Location: Plano, TX 75074
By: Siwei(Lucas) Chen, Lead Technician & NCI/ACCA Certified Professional — Greentech Engineering HVAC
? Overview
Plano HVAC heating safety is more important than ever for commercial buildings in North Texas.During a scheduled commercial heating inspection in Plano, TX 75074, Greentech Engineering HVAC discovered a serious safety hazard on a rooftop unit (RTU) serving the back storage room of a local business. What looked like a routine fall tune-up revealed gas leaks, burned wiring, and fire damage — all caused by a previous unprofessional installation.
This blog breaks down what went wrong, why the installation was unsafe, how our team responded, and what every property owner in DFW should know about HVAC safety.
? 1. Plano HVAC Heating Safety Issue: What We Found on the RTU
When we arrived, the customer reported:
-
No heat from the back RTU
-
Burning smell from the unit
-
Irregular operation during startup
Upon opening the access panel, we observed:
-
Melted control wiring
-
Burnt insulation
-
Discolored heat compartment
-
Excess gas odor
This was an immediate red flag.Plano HVAC heating safety requires proper gas-line installation.
?️ 2. The Cause: Gas Line Not Connected Properly by Previous Installer
The gas pipe leading into the RTU furnace was not secured to code. This improper connection caused:
⚠️ Gas leaks directly into the furnace
⚠️ A fire event that already occurred inside the RTU
⚠️ Burned wires and heat damage
⚠️ Risk of re-ignition or explosion
This is not wear and tear — it was a clear case of unprofessional, unsafe installation work by a previous contractor.
Gas-line connections must meet:
-
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
-
ACCA installation standards
-
Manufacturer specifications
This job did not follow any of them.This case shows why Plano HVAC heating safety inspections matter.
Learn more about https://www.acca.org/home
? 3. Our Immediate Action: Safety First
For the safety of the customer and building occupants, we:
-
Shut down all heating functions immediately
-
Documented the fire damage
-
Checked for carbon monoxide presence
-
Isolated the gas supply to prevent re-ignition
-
Advised full repair before the unit can be used again
? 4. Front Office RTU: Completed Tune-Up, Operating Safely
The front office system passed:
-
Heating performance test
-
CO safety check
-
Electrical and airflow inspection
-
Combustion safety review
This RTU is safe to operate.
? 5. Why HVAC Is Life-Safety Equipment — Not Just “Heating & Cooling”
Many people think HVAC is only about comfort.
But gas-fired systems involve:
-
Combustion
-
Carbon monoxide
-
Fuel piping
-
Fire and ignition
-
Safety switches
Improper installation can lead to:
-
Fire hazards
-
Gas leaks
-
CO poisoning
-
Property damage
-
Unexpected system failure
Choosing an HVAC contractor is not just about price — it’s about life safety.
? 6. Why Property Owners in DFW Choose Greentech Engineering HVAC
Greentech follows:
-
ACCA Standards
-
NCI Airflow Best Practices
-
Manufacturer-certified installation guidelines
-
Local code
-
Engineering-level diagnostics
Every job is done by certified technicians — no shortcuts, no guesswork.
? 7. Local Relevance: Serving Plano and the DFW Metro
This safety case occurred in Plano, TX 75074, but we regularly find similar dangers in:
-
Richardson
-
Allen
-
Garland
-
Frisco
-
Carrollton
-
Dallas
-
Little Elm
If your building uses rooftop units or gas heat, preventive checks are essential.Greentech’s engineering-based process improves Plano HVAC heating safety.
âť“ 8. Q&A: Common HVAC Safety Questions
Q1: What are the signs of a dangerous gas leak in an RTU?
-
Gas smell near the unit
-
Burn marks or melted wires
-
Delayed ignition or loud “boom”
-
Yellow burner flames
-
Heating system shutting off repeatedly
Q2: How often should commercial RTUs be inspected?
For DFW weather, we recommend:
✔ Twice per year — one for heating season, one for cooling season.
Q3: What happens if a gas line is not installed properly?
Improper installation can cause:
-
Gas leaks
-
Fires
-
CO exposure
-
Explosion risk
-
System failure
-
Voided manufacturer warranties
Q4: Can a business stay open if a heating unit is unsafe?
Yes — as long as the unsafe unit is shut off and the building still meets occupancy safety requirements.
? Author:Siwei(Lucas) Chen
Founder & Lead Engineer, Greentech Engineering Heating & Air Conditioning
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
ACCA Certified (Manual J, S, D)
NCI-Certified in Air Balancing & Duct Optimization
Daikin Comfort Pro Contractor
10+ Years HVAC Engineering Experience in Dallas–Fort Worth
Siwei(Lucas) Chen is a mechanical engineer and the founder of Greentech Engineering Heating & Air Conditioning. With a strong background in engineering principles and building science, Lucas brings an engineering-level diagnostic approach to every HVAC project.
Siwei(Lucas) Chen specializes in solving complex airflow, comfort, and efficiency problems, especially in Dallas–Fort Worth two-story homes, where improper duct design and system sizing are common.
His engineering mindset, attention to detail, and commitment to safety set a high standard for HVAC installation and service in DFW.
? Schedule a Heating Safety Check in Plano or the DFW Area
If you smell gas, notice performance issues, or haven’t serviced your RTU recently, schedule a safety inspection.
? Greentech Engineering HVAC
? 469-551-6806
Serving: Plano, Richardson, Allen, Garland, Dallas, Frisco, Carrollton & the entire DFW Metro.