How to Test for Gas in the Home

Different kinds of gases can present dangers within your home. Carbon monoxide, or CO, a colorless and odorless gas, kills nearly 200 people a year in the United States. Natural gas is used to heat homes and cook food. Another is radon, a radioactive gas. Natural gas is easy to smell if it leaks within your home because of the additive mercaptan. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon has no smell. Testing for such gases is easy and essential for home safety.

Things You'll Need

• Radon testing kit
• Gas detector
• CO alarm

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Instructions

• 1

  Buy a radon testing kit. You can also opt to hire a professional radon tester through your state's radon office, but this is more expensive.

• 2

  Place the kit in an occupied area.

  Follow instructions if you use a radon testing kit. Testing kits should be used on the lower floors of your home, such as a basement or first floor. Place your kit in an area that your family often uses.

• 3

  Place the kit into a package.

  Place the kit into a sealable package once the test is completed. Testing will take about two days. Send the kit to the lab specified on your testing kit. The lab will send you results.

• 4

  Call for help.

  Turn off your gas line and leave your home immediately if you smell a rotten-egg odor in your home. This is a sign of natural gas leaking in your home. Call your gas company or fire department, and alert them that you have a gas leak.

• 5

  Don't try to find the leak yourself.

  Hire a professional to inspect your home for the location of your gas leak. It isn't safe for you to determine the location of the leak, as this can result in potential harm to you.

• 6

  Test the alarm on your CO alarm.

  Install a CO alarm in your home, especially if you have an attached garage. Use the test button located on the CO alarm to ensure that the device is working properly.