What To Do If Your Furnace Is Red Tagged

Sometimes a utility company representative or service technician finds heating equipment so damaged that they are obligated to "red-tag" the furnace and shut it down. This means that it poses an immediate danger to life or property. A red tag, or warning tag, is placed on a furnace to indicate that your equipment is no longer safe to operate and either needs to be repaired or replaced. A licensed HVAC technician who identifies a warning tag situation is required by law to turn off your gas as a safety measure to protect the residents of your home or business.

Why have I received a warning tag?

Typical problems that I've seen red-tagged are a vandalized furnace in a foreclosure, severely corroded furnace components, or the improper use of flexible gas supply lines. Sometimes a homeowner fixes their own furnace using materials not approved for gas appliance installation.

A red tag is not something to take lightly. A defective heat exchanger in a furnace can release carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas that can cause serious health problems, even death, if undetected. In Los Angeles, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death by poisoning. If carbon monoxide is leaking from a cracked heat exchanger, there is a chance of it mixing with the air circulated by the furnace and pushed throughout the vents causing a danger to everyone inside that home.

What should I do if I receive a warning tag?

If you receive a warning tag, you should immediately call a licensed and insured HVAC contractor in your area. In some cases, a furnace can repaired. In more serious cases, the equipment needs to be replaced. Dealing with natural gas and electricity requires extreme care. If you are in Los Angeles and you have any concerns about your furnace don't hesitate to call me. 818-780-0701. I am happy to speak with you free of charge to answer any questions you may have about you Red Tagged furnace, or any furnace concerns you may have.

If you need a house call Kilowatt's Safety Sealed service technicians are fully trained to diagnose and repair all brands of furnaces. After the problem is rectified a utility company representative will return to the house, verify the repairs, and reconnect the gas service to the home. Phew!