Red Tag on Your Furnace or Boiler?
A Red Tag on your boiler or furnace means it’s been deemed unsafe and needs to be either repaired or replaced.
A Red Tag Should Not Be Ignored
If you have a furnace or boiler that has received a redtag, the important thing to remember is a red tag means that your boiler or furnace is unsafe to operate. That means you need to either have it repaired so it’s safe to operate or it needs to be completely replaced.
When a technician encounters a furnace or boiler that needs a red tag they don’t have a choice: The law states that if your furnace or boiler is a danger to you, your family, your home, your neighbours, your tenants, or your patrons then a red tag must be placed on it. In some cases, the gas must be turned off right away.
Furnaces and boilers are an essential part of surviving winter in Toronto, but your heating system does need to be properly maintained to be safe. Otherwise, two major hazards can occur:
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning: CO is a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas that has been dubbed “the silent killer” because it can’t be seen or smelled. Every year people die from carbon monoxide poisoning due to poorly operating furnaces, boilers, and other gas powered appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. If you experience chest pain or loss of consciousness in enclosed spaces with fuel burning appliances, these symptoms of CO poisoning can be life threatening. Leave the door open to let in fresh air and call 911 immediately.
- Fire or Explosion: Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is highly volatile and will burn and explode under pressure.
A gas furnace or boiler kept in good repair with annual maintenance is very safe. Ontario law states that all homes must have a carbon monoxide detector present in order to be safe, but if a homeowner doesn’t take proper care of their furnace or boiler the red tag program will help keep things safe.
Once a red tag is placed the gas provider is notified and the gas supply is turned off until the furnace or boiler is made safe with repairs, or it’s completely replaced.
