Your home is filled with the convenience of gas appliances. When well maintained and properly uses, gas appliances provide energy efficient heat for cooking, comfort, and many other functions.

Like all appliances in the home, there are steps that you should take to ensure that your gas appliances remain safe and efficient. Understand the risks that some gas appliances can pose, and take the necessary steps to prevent them.

Gas Leak
Gas has a very distinctive and easy to identify smell. If you notice this smell in your home at any time, you should assume that there is a gas leak and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

Minimize the risk to you and your home by following these simple instructions.

1. Open all doors and windows to ventilate the home.
2. Approach the gas supply meter and turn off the gas supply.
3. Call a professional.

It is also important that you do not turn on any electrical switches, even your lights, or ignite any flames, including cigarettes, when you are near a potential gas leak. Gas in the air is combustible and committing either of these actions could create a damaging or even deadly explosion.

In most cases, the problem will simply be that the gas was left on and not that it is leaking. However, it is well worth the extra effort to prevent catastrophe.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced during the burning of fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, and charcoal. In most situations, only a small amount is produced, and with proper ventilation, it does not create a concern. However, there are times when CO levels can become dangerous and present a severe, even deadly, health threat.

Although Carbon Monoxide is colourless and odourless, there are some warning signs that you can watch for. With a gas, fire look for a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one, a strange smell when the fire is on, and any stains or soot around the fire itself. If the gas appliance is a boiler look for the same yellow flame, uncommon smell, and stains at the top of the unit.

You can also minimize the risk of CO poisoning by ensuring that your gas appliances are well maintained and inspected by a ‘Gas Safe’ (CORGI) registered engineer at least once every 12 months.

You should protect your home with a carbon monoxide detector as well. Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected by a person’s sense of sight or smell, a CO detector is the only way to know if you are being exposed to unhealthy levels.

Redecorating
It’s a great idea to take risks when you redecorate, but be sure to limit these risks to the choice of a bold new colour. When it comes to your gas appliances, redecorate safely.

If you are redecorating or remodelling your home, consider your gas appliances as part of your planning. If these appliances must be moved or reinstalled it is important that you hire a ‘Gas Safe’ (CORGI) certified engineer to complete the task.
It is also important that you never paint a gas appliance as this poses risks of chemical emissions and fire. Finally, if you are considering any sort of home addition, ensure that the flue of your boiler is not obstructed or enclosed.

Do It Yourself
Unless you are a ‘Gas Safe’ (CORGI) registered engineer, the installation, or repair of a gas appliance is not a DIY project. Non-professionals who attempt these tasks run the risk of creating a gas leak, or even an explosion.