ProTech HVAC

…Keep in mind that the state plumbing license does not include specific training for fuel gas systems or fire code, just for wastewater, and the current program for fuel gas is only VOLUNTARY. That means there are over 10,000 people in the state working on our fuel gas systems and appliances without demonstrated ability. It is legal for anyone to install, repair, modify or remove your gas heating system or appliance. How safe does that make you feel? Our family, along with many others can testify that even when you think you’ve hired a professional (in our case, a clean up and repair firm that was nationally contracted with our insurance company); they do not have to be trained for fuel gas in NH.The explosion in our Moultonborough lake house that took the life of our 5 yr old daughter Amilia is not an isolated incident. MTI industries, tracks gas related accidents. Across the nation, there is a gas explosion occurring nearly every day. (see MTI Industries.com. In Enfield, NH, a woman received permanent brain damage and her son and boyfriend died because of carbon monoxide exposure when a gas repairman failed to put the system back together correctly. Two people died in a fire and explosion at the Lilac Falls Motel in Rochester, NH., because of an incorrectly repaired gas furnace. Recently, in Grantham, the gas company failed to recognize an improper venting situation, and an outside tennis court exploded, causing one death and injuring two others. Recently in Amherst, there was an emergency carbon monoxide call due to an improperly installed gas water heater. Another incident in Hanover was caused because of installer error, which caused an explosion with tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The Amerigas case involved a Belmont family whose son died after the gas company repaired an LP space heater. And just recently, Maureen Syr testified about a situation in her Concord development where improper gas conversion installations have caused numerous problems that have failed to be remedied, eventually causing evacuation for carbon monoxide. A number of people have come forward with similar issues. She felt compelled to testify when a plumber she hired to install a new system, because the original installer failed to correct the problem, told her, “you need a license to install piping to flush your toilet, but you don’t need a license to work on a burner that uses combustible material” All these incidents and many more were due to improperly installed or repaired gas systems or appliances. The need for certification and provable, demonstrated capability to work with these explosive materials is evident.

Sen. Kenney testified that there have been six bills before the House and Senate since 1989, the year our son Andrew was born. Andrew and our other daughter Anna survived the fire, not without emotional trauma. I’m not sure they will ever truly feel safe anywhere again. I know I don’t. Please don’t let another tragedy occur before you pass this important piece of legislation. Please vote in favor of HB1711. For more information, please go to www.amiliaslaw.org

Sincerely,
Craig and Michelle Luhrmann