What Happens When You Receive a Red Tag From Enbridge or a Licensed Gas Technician?
Red Tag Warnings can be issued by gas utility providers such as Enbridge or Licensed Gas Fitter Technicians upon inspecting an unsafe gas appliance that no longer safe to operate due to the chance of Carbon Monoxide Leaks or CO. These warnings are designed to ensure the health & safety of the residents in residential & commercial properties. These warnings come in 2 types depending on the severity of the issue. Type A and Type B.
Red Tag Type A Versus Red Tag Type B
Type A Red Tag is issued when your gas appliance is considered to be an immediate hazard. Enbridge or Gas technician who issues the red tag is responsible to notify the gas company right away to shut the natural gas at your property.
Type B Red Tag is issued when your gas appliance is not required immediate repair. In this case, you will get 30 days from the date on the warning to complete the safety recommendation otherwise, the utility company or Enbridge Gas in Toronto can legally shut off your gas until your complete the instructed repair by natural gas code.
In both cases, the homeowner is required to provide proof of repair or fix the issue prior to the deadline to avoid further penalties.
What to do When You Receive Red Tag Type A?
There are two options when you receive Red Tag Type A:
- Repair: You’re allowed to hire a licensed gas technician of your choice to repair your unit. Make sure your HVAC contractor reviews the red tag warning to ensure he is following the instructed safety recommendation in the warning according to natural gas safety codes.
- Replacement: You also have the option to replace the faulty gas appliance with a brand new unit if repair is not feasible.
Once the repair or installation is completed, the certified gas technician can notify Enbridge regarding the changes done in the gas appliance. Red Tag Clearance is normally done by the HVAC Service Company after the appliance is fixed and ready to be used again.
What to do when you receive Red Tag Type B?
Red Tag Type B usually happens to gas appliances due to improper installation (example: Venting Issues. Colour Code & etc.). Red Tag Type B is also issued due to outdated installation codes. For example, a furnace that is installed 10 years ago may not comply with all the natural gas installation codes today. Hence, you will get 42 days from the day of notice to resolve and correct this issue before it gets escalated.
Can I Fix Red Tag Type B By Myself?
Yes, some B Red Tag Warnings are simple to fix. However, it must be verified by a Certified TSSA Gas Technician or Endbidge Licensed Technicians.
Which Gas Appliances Can Get Red Tagged
- Gas Furnaces
- Gas Boilers
- Gas Air Handlers
- Magic-Pak
- Commercial HVAC Rooftop Units
- Gas Water Heaters
- Gas Tankless Water Heaters
- Gas Stoves
- Gas Fireplace
Why are Natural Gas Leaks Dangerous?
- Natural gas can cause fire or explosion when there is a leak in a confined space such as a house or commercial property.
- CO also has no smell. It can cause fatal injury if the leak happens while the residents are asleep.
3 Signs of Damaged or Cracked Heat Exchanger In a Gas Furnace
How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked? Well, a damaged heat exchanger in a gas furnace is not a sign to be ignored. There are some early signs that you may notice before having a gas technician inspecting your unit.
- Strange unpleasant Smells in the house. Contact your local gas company or a licensed gas technician immediately.
- Corroded Components outside your furnace can be an early sign of an indication of a crack heat exchanger inside your furnace.
- Flame appearance change such as a change in colour from blue to yellow can be a sign of crack heat exchanger
In Ontario, The Law Makes Carbon Monoxide Detectors Mandatory
As of October 2017 In Ontario, It is Mandatory for residential homeownersto Install Approved Carbon Monoxide Detectors near all bedrooms and mechanical rooms ( Boiler Room or Furnace Room). You are also required to Test the Alarm & Change the Battery Every Six Months.
Toronto Red Tag Clearance Services – Home Trade Standards
Home Trade Standards provides Red Tag Clearance Services for commercial HVAC appliances & Residential Gas equipment in Toronto & GTA Area.
Simply call us at (416) 736-7001 to discuss your existing conditions and the reasons for the Red Tag Warning. We are licensed to provide Red Tag Removal Service once we review your Warning Tag. Ultimately, our Gas technician will review the technical aspects of the warning with you during the onsite visit and advise on you on possible HVAC repair and replacement solutions.