What to Do if Your Furnace Got a Red Tag in Ontario?
It’s a nightmare to get your furnace red-tagged by a gas technician in the bone-chilling cold of Ontario. When your furnace is red-tagged, many questions bombard your mind about why this happened, what will be the cost to get it repaired, how long your furnace needs to be shut down, and how will you keep your family warm while warding off your home pipes from freezing.
In this article, we will acknowledge all your worries and make you ready for an unexpected situation.
What is a Red Tag?
A red tag is a warning to homeowners that their gas appliance poses a safety risk and must be repaired or replaced before it can be used again. Depending on the severity of the issue, the technician may also shut off the gas supply to the appliance, leaving the homeowner without heat until the problem is resolved.
In Canada, furnaces and other gas-powered appliances are subject to regulations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. Certified licensed gas technicians are required to follow these standards when inspecting and servicing gas appliances. If a technician finds an appliance in “unacceptable condition,” they are required by law to place a red tag on the appliance, indicating that it is not safe to operate.
Reasons For Getting Red Tags In Ontario?
There are several reasons why a furnace may be red-tagged. Some common reasons include:
- Damage or deterioration that impairs the safe operation of the appliance
- Issues with the condition of the piping, tubing, or hoses
- Use of the appliance for a purpose other than what it was approved for
- Alterations to the appliance that impair its safe operation
One of the most common reasons for a furnace to be red-tagged is a cracked heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates through your home. A cracked heat exchanger can allow dangerous carbon monoxide gas to leak into your home, posing a serious health risk.
Different Types of Red Tags And What Do they Mean?
The categorizing of red tags is often based on the set-out standards in the technical regulations, and all companies adhere to the same rules of red tagging. There are two main types of red tags; type A (an immediate red tag) and type B (42-day repair). The choice of the red tags determines whether or not the appliance stays on as it is repaired.
1. Immediate Red Tag Category “A”
Under the Technical Standards and Safety Act and its Regulations, when a Distributor, Certificate Holder, or ROT (Record of Training) finds that an appliance or work is in an unacceptable condition constituting an immediately hazardous situation he or she must immediately shut off the supply of gas to the appliance or work.
An owner or user of an appliance or work to whom notice has been given that an appliance or work is in an unacceptable condition constituting an immediate hazard shall not use the appliance or work until the condition has been corrected.
Appliances can only be re-activated by a certified gas technician after he/she is satisfied the required corrections as indicated on the warning tag have been made and the appliance is code compliant. Once corrections are made the Certificate Holder, or ROT shall fax the completed tag to your fuel distributor.
Points to remember
- Is issued to mark an alarming situation that needs to be addressed immediately and the technician turns off the gas supply to the heating system.
- Such cases may include severe leakage of carbon monoxide gas that can cause serious health problems or even death if left unattended.
- The heating system is not allowed to turn on until the issue is fixed by a certified technician and confirmed by the gas company.
2. Red Tag Category “B”
Under the Technical Standards and Safety Act and its Regulations, when a Distributor, Certificate Holder, or ROT (Record of Training) finds that an appliance or work is in an unacceptable condition not constituting an immediate hazard, written notice must be provided to the owner or user of the appliance. The distributor must shut off the supply of gas to the appliance if it does not receive written confirmation that the unacceptable condition has been corrected within the time-frame indicated on the written notice.
Appliances or equipment that have a notation under a category “B” warning red tag can only be re-activated by a Certificate Holder after he/she is satisfied the required corrections as indicated on the warning tag have been made and the appliance is code compliant The owner or user of an appliance or work that is found to be in unacceptable condition shall not use the appliance or work after the expiry date specified on the notice if the condition has not been corrected
The returned portion of the tag must clearly show the name of the gas technician, who corrected the condition, and their signature. address and certificate number. Please ensure the information is legible. If the information of the Certificate Holder who corrected the condition is not clear and legible, the appliance will have to be inspected
Warning Tags should not be returned to your Gas Distributor less than five (5) days prior to the expiry date.
If your fuel distributor does not receive proper notification prior to the expiry date, an appointment will be arranged for re-inspection. Under the Technical Standards and Safety Act and its Regulations, if the correction is not made and notice of the same is provided by the expiry date, the Distributor may shut off the gas to the appliance.
If they cannot gain access they must shut off the supply of gas to the building by the expiry date.
Points to remember
- Is issued where there is a fault in your appliance but is not immediately hazardous to your family and does not require immediate action.
- This tag gives you a deadline of 42 days from the day of putting the tag, to get the issue fixed by a certified technician.
- If the system is not repaired within 42 days of issuing the tag, then the gas company will shut off the entire heating system of your home.
In this case, the main difference between the two types of tags is the fact that for the A type of red tag, the technician stops the supply of gas immediately before leaving. On the other hand, for the B type, one is given a chance to resolve the identified problem before the supply of gas is cut off.
How to Remove the Red Tag from My Furnace?
