Over the winter months, millions of homeowners rely on gas appliances to keep their homes comfortable - they are the engines of the home and work hardest at this time of year. Gas safety is always an important consideration when it comes to ensuring they're working efficiently and safely.
Gas appliances can pose a significant risk to you and your family if they are not properly maintained. Unchecked items can lead to things like carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks, so it’s a good idea to have a Gas Safe registered engineer inspect your home for safety.
Gas Safety Tips
Gas appliances should be checked yearly
If you are on a means-tested benefit, pension or chronically ill or disabled and your gas appliance qualifies as "heating" under the ECO Scheme, then you may be entitled to go on your energy company's Priority Services Register. This register entitles customers to free annual gas safety checks performed by a qualified heating engineer. Find out whether yours will provide one when they come round, and if not get in touch with them right away!
Make sure gas engineers are registered
Gas appliances in the United Kingdom must be maintained by a Gas Safe engineer. You should use only those engineers who are on the Gas Safe Register.
Get your boiler serviced
Carrying out a gas safety inspection can help ensure your heating system is running safely and efficiently. It prevents any chances of gas leaks and issues that may occur, helping keep you and your family safe.
We also recommend always having your gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer when you move into a new home, or if you are a landlord to get your property serviced every time a new tenant moves in.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include fatigue, nausea and headaches. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:
- Open your doors and windows immediately
- Turn off gas appliances and turn the gas off at the meter
- Double-check for any naked flames Leave your home
Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 if you think there's any danger
Inspect your appliances to make sure they are working correctly
Check for warning signs that your appliances may not be working properly, some of these signs include:
- Your gas stove's flame should be blue, not yellow or orange.
- Gas appliances, such as the burner on your stove or water heater, may have dirty black or sooty markings around them.
- If your pilot lights go out frequently, condensation may collect inside your windows.
Purchase a good carbon monoxide alarm.
Because carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, an audible alarm can be a good way to protect you. Carbon monoxide alarms look like smoke alarms and are easy to install.
Hire an engineer if there are any renovations happening
In these days of rising house prices, people are more inclined to renovate their homes instead of moving elsewhere. Any work done by a subcontractor should be checked to see if gas is involved. A registered engineer will need to perform the work if that's the case. It's crucial to hire someone who can carry out the appropriate checks since builders may not understand gas safety.
Where can I find professional heating engineers?
Any price you are quoted at Atom Gas Ltd is the price you pay. Our reputation has been built on quality workmanship at a fair price, and our service keeps growing because we keep things simple, you can read through a few reviews left by our customers by visiting our reviews page.
We cover the areas of Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Whitstable and Canterbury. When you have doubts about your gas appliances, you should always consult a professional. Our Gas Safe registered engineers are also available to answer your questions by telephone for free. It doesn't matter what the job is, we are happy to help. Get in touch with our team by calling 01227 678047 or sending an email to atomenquiries@gmail.com.
