill sites and natural gas production facilities are physically risky locales for employment. Injuries are common in the oil and gas industry. Unfortunately, when these accidents occur, they can come with a deadly aftermath. 

 

As with any industry, our goal is to ensure our employees operate equipment safely and can live out a comfortable, confident tenure at the facilities they work with.

 

Safety training resources are now readily available to those in oil and gas, so you and your team can always remain on top of the latest equipment safety measures and requirements.

 

Perfect Your Gas Conditioning Process With Pro-Gas Services, LLC

 

Ensuring safety and compliance in gas conditioning is a paramount responsibility for natural gas production facilities. By implementing comprehensive risk assessments, regular inspections, and maintenance, operators can minimize potential hazards and protect workers and the environment. 

 

Keep in mind, however, that excellent safety practices start with excellent equipment. At Pro-Gas Services, LLC, our gas conditioning equipment and other leading products and services help keep the facilities we serve functioning safely and efficiently.

Although Pro-Gas typically focuses on helping natural gas facilities improve their output, we figured since it was the season of giving, we’d do our part and help the facilities we work with spread energy-saving tips to the average consumer.

No matter how many people come through for the holidays, they are a busy time of the year and can leave homeowners with a hefty energy bill once the season is over. 

Let us help you save a little cash this holiday season. Follow our 5 tips for saving natural gas while still enjoying this special time with your family and friends.

Wash Heavy Loads On Cold

The holidays often leave many of us opening our homes to traveling guests. This is usually a great time to be had, but also means that several loads of laundry are bound to get washed during a lengthy visit.

One of the most common uses of natural gas is to heat up water heaters for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. In order to save some energy this season, wash all of your major loads in cold water. It won’t hurt the average piece of clothing and is even beneficial for getting out those tough stains that may have accumulated during your holiday feast.

Bake Several Dishes at Once

If you’re hosting the holiday dinner, save some time and money with a little oven planning and schedule your temperature use around several dishes at once. This is not only a great way to save money, but also helps keep your busy kitchen in order and gets more food to the table, faster.

Host a Potluck Holiday

Another food preparation tip that could reduce your gas bill is to let your guests know that your holidays are going to be a potluck event.

This gives your oven a break and also allows your friends and family to showcase their favorite dishes at your dinner. Trust us when we say, this is a win-win for everyone involved.

Take Advantage of Your Fireplace

Although many homes have functional fireplaces, most homeowners prefer to turn up the thermostat to heat up a house. A traditional fire can be a great way to create an intimate holiday setting without breaking the bank. 

Even if the fire is mainly used for looks, it will effectively heat up your home and put your family in the holiday spirit.

Plan a Holiday Lights Outing

If you are trying to save money on energy this holiday season, you may not have a house that’s decorated like the Griswolds. However, there are usually several areas throughout a community that purposely go all out to showcase their home decorations to the public.

Whether you bundle up and walk through these neighborhoods or pick up some cocoa and slowly drive through and enjoy the lights, this is a great way to save money on energy without sacrificing one of the favorite traditions of the season.

Pro-Gas, LLC Wishes Your Community a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

At Pro-Gas, we want everyone in the communities we serve to enjoy a happy holiday season. We are a Texas-based company that supplies essential site products like fuel conditioners and storage to collection sites and facilities across the country.

If you are a facility owner or manager in the oil and gas industry, reach out to us today to learn more about our current product offerings and how we can help improve your sites for less.