Can I Run Butane Through the Attic?

Butane

• Butane is a gas used in a variety of applications, including cigarette lighters, and is also a major component of liquid propane gas, which is used for fuel in furnaces and heaters when natural gas is not an option. While pure butane is not usually channeled for household applications, there is a good chance the gas you are using has some butane in it.

Running Gas Lines to Appliances

• It is sometimes necessary to route a gas line through an attic. For example, if your gas furnace is in the attic you will need to run a pipe to it. Running gas lines through an attic might save on materials and supplies required to reaching other areas of the house as well. As long as you use proper installation techniques with the right kind of copper-based gas lines, you may run them through your attic.

Venting Exhaust

• The gas you use 1 no matter what kind — will typically produce exhaust that must be properly vented outside the home. When working with an attic space it may be tempting to simply vent into the attic and then allow the air to seep through your attic vents outside. Always install vents that lead directly to outdoor air. Venting into your attic is very dangerous, creating moisture, toxic gas and fire hazard issues.

Air Intake

• Phoenix-based Horizon Energy Systems warns that when gas-fueled water heaters or furnaces are placed in the attic of a home, special precautions are required to ensure proper venting. Failure to do so, the company warns, may result in negative pressure that can create danger from "combustion gases."