Gas Heating in Grand Rapids, MI: Health and Safety Issues You Need to Know

Gas heating is common in Grand Rapids homes, especially during our long, cold Michigan winters. With lake-effect snow and extended heating seasons, it’s essential that gas furnaces, boilers, and space heaters are installed and maintained safely to protect your family from fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

This guide explains gas heating health and safety issues, tailored for Grand Rapids and West Michigan residents, and optimized for local gas heater safety and carbon monoxide awareness.

Professional Installation and Servicing in Grand Rapids

Gas heaters must be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and licensed technician. An unsafe or poorly maintained heater can:

  • Start a house fire
  • Pollute your home with dangerous fumes, including carbon monoxide

Safety recommendation for Grand Rapids homes:

  • Have your gas heater serviced at least every 2 years by a licensed heating contractor (HVAC technician or gasfitter).
  • Consider annual servicing because Grand Rapids heating systems often run heavily from late fall through early spring.

If your home is older (common in many Grand Rapids neighborhoods like Heritage Hill, Eastown, or Alger Heights), your gas system may be aging and need more frequent checks.

Faulty Gas Heaters and Health Risks

Some gas heaters and furnaces have been identified as posing serious health risks when they are damaged, poorly installed, or not vented correctly.

Do not use a gas heater if:

  • You notice unusual smells (other than a brief odor at startup)
  • The flame is yellow or sooty instead of a steady blue
  • You feel sick when the heater is on and better when you go outside

Have the heater tested and serviced by a qualified technician before using it again.

Health Problems Linked to Faulty Gas Heaters

A faulty gas heater can release carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Health problems that worsen or only occur when the heating is on may be related to CO exposure, especially in tightly sealed Grand Rapids homes that are closed up during winter.

People at higher risk include:

  • Children
  • Pregnant women and unborn babies
  • Older adults
  • People with chronic illnesses (heart disease, COPD, asthma, diabetes)

Carbon Monoxide: Colorless, Odorless, and Dangerous

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel (natural gas, propane, wood, charcoal) does not burn completely. In Grand Rapids, common sources include:

  • Gas furnaces and boilers
  • Gas space heaters and gas log fireplaces
  • Gas water heaters
  • Gas stoves and ovens
  • Generators and outdoor heaters used too close to the home or indoors

High levels of CO in the air are very dangerous and can cause people to pass out or even die.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can easily be mistaken for the flu, COVID-19, or general winter fatigue—especially during cold Michigan months.

Common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly

Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can lead to:

  • Impaired thinking and memory problems
  • Emotional changes or mood swings
  • Irritability and impulsiveness

Very high levels of CO can cause:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Death

Important warning sign:
If multiple people in your home feel sick at the same time, especially when the heat is on, and feel better when they go outside, CO could be the cause.

What To Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Exposure

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure in your Grand Rapids home:

  1. Immediately open windows and doors to let in fresh air.
  2. Turn off the gas appliance (heater, furnace, fireplace, etc.).
  3. Go outside into fresh air right away.
  4. If anyone is very sick, unconscious, or having chest pain, call 911 immediately.

Once everyone is safe:

  • See your primary care provider or urgent care to discuss your symptoms.
    • Local options include Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health urgent care centers and emergency departments.
  • Do not use the heater again until it has been inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.

Gas Heating Safety for Renters in Grand Rapids

If you are renting a home or apartment in Grand Rapids:

  • Your landlord or property manager is responsible for ensuring all gas installations and fittings are safe.
  • Best practice is to have a gas safety check every 2 years by a licensed HVAC contractor.
  • You have the right to:
    • Ask when the most recent safety check was performed.
    • Request documentation of inspections and repairs.

If you are worried about gas heater safety and your landlord is not responding:

  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance.
  • In an emergency (gas smell, suspected CO poisoning), call 911.

Choosing a Qualified Gas Heating Professional in Grand Rapids

When you book a service:

  • Ask if the technician is licensed and insured and experienced in:
    • Gas heater/furnace servicing
    • Carbon monoxide testing
    • Flue and chimney inspection

Look for:

  • A company that specializes in gas furnace and boiler service
  • Technicians who carry photo ID and proof of licensing
  • Clear written estimates and service reports

You can:

  • Ask your gas utility provider (such as DTE Energy or Consumers Energy) for recommended contractors.
  • Check online reviews for Grand Rapids HVAC companies.

Professional servicing should include:

  • Inspection and cleaning of burners
  • Checking the heat exchanger for cracks
  • Testing for carbon monoxide leaks
  • Inspecting and cleaning the flue or chimney
  • Checking ventilation and airflow

Get your heater serviced immediately if:

  • The flame is yellow or sooty (unless it is a decorative gas log fire)
  • The pilot light goes out unexpectedly or “pops” or “bangs” when lighting
  • There are signs of heat damage (discolored walls or heater panels)
  • Walls near the heater become too hot to touch
  • You see soot stains around the heater or vents
  • It hasn’t been serviced in 2 years or more

Using Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Grand Rapids Homes

Why Install CO Alarms?

CO alarms are a critical back-up safety measure for homes with:

  • Gas furnaces
  • Gas space heaters
  • Gas fireplaces
  • Attached garages (where cars may idle)

They are not a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances, but they can save lives if a leak occurs.

Choosing a CO Alarm

When purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm in Michigan:

  • Choose alarms certified to UL 2034 (United States standard) or EN 50291 (European standard).
  • Consider alarms that:
    • Provide both audible and visual alarms
    • Indicate when the sensor has expired or the unit needs replacement

Where to Install CO Alarms

Manufacturers typically recommend:

  • Installing CO alarms in or near every room with a gas appliance
  • Placing at least one CO alarm near each sleeping area
  • Ensuring the alarm is audible from all bedrooms, even with doors closed

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and maintenance.

