Have you been red tagged? Gas-fueled appliances, including furnaces and boilers, are a common source of home heating throughout the Shrewsbury and the Central Massachusetts area. While getting a red tag notice and losing your gas service is a major inconvenience during our long, cold winter weather, it indicates that your local utility has discovered a severe issue that requires your immediate attention. Horizon Chimney Services provides 24/7/365 emergency service. Our certified technicians will service your appliance and make the necessary repairs to restore your gas service promptly.
What Does a Red Tag on My Gas Service Mean?
A "red tag" is a mandatory safety notice from your local gas utility, such as Eversource, indicating that your gas-burning appliance (furnace, boiler, or water heater) is currently unsafe to operate and has been shut off. Common reasons for a red tag include:
- Carbon Monoxide Risk: The appliance or its venting system is leaking carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas.
- Chimney Flue Blockage: Debris, nesting animals, or other obstructions are severely restricting the venting of exhaust.
- Structural Damage: The flue liner or chimney structure has cracks or damage, allowing heat and gases to escape into the attic or interior walls, posing a severe fire hazard.
- Improper Installation: The appliance is not correctly installed or vented to code.
Why Furnace/Boiler Flue Cleaning Is Essential
Your gas-fueled furnace or boiler has a dedicated flue to vent combustion gases. Natural wear and tear, moisture, and debris can accelerate its deterioration, and obstructions can quickly become catastrophic.
Regular inspection and cleaning of the furnace or boiler flue are essential because they:
- Minimize Carbon Monoxide Risk: Clean flues ensure that all exhaust gases and harmful contaminants are efficiently vented outside.
- Reduce Corrosion: Proper venting and periodic cleaning minimize the condensation of acidic gases, which can cause premature replacement of the metal flue liner.
- Maintain Efficiency: A clean flue improves airflow, allowing your appliance to operate at its peak efficiency and save on heating costs, while also extending its useful lifespan.
How Do I Get My Gas Service Restored in Worcester County?
When you receive a red tag, you must act immediately. The utility cannot restore service until a certified professional corrects the underlying issue. This process involves a thorough inspection of your gas appliance and its flue system, diagnosis of the issue, and the necessary repairs to ensure compliance with all safety standards and codes.
Contact Horizon Chimney Services immediately. We offer prompt, 24/7 emergency red tag service.
Signs Your Furnace or Boiler Flue Needs Inspection:
Prevent being red-tagged by watching for these early warning signs:
- Soot or Staining: Black streaks or staining visible on the outside of the chimney or around the appliance.
- Foul Odor: A strange odor or chemical smell near the furnace or boiler.
- Pilot Light Problem: A pilot light that frequently goes out or a yellow/orange flame (instead of blue) is a sign of improper combustion.
- Excessive Condensation: Moisture accumulation on windows or cold surfaces inside the home.
Our certified technicians will inspect your gas appliance and its flue system to identify the issue and perform the necessary repairs, ensuring compliance with all safety standards and codes. This proactive maintenance can prevent a surprise red-tag notice in the middle of winter when you need the heat the most.
Shrewsbury Furnace Flue & Boiler Inspections
Horizon Chimney Services has been a trusted name in Central Mass for over a decade, providing 24-hour emergency red tag service to restore gas appliances. Our certified technicians perform furnace and boiler flue inspections, cleaning, and repairs in strict accordance with industry standards and building codes.
We service homeowners in Shrewsbury, Worcester County, and surrounding townships, including North Grafton, Holden, Marlborough, and Berlin, MA. Contact Horizon Chimney Services today to schedule a service call!
