Customers can stay safe during the winter months by following these helpful gas safety tips
OAKLAND, Calif. — To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the upcoming cold-weather months, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During these visits, PG&E will also relight pilot lights for customers whose heaters or other appliances may have gone out during the warmer months.
These free safety checks help ensure that gas appliances—including water heaters, boilers, and furnaces—are operating safely and efficiently, and they reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the home. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it cannot be seen, smelled, or heard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die each year from accidental, non-fire-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; over 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. Since the beginning of 2026, PG&E has responded to more than 6,300 incidents involving suspected carbon monoxide.
“Customers can take advantage of this no-cost safety program before winter weather arrives—a time when many people increase their use of heaters and other gas appliances. A skilled technician will visit your home or business to inspect all gas appliances, ensure they are operating correctly, and relight pilot lights. Scheduling a complimentary gas safety check is a benefit that PG&E is proud to offer its customers to help ensure their safety and comfort,” said Jeff Janvier, PG&E’s Vice President of Gas Distribution Operations.
Ahead of the colder winter months, when natural gas appliances are typically used more frequently, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection by visiting www.pge.com/pilotlights. Scheduling your appointment online is free, easy, and helps you avoid wait times on our customer service phone line. Customers may also call 800-743-5000 to book an appointment.
Useful Winter Gas Safety Tips
- Customers are strongly encouraged to install natural gas detectors in enclosed spaces where gas appliances are used, as an additional layer of protection. Click here for more information.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors that provide alerts when concentration levels become high.
- All single-family homes in California are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, near sleeping areas and common living spaces. - These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries should be replaced whenever necessary.
- Check the expiration date: most carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of five to seven years.
- Never use products that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide—such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters—inside your home.
- Never use cooking appliances, such as ovens or stoves, to heat your home.
If you use a fireplace for warmth, ensure the damper is open so that smoke can vent safely up the chimney.
Ensure that water heaters and other natural gas appliances are properly vented.
Click here for more winter heating safety and energy-saving tips.
If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home, leave immediately and call 911. If a PG&E customer ever detects the distinct “rotten egg” smell of natural gas in or around their home or business, they should evacuate immediately, then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
