Red-Tagged Furnace or Water Heater? Here’s What It Means

Red-Tagged Furnace or Water Heater? Here’s What It Means

Has a technician recently red-tagged your furnace, water heater, or gas appliance? Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. At HVAC Ontario, we want to help you understand what it means, why it happens, and what steps you should take to stay safe and get your system back up and running.

🔧 What Does It Mean When an Appliance Is Red-Tagged?

A red tag is a safety notice placed on a gas-powered appliance—like your furnace, boiler, or water heater—when it’s been deemed unsafe to operate. This tag is issued by a licensed technician who is legally required to flag potential hazards that could put your home and family at risk.

Depending on the issue, the technician may also be required to shut off the gas supply immediately.

🛑 Type A vs. Type B Red Tags: What’s the Difference?

There are two main types of red tags:

• Type A Red Tag:
  This means there’s an immediate danger—such as a major gas leak or cracked heat exchanger that could lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Your gas will be shut off right away, and the appliance must not be used until repaired or replaced.

• Type B Red Tag:
  This signals a potential hazard that needs to be fixed, but it’s not immediately life-threatening. You typically have 30 days to address the issue. If not resolved in time, your gas utility provider will shut off the supply.

⚠ Why Gas Appliances Get Red-Tagged

Some common reasons include:

• Cracked or damaged heat exchangers

• Gas or carbon monoxide leaks

• Improper venting or blocked flues

• Faulty safety valves or controls

• Outdated or non-compliant equipment

These issues can result from regular wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or poor installation.

🛠 What to Do Next

If your appliance has been red-tagged:

1. Don’t ignore it. Red tags are issued for safety. Ignoring them can lead to serious health risks or legal consequences.

2. Call HVAC Ontario right away. Our licensed technicians will assess the issue, explain your options, and guide you through the repair or replacement process.

3. Choose repair or replacement. If your unit is aging or beyond repair, upgrading to a high-efficiency system may be the smarter investment.

4. Explore your options. We offer financing and rental programs so you can restore safety without straining your budget.

5. Book regular maintenance. Prevent future issues with annual inspections and tune-ups by our qualified professionals.

🏡 Stay Safe with HVAC Ontario

A red-tagged appliance doesn’t have to be a headache. It’s an opportunity to improve your home’s safety and comfort. At HVAC Ontario, we offer fast, reliable service across the province. Whether you need emergency repair, a second opinion, or a new installation—we’re here to help.

📞 Call us today to speak with a certified technician and get your gas appliance fixed fast—before it becomes a bigger problem.