What Should You Do When Your Gas Appliance is Red-Tagged?

tools laying on table
Ashley deHaan
August 20
4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • A red-tagged appliance means it’s unsafe; only a licensed gas technician can repair or replace it to prevent carbon monoxide risks. 
  • Type A red tag = immediate danger and gas shut off  
  • Type B red tag = fix or replace within 30 days or your utility will disconnect your gas 
  • If you’re red-tagged, contact a licensed contractor right away to inspect, repair/replace, and ensure compliance with your provincial utility rules. 

If one of your gas appliances, like a furnace or water heater, was recently given a red tag by a gas technician, you likely have many urgent questions about what this means and how to take care of it. We’ve put together some common red tag questions to provide you with the answers you need to get back on track with your home heating system.

What does a red-tagged mean on a gas appliance?

A red tag, also known as a product warning tag, may be placed on a gas appliance by a licensed technician to indicate that the appliance is no longer safe to operate and either needs to be repaired or replaced. Depending on the severity of the issue, the technician is required by law to turn off the gas as a safety measure to protect you and your family.  

What are the types of red tags?

  • Type A: If a licensed technician has identified an immediate hazard, for example, a severe carbon monoxide leak, your furnace or water heater gets a Type A red tag and your natural gas will be immediately turned off. 
  • Type B: If the appliance does not pose an immediate danger to the homeowner, a Type B warning tag will be applied to the furnace or water heater and the local utility will be notified (e.g., Union Gas or Enbridge). This tag gives you a 30-day deadline to have the necessary repairs made or have the equipment replaced. If corrective action is not taken by the deadline, your natural gas will be turned off by the local utility. 

Why have I received a red tag?

You have likely received a red tag because a licensed gas technician has identified a hazardous issue on your appliance or natural gas line. 

For example, if a defective heat exchanger is identified, it can release carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is an odourless and colourless gas, which can cause serious health problems or death if undetected. Carbon monoxide poisoning is harmful because it can rapidly accumulate in the blood, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs. 

If carbon monoxide is leaking from a cracked heat exchanger, there is a chance of it mixing with the air that is generated by the furnace and pushing through the vents in your home. To prevent this danger, a Type A red tag is applied to your furnace, your local utility is notified, and your natural gas is turned off. 

Can I repair my red tag appliances or do I need to buy new appliances?

Whether you need to repair or replace your gas furnace depends on how serious the issue is. For example, if you received a Type A red tag for a crack in the heat exchanger, you will likely need to replace your furnace because the cracks are very difficult to repair. If you received a Type B red tag, then the issue is less hazardous, and it’s more likely that you will be able to repair your furnace within the 30-day timeframe. However, if your furnace is close to the typical 20-year lifespan, it may be best to replace it and practice proper furnace maintenance. If you can’t afford to purchase a new furnace, you might consider furnace rental as an option.

The same advice applies to water heaters too. You might be able to repair your water heater, but depending on its age, you might have to buy a new one.  Water heater rental is an option when you can’t afford to buy a new one though. 

How to get a red tag removed from your appliance

  1. Immediately call a licensed contractor, like Enercare, to inspect your equipment. Dealing with natural gas requires extreme care. Our experienced, licensed technicians approach all jobs with safety as a priority. 
  2. Repair or replace the appliance. The licensed technician will inform you which is the advised option for your situation. 
  3. Confirm with your utility that the repairs are completed or the appliance has been replaced and the technician will confirm that the appliance is safe. 
  4. Get the formal red tag clearance from the natural gas provider and your appliance is ready to use again. 

Receiving a red tag on your appliance can be confusing, frustrating, and scary. At Enercare, we are here to help you figure out what steps you need to take to keep your family safe and comfortable. If your furnace has been condemned, get in touch with us to talk with a heating expert about your repair or replacement options, and regular maintenance plans for your heating system. 

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