Is your home gas safe?
Ambient heating and plumbing offer many services, including work with gas, to Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside and surrounding areas. Gas can potentially be very dangerous to your home, which why we have put together the following advice. So please continue reading, so you can feel confident that your house is gas safe!
Gas Safety
Is your house displaying warning signs?
You should regularly keep a lookout for any signs that a gas appliance is not working as it should. Excessive condensation, black stains and lazy yellow flames are all indicators that something is not right. However, it is important to note that these are not the only signs. Moreover, appliances can appear to be displaying no signs, yet still be dangerous. This is why it is essential to have your appliances checked yearly.
If you do notice any of these signs, before your appointment is due, make sure you quickly seek professional assistance.
Have you had your annual gas service?
You should have all your gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Any professional working with gas must be gas safe registered- otherwise they are breaching the law! Your engineer will check and test your appliances, ensuring they are all in good and safe working conditions. They will also make sure there are no gas leaks. You will then be issued with a gas safety certificate. This should give you confidence and reassurance that your household is gas safe!
Legally it is your responsibility to arrange for a gas service every twelve months. So make sure you keep up-to-date with this! If it’s coming up a year since your last inspection, make an appointment ASAP!
Have you installed a carbon monoxide detector?
If you haven’t already, you should get an audible carbon monoxide alarm. You cannot rely on your senses to detect carbon monoxide-it cannot be seen, tasted, or smelt! An audible alarm is therefore strongly recommended to help keep yourself protected. They look like smoke alarms and are fairly cheap to purchase. They are also easy to install. For help with installation click here. If you do struggle with fitting one, your local tradesmen will happily help.
If your detector keeps going off- even if you are not experiencing any of the following symptoms- you should contact your local engineer to inspect your appliances, as your house may not be safe!
Are you aware of carbon monoxide symptoms?
Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous, potentially fatal gas, which faulty gas appliances can emit. Although your detector should let you know if this gas present, you should know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning- just to be extra safe!
Knowing these symptoms could actually be lifesaving:
- Feeling dizzy
- Having headaches
- Feeling nauseous
- Experiencing breathlessness
- Losing consciousness, or collapsing
- Any other symptoms you notice, which leave when you depart home, but return when your back.
If there is not an obvious cause for experiencing these symptoms, you should urgently seek medical advice and contact an engineer.
Needing a gas service in Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside?
If you are living in Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside or its surrounding areas, and would like any more information on gas safety, or you need a gas service, please contact us. We are confident that our gas and heating engineers can help solve all your gas and heating related problems!