Why gas safety should be on your new home checklist

According to new analysis of the latest gas safety inspection figures carried out by Gas Safe Register, 1 in every 6 properties on the average British street, houses at least one dangerous gas appliance – from boilers, to cookers and fires. And, worryingly, they have been most commonly found in homes that have changed hands in recent years. 

What many people don’t realise is that, left not serviced and unchecked year-on-year, gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as gas leaks which – in some extreme circumstances – can lead to fires and explosions that cost lives and shatter neighbourhoods. 

If you’re moving into a new home, or have recently done so, from a gas safety perspective there are things that you should be aware of and have the confidence to ask about, so you can avoid being ‘gas-stumped’. With many homeowners potentially putting on the heating in their new home for the very first time as the clocks go back and shorter, darker, colder days arrive – Bob Kerr, Gas Services Director at Gas Safe Register, has shared some tips on how to get clued up on the gas safety basics that will ensure you don’t put your new property, loved ones or even new neighbours, in danger. 

Prepare

As soon as can you, find out where your gas Emergency Control Valve is located, so you can quickly switch the gas supply off in an emergency. In newer houses, the emergency control valve is normally outside with the gas meter – in a meter box. If it’s not there, try looking under the stairs, beneath the kitchen sink or in the garage. 

Paperwork to prove gas safety

Ask the current owners for all records they have about installation, maintenance and safety checks for their household’s gas appliances and gas pipework. And if they can’t provide a record, or it’s been more than 12 months since the last check, get in touch with a local Gas Safe registered engineer who can carry out a safety check for you. 

Play it safe 

Only Gas Safe registered engineers are experts in in the maintenance and installation of gas appliances, flues and pipework. Your homebuyer or structural surveys might not confirm if the gas appliances in your new property are working as they should be – so it’s best to never assume the gas appliances are in good working order. It’s always better to get them safety checked during the moving process or as soon you settle in, rather than wait until something goes wrong later down the line.

Pause use and know the signs 

If you’re worried about the gas safety of any appliances in a new home, don’t use them until you’ve had them checked out by an expert. Signs something could be wrong include lazy yellow flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks or sooty stains on or around the appliance, increased condensation in the room where they are located or intermittent pilot lights. 

Furthermore, it’s vital that you familiarise yourself with the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which include: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. 

Perfecting your home

If you decide to carry out some work to your home after you’ve moved in:

1. Don’t try to fit, fix or move gas appliances such as boilers, hobs or fires yourself. Use a Gas Safe registered engineer 
2. Don’t block or cover air vents and flues – your gas appliance will need ventilation to work safely
3. Before drilling, hammering or putting screws into a wall or floor, check what’s behind them! 

For more information on how to stay gas safe in your home, as well as to find a local Gas Safe registered engineer in your area, visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

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