How to Use a Gas Heater Safely in Grand Rapids

Cold, damp West Michigan winters mean gas heaters may run for many hours a day. Safe use is essential.

Ventilation and Exhaust Fans

If you have an unflued or open-flued gas heater:

  • Ensure there is plenty of ventilation so fresh air can come in and fumes can escape.
  • Avoid running exhaust fans (bathroom or kitchen) at the same time, as they can draw combustion gases, including CO, back into the room.
  • Ask your technician to test for back-drafting during your service visit.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your heater running safely:

  • Turn the heater off and let it cool before cleaning.
  • Vacuum duct registers and cold air return vents to reduce dust buildup.
  • Keep the area around the heater clean and clear of clutter.

Protecting Children and Preventing Burns

  • Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces.
  • Use barriers or guards where possible, especially around space heaters.

Safe Use Around Flammable Materials

  • When drying clothes indoors, keep all flammable materials at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the heater.
  • Never store solvents, aerosols, or pressurized cans near a gas heater—pilot lights can ignite fumes.

Never Do the Following

  • Never leave a gas heater running when you go to bed or leave the house.
  • Never use an unflued gas heater in a bathroom, bedroom, or RV/caravan.
  • Never burn trash (tissues, cotton buds, paper, etc.) in a gas fireplace—this disrupts combustion and creates dangerous pollutants.
  • Never use outdoor appliances indoors, including:
    • Gas grills or barbecues
    • Patio heaters
    • Portable camping heaters

Old and Unflued Gas Heaters: Extra Caution

Heaters Do Not Last Forever

Many Grand Rapids homes have older furnaces and space heaters:

  • Heaters older than 15–20 years may not be repairable or safe by current standards.
  • Spare parts may no longer be available.

Ask your licensed technician whether it is safer and more cost-effective to replace an old heater rather than repair it.

Open-Flued vs. Room-Sealed Heaters

  • Open-flued heaters draw air from the room and vent combustion gases through a flue or chimney. If the flue is blocked or the room is under negative pressure, CO can spill back into the home.
  • Room-sealed heaters (or sealed combustion furnaces) draw air from outside and vent exhaust directly outdoors, greatly reducing CO risk.

Whenever possible, consider replacing open-flued heaters with:

  • Room-sealed gas heaters, or
  • Electric split systems/heat pumps, which are increasingly common in West Michigan.

Unflued Gas Heaters

Unflued gas heaters:

  • Draw air from the room and release combustion products back into the same space.
  • Can cause serious health problems, including death, if not properly ventilated.

If you use an unflued heater:

  • Ensure constant ventilation to the outdoors.
  • Replace any unflued heater that is over 10 years old or if you feel your health is affected when it is on.

Before buying or installing any gas heater in Michigan, consult a licensed HVAC professional about current safety codes and restrictions.

Patio Heaters and Gas Cylinders

  • Always make sure a patio heater is stable or properly fixed and use it outdoors only.
  • Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors, including basements, attached garages, or enclosed porches.
  • Never use an industrial-type heater in a home.

Never Use a Cabinet Heater Indoors

A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater fueled by an LPG bottle housed inside the heater itself. These are not recommended for residential use due to significant fire and CO risks.

Staying Warm Safely in Grand Rapids Winters

If you are not using your gas heater, or if it has been shut down for safety reasons, consider safe alternative heating methods, such as:

  • Properly installed electric heat pumps or baseboard heaters
  • Electric space heaters with tip-over and overheat protection (used according to manufacturer instructions)
  • Weatherization and insulation improvements to reduce heat loss in older Grand Rapids homes

Remember, cold indoor temperatures can also be dangerous, particularly for:

  • Older adults
  • Infants and young children
  • People with heart or lung disease

If you know someone who is struggling to heat their home safely, check on them and help them access local resources, such as:

  • Kent County Health Department programs
  • Local utility assistance programs (Consumers Energy, DTE Energy)
  • Community organizations and churches offering heating assistance

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

In an emergency:

  • Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, smell gas, or have a fire.

Other important resources:

  • Emergency Departments

    • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities in the Grand Rapids area

  • Your Primary Care Provider (GP)

    • For evaluation of symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or chest pain that may be related to CO exposure.

  • Kent County Health Department / Grand Rapids Public Health

    • For guidance on housing safety and environmental health concerns.

  • Licensed HVAC Contractor / Gasfitter

    • For installation, servicing, and safety checks of gas heaters, furnaces, and boilers.

  • Michigan Poison Center (via 1-800-222-1222)

    • For immediate advice on suspected poisoning, including carbon monoxide.

Key Points for Gas Heating Safety in Grand Rapids

  • An unsafe gas heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes, including carbon monoxide.
  • Some gas heaters and older furnaces pose a serious health risk if not properly installed, vented, and maintained.
  • A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems, especially for children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.
  • High levels of carbon monoxide are life-threatening and may cause people to pass out or die.
  • Symptoms of CO poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for flu or winter fatigue.
  • Have your gas heater professionally serviced at least every 2 years—and consider yearly checks in Grand Rapids due to heavy winter use.
  • Install certified CO alarms near sleeping areas and in rooms with gas appliances.
  • Never use outdoor gas appliances indoors, and never leave gas heaters running while you sleep or are away.

By combining regular professional servicing, proper ventilation, CO alarms, and safe use habits, Grand Rapids residents can enjoy warm homes throughout winter while minimizing the health and safety risks of gas heating.