Red Tags issued by Colorado Springs Utilities

     Colorado Springs Utilities issues red tags when they find a gas appliance to be operating in an unsafe condition, such as a furnace or water heater that has a severe gas leak or is leaking carbon monoxide.  When a red tag is issued, the gas supply to the appliance is turned off and the homeowner or occupant of the home is issued a redtag warning and must have the unsafe condition corrected by a licensed heating contractor within 5 days. Failure to have the unsafe condition corrected within the specified time may result in the gas supply being turned off to the entire home by CS Utilities.
     Red tags must be cleared by a licensed heating contractor who must note the specific correction has been made, sign the form, then must either mail or fax the completed form to CSU in order to avoid interruption of gas service to the home.
     Redtags are issued when a furnace, water heater or other gas appliance is operating in such a manner that can cause a threat to either life, property or health. A red tagged appliance is a serious matter and should be addressed immediately.
     In many instances where a furnace has been redtagged, there is a carbon monoxide issue with the heating system. Carbon monoxide problems can arise from improperly vented appliances, insufficient combustion air, or dirt and soot accumulation within the appliance. Many of these situations can be avoided by having your heating system serviced and inspected annually by a qualified heating contractor.
     Basset Heating & Air Conditioning can remedy redtagged appliances in many cases. Generally a redtagged appliance can be serviced and safely put back into operation. Sometimes, however, such as in the case of a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger or extreme buildup of black soot, it is necessary to replace the furnace.
     Installing carbon monoxide detectors in the home is strongly recommended. It is better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes. CO detectors, like smoke alarms, should be tested on a regular basis to ensure they are working properly. Avoid a possible tragedy in your home and be sure to have working CO and smoke alarms in your home.