September is here and temperatures are Atlanta is still hot, hot, hot! However, now is the time for Atlanta homeowners to think about getting their heating system maintained, or upgraded. There is nothing worse than turning on the heat in the winter and getting no response. Keep your Atlanta real estate in top condition by maintaining the HVAC.

Gas furnaces and boilers are now available with EnergyStar ratings and rebates are being offered by many gas companies and tax rebates may be available too! If you need a qualified HVAC person, you can go to http://www.hvacradvice.com/ and put in your zip code and a qualified NATE service professional will be listed. Great information on high efficiency, direct-vent units is available.

Today’s safety comment is on how to use your senses to help detect a potential natural gas leak. All gas companies add an odorant to their natural gas in the mains. It is called Mercaptan and it smells like rotten cabbage or rotten eggs. Or, you can look for dirt blowing into the air, or if the gas line is located in standing water, persistent bubbles will appear, or discolored or dead vegetation around the pipeline area. A third way is to listen for any unusual sounds. If you suspect gas is leaking, immediately call your local gas company.

Many times, when gas appliances are changed out by a non-professional, it is important to be aware of any gas leaks that might occur. It is highly recommended that you always call a professional to install any gas appliance.

Post courtesy of Mary Carson, President of Roger Carson Enterprises, Inc., and a consultant to the gas industry and gas manufacturers.