The Gas Man
Muskoka & Parry Sound
​
If one of your gas appliances, like a furnace or water heater, was recently given a red tag by a gas technician, you likely have many urgent questions about what this means and how to take care of it. We’ve put together some common red tag questions to provide you with the answers you need to get back on track with your home heating.
What is a red tag?
A red tag, also known as a product warning tag, may be placed on a gas appliance by a licensed technician to indicate that the appliance is no longer safe to operate and either needs to be repaired or replaced. Depending on the severity of the issue, the technician is required by law to turn off the gas as a safety measure to protect you and your family.
What are the types of red tags?
-
Type A Unacceptable condition — immediate hazard: If a licensed technician has identified an "immediate danger", for example, a severe carbon monoxide leak, gas leak Etc... your furnace gets a Type A red tag and your natural gas / Propane gas will be immediately turned off.
-
Type B Unacceptable condition — no immediate hazard: If the furnace does not pose an immediate danger to the homeowner, a Type B warning tag will be applied to the furnace and the local utility notified (e.g., Union Gas or Propane supplier ). This tag gives you a 30-90 days deadline to have the equipment repaired or replaced. If corrective action is not taken by the deadline, your natural gas / Propane Gas will be turned off by the local utility. If on Propane the supplier of propane Gas will either be disconnect or stop supplying gas
Why have I received a red tag?
You have likely received a red tag because a licensed gas technician has identified a hazardous issue on your appliance or piping system that uses natural gas or Propane gas.
For example, if a defective heat exchanger is identified, it can release carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, which can cause serious health problems or death if undetected. It is harmful because it can rapidly accumulate in the blood, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs.
If carbon monoxide is leaking from a cracked heat exchanger, there is a chance of it mixing with the air that is generated by the furnace and pushing through the vents in your home. To prevent this danger, a Type A red tag is applied to your furnace, your local utility is notified, and your natural gas / Propane Gas is turned off.
Type B red tag licensed Gas technician has identified Gas safety Infractions on you gas operated equipment , Pipework, or venting system i.e.... the equipment has not been installed to the T.S.S.A ( Technical Standards safety Authority ) gas code / or the manufactures instructions which ever is more stringent
Can I repair my furnace or do I need to buy a new one?
Whether you need to repair or replace your furnace depends on how serious the issue is. For example, if you received a Type A red tag for a crack in the heat exchanger, you will likely need to replace your furnace because the cracks are very difficult to repair.
It also depends on the Manufactures. Warranty's Most warranty's on the furnace are 12 years on heat Exchanger and 10 years on parts , With no labor coverage,
​
If Heat Exchanger is under 12 years of life most manufactures will warranty heat exchanger and if furnace Heat Exchanger is under warranty depends on Several factors.
​
A. Whether or not furnace was installed to manufactures instruction's.
B. Whether or not that your furnace warranty was registered at time of installation by your installer.
C. Also Depends on the Manufacture of the furnace different brands different warranty's.
D. There's also other factors i.e. if your the original home owner when furnace was installed and registered.
If you received a Type B red tag, then the issue is less hazardous, and it’s more likely that you will be able to repair your furnace but most furnace manufactures you only get 10 years on parts ( But no all Parts are covered )
Most Repairs can be done within the 30-60 day timeframe. depending on availability of parts , Manufacture and age of furnace.
However, if your furnace is close to the typical 12-15 years and other things that should be considered and taken in to account. (Its like having a second hand car!!!)
A. The 12-15 years Heat exchanger warranty has expired (Check your furnace warranty)
B. Parts 10 Year Warranty has Expired. Most manufactures have a 10 year parts warranty with no labor warranty.
It may be best to replace it because your on the hook for all future repairs which is generally more costly in the end because when things start to go wrong more and likely the next thing could go wrong shortly after.
If you can’t afford to purchase a new furnace, you might consider Financing your furnace as an option. The same advice applies to water heaters , Boilers too. when you can’t afford to buy a new one out right.
What should I do if I receive a red tag and what are my options?
Remember, safety is paramount when dealing with gas appliances. Address red tags promptly to ensure your well-being and compliance! Listening to the licensed Gas technician's Professionals
Options for Red Tag
​
Opt 1. Have The gasman Muskoka & Parry sound licensed Installers Correct any Gas safety infractions and clear Red tag / or change Gas Equipment that needs changing.
​
Opt 2. Have the original Installer to come and correct Red Tag Infractions and sign off red tag.
Note - Original installer can refuse to carry out the work but if that's the case you can report installer and put in a complaint to the T.S.S.A about installer which takes time.
​
Oct 3. Dispute the Red Tag with Gas Supplier which may involve a second inspection and opinion
Many factors come into play when it comes to Red tags and the gas industry
Notes: Many factors come into play when it comes to Red tags and the gas industry
​
A. Gas Codes can and may be interpretated in different ways by different People and it generally comes down to the following factors
1. Comes down to Technicians Experience
2. Gas Technicians Training.
3.The understanding of the Gas code and manufactures instruction's
( Which there are a percentage of installers that don't read Manufactures installation instruction's. )
B. Professional Gas installers generally follow the Gas Safety codes and manufactures instructions. If a red tag is not issued they can risk losing there gas license is also the law.
C. The professional Gas Installer Issues Red tag For you and your family's safety. Along with People around you.
D. However a gas Red tag can be annoying and inconvenient and no one likes them but as most professional gas installers ( Not All ) Have integrity and are just doing there job and care about your safety, Your family's safety and the people around you there safety too!
E. Receiving a red tag on your appliance can be confusing, frustrating, and scary We at the Gas man and Muskoka and parry sound are here to help because we have integrity and understanding.
F. If you have any question's please don't hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our professional Gas technicians.
G. We thankyou for taken the time on reading this and hope it helps you understand more