Natural Gas Safety: What Every Texas Homeowner Should Know

Natural gas powers many of the most important systems in your home, including your stove, water heater, and furnace. While it’s a safe and efficient energy source, hidden gas leaks, aging equipment, and neglected maintenance can lead to higher utility bills, costly repairs, and serious safety hazards. Understanding how natural gas is used in your home can help you protect your property and your family. 

If you have a gas bill, that means you have a gas line connected to your home. It’s generally recommended that your gas lines and gas-powered appliances be professionally inspected annually to identify leaks, wear, and potential safety concerns before they become costly problems. 

Gas-Powered Stoves

The most obvious gas-powered appliance in your home is likely your stove. As of 2020, about 37% of homes in Texas use natural gas stoves. If you hear that classic clicking when you turn on the heat, and the flames come to life when it’s time to cook dinner, you know you have a gas stove.  

It’s important to have the valves, burners, and pilot lights inspected on your gas-powered stove. Too much gas coming from a burner could be incredibly dangerous when ignited. Preventative maintenance is important, both for your safety as well as ensuring your stove lasts for years to come.

Water heaters

There are a few other appliances that you may have in your home that aren’t so obviously gas-powered. Your water heater, for example. 42% of Texans use gas water heaters, and that’s not something you’re regularly thinking about. Your water heater is a vital part of your home.

Common signs your water heater may need repairs:

• Popping or rumbling sounds coming from the water heater
• Water taking unusually long to heat up
• Water not heating up at all
• Water leaking from the heater

While we can repair your water heater if it starts acting up, it might be time to replace it altogether. Water heaters generally last around 8-12 years, and can be more prone to leaks and sediment buildup as it ages. Multiple repairs can be costly, so it may save you money in the long run to get it replaced.

True Neighbor has water heater experts on staff, able to repair and replace water heaters, both older water-tank models and the newer tankless heaters, which can last 15-20 years.

Gas-powered Furnaces

Gas-powered appliances don’t just heat up water. You may also have a gas-powered furnace in your home. About 35% of Texans do.  While it is easy to only think about your cooling system, given Texas’ long summers, your heating systems are just as important for the biting cold of winter.

Like any other appliance, age and a lack of maintenance can cause a furnace to consume more gas in order to reach the same temperature, increasing your monthly costs. Your heating and AC systems use the same air ducts, so just as with your AC, it’s important to regularly replace air filters and make sure your thermostat is working properly.

Some common signs your furnace needs repair:

• Uneven heating throughout the home
• Air quality problems
• Rapid cycling or unusual noises
• Stale air or uneven ventilation

If you have any concerns about your heating or cooling systems, call True Neighbor at 512.778.TRUE to schedule an inspection.

Signs of a Possible Gas Leak

If you notice any of the following, leave the area immediately and contact your gas utility provider:

• A rotten egg or sulfur smell
• Hissing sounds near gas lines
• Dead or dying vegetation near buried gas lines
• Unexplained increases in your gas bill
• Physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or nausea

Never attempt to locate or repair a gas leak yourself. After contacting your gas provider, call a qualified professional to inspect and repair the issue.

The Hidden Value of Preventative Maintenance

Many gas-related issues develop gradually and often go unnoticed until they cause a noticeable increase in utility costs or equipment failure. Regular inspections and maintenance can help by:

• Detect gas leaks early
• Improve appliance efficiency
• Extend equipment lifespan
• Reduce utility costs
• Prevent unexpected breakdowns
• Improve household safety

While it can sting to spend money now, you’ll be saving a lot more in the long run. Fixing an appliance can be expensive, but property damage and emergency service calls can be far more costly.

How True Neighbor Services Can Help You

If your natural gas bill continues to cause concern, it’s worth having your systems inspected by an experienced professional.

With over 40 years of industry experience, True Neighbor Services helps homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial property owners throughout Central Texas. 

Our team provides:

• Gas line inspections and repairs
• Water heater repair and replacement
• Tankless water heater installation
• Plumbing inspections
• HVAC maintenance and furnace inspections
• Emergency repair services
• Property maintenance for homeowners and property managers

Whether you’re concerned about rising gas bills, an aging water heater, a furnace that’s not performing properly, or want peace of mind, True Neighbor Services is here to help.

Our experienced technicians provide professional inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements for gas-powered systems throughout Central Texas.

Call 512.778.TRUE today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home’s gas systems are operating safely and efficiently.