The explosion, like the one that happened on George Street after a man tried lighting a furnace’s pilot light, can happen to any homeowner.
If you have a furnace with a pilot light experts suggest you have it checked from time to time.
The older the furnace, the more frequently it should be checked.
Most modern furnaces don’t have pilot lights anymore, but older models do.
If you do need to relight your pilot light, read the instructions on the furnace’s label.
If a person notices the pilot light is out on their furnace or water heater, they should wait before they try relighting it.
“They should never try to light it right away,” said Chris Bryant, manager at McAfee Heating & Air Conditioning. “It’s always good to shut the gas off to the appliance and let it air out, because if there is residual gas that could present a problem.”
If you think something is wrong with your furnace or water heater, whether it smells funny or won’t start, experts suggest shutting it off and calling a professional.