Manchester Home Gas Inspections

Gas appliances such as boilers, ovens and gas fires should be maintained according to the manufacturers instructions. The maintenance should be undertaken by a registered Gas Safe engineer.

If gas appliances are not checked every year then you could be running the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Free gas checks

You maybe entitled to a free gas safety check if you are on means tested benefit and:

• You are a pensioner.
• You are disabled/seriously sick and live alone or with another pensioner.
• You are living with other people where one person is at least under 5 years old.
• You have not had a gas safety check within the last 12 months.

These exemptions are only guidelines are only a general overview. Please contact your gas supplier for eligibility.

When appliances need checking

Your appliances may need maintenance if:

• The gas appliance is not working properly.
• The appliance is showing a lazy yellow/orange flame - it should be bright blue.
• There is soot or brown/yellow stains on or around the appliance.
• The pilot light keeps extinguishing.
• The windows have increased condensation.

If you notice any of the above signs then get a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect the appliances immediately.

Flues/Chimneys � Chimneys and flues act as a vent to allow airflow out of the house. These passages should not be blocked up as this could create a build up of carbon monoxide. Have chimneys swept annually and check for birds nests, general debris and leaves which may block the airway.

Shared flues � If you live in a shared building then carbon monoxide can spread into other properties so it�s important that all residence that responsibility to have the flues checked and cleaned on a regular basis.

What happens during a gas safety check

The registered Gas Safe engineer will:

• Make sure that your appliance is burning correctly and not emitting carbon monoxide.
• Make sure that any dangerous gases produced by appliances are being removed safely into the outside air.
• Make sure that all ventilation paths are clear.
• Make sure that the appliances are working properly.

It is the minimum duty of the engineer to ensure that:

• All appliances are in the correct location.
• All chimney/flue appliances are installed properly and safe.
• There is a sufficient supply of air to appliances.
• Appliances are burning correctly and set up correctly.
• Appliances are operating safely and correctly.

Gas Safety records

After the registered engineer has finished checking the appliances, they will give you a report that outlines the checks undertaken. This gas safety certificate is confirmation that the appliances tested work properly, safely and conforms to the right safety standards.