Step 1: Call a Certified Technician
The first thing that you need to do is to get your appliance checked by a licensed technician and make the repairs done by him. The Technician or the service company can be different from the one that issued the red tag. But always reach out to a good certified and experienced service technician.
If you are living in Toronto or GTA, call us today to get rid of your red tag. Call us at +1-437-777-4555
Step 2: Have the appliance inspected
Let the technician inspect the furnace as per the designated red tag. The technician will either agree with the designated red tag and take the recommended course of action to get the furnace fixed or he will determine that the furnace is already safe. In either case, after the furnace is fixed and safe to use the certified technician follows the clearance process of removing the red tag and starting the furnace.
Step 3: Submit the Red Tag Clearance to the Gas Company
Once your furnace has been repaired and cleared by the technician, make sure to submit the red tag clearance to the gas company before the deadline. A reputable service company should handle this step on your behalf, ensuring that your gas supply is not interrupted.
Getting a Second Opinion on Your Red Tag in Ontario
If you’re unsure about the reasons behind the red tag or the recommended course of action, it’s a good idea to seek a second opinion from a trusted service provider. A second opinion can help you:
- Confirm that the initial red tag designation was accurate and necessary
- Ensure that the recommended repairs or replacements are appropriate and cost-effective
- Avoid unnecessary expenses and disruptions to your home’s heating system
There are several situations where seeking a second opinion may be particularly beneficial:
- If your furnace was recently serviced by another company and then red-tagged shortly afterward
- If you believe that the initial technician did not conduct a thorough inspection or proper combustion analysis before issuing the red tag
Remember that you have the right to ask a technician for a copy of their license to ensure that they are certified to handle red-tagged appliances.
Should You Replace Or Repair Your Furnace After a Red Tag?
When faced with a red-tagged furnace, one of the most critical decisions you’ll need to make is whether to repair the existing appliance or replace it with a new one. To make the best choice for your home and budget, consider the following factors:
- Age of Your Furnace: If your furnace is less than 10 years old, it may be more cost-effective to repair the heat exchanger or other faulty components. However, if your furnace is nearing the end of its expected lifespan (typically 15-20 years), investing in a new, more energy-efficient model may be the better long-term decision.
- Cost of Repairs: Consider the cost of repairing your furnace’s heat exchanger or other components relative to the cost of a new furnace. If the repair costs are more than 25% of the total system replacement cost, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire furnace.
- Warranty Coverage: If your furnace’s heat exchanger or other components are still covered under warranty, the cost of repairs may be significantly lower. In this case, repairing your current furnace may be the most economical option.
- Energy Efficiency: Newer furnaces are typically more energy-efficient than older models, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time. If your current furnace is not energy-efficient, replacing it with a newer model may be a wise investment.
How to Prevent Your Furnace From a Red Tag
To avoid future red tags and keep your furnace running safely and efficiently, it’s essential to follow these best practices:
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: One of the best ways to prevent future red tags is to schedule regular maintenance for your furnace. Annual inspections by a certified technician can help identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems.
- Change Filters Regularly: Dirty or clogged filters can reduce your furnace’s efficiency and even cause damage to the heat exchanger. Be sure to change your furnace filters regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Because a cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home is a critical safety measure. Ensure that detectors are installed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas, and test them regularly to ensure proper function.
- Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clear: Make sure that the area around your furnace is free of clutter and debris, which can obstruct airflow and increase the risk of damage to your furnace’s components.
How To Stay Warm After Getting a Red Tag
While dealing with a red-tagged furnace, you’ll need to find alternative heating solutions to keep your home warm and prevent pipes from freezing. Some options to consider include:
- Portable electric heaters: These can help provide temporary heat in specific rooms or areas of your home.
- Electric blankets and heated mattress pads: These can help keep you warm while sleeping.
- Weatherstripping and insulation: Ensure that your home is properly insulated and sealed to prevent drafts and heat loss.
- Space heaters: Use caution with these, as they can pose a fire risk if not used properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Homeowners can rightfully question the technician’s call to issue a red tag on their appliance. This is based on the fact that there are cases where a furnace gets red-tagged without thorough inspection and analysis of the combustion properties. Therefore, it pays to have a second opinion from a trusted service that can help in the removal of the tag or give advice on the best option, whether to repair or replace the appliance.
FAQ
What does a red tag on a furnace mean?
A red tag on a furnace typically indicates that the furnace has been deemed unsafe or non-functional by a professional inspector or technician. It signifies that the furnace should not be used until the identified issues are resolved.
What does a red tag on equipment mean?
A red tag on equipment, such as a furnace or any other machinery, signifies that the equipment has failed an inspection or has been identified as unsafe to use. It serves as a visual indicator that the equipment should not be operated until the necessary repairs or improvements have been made.
What is a red tag in safety?
In the context of safety, a red tag is a visible label or tag placed on equipment, machinery, or other objects to indicate that they are not safe for use. It is a visual reminder for individuals to avoid using or operating the tagged item until it has been inspected, repaired, or otherwise made safe.
