Watch the flame
A safe gas flame is crisp and blue. A lazy yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide — a clear sign the appliance needs attention.
Soot, staining and condensation
Black marks or sooty staining around an appliance, and heavy condensation on nearby windows when it’s running, can both indicate it isn’t burning or venting correctly.
Smells and sounds
A smell of gas, or a persistent odd smell when an appliance runs, should never be ignored — nor should an appliance that keeps needing relighting or behaves erratically.
What to do
If you smell gas, turn it off at the meter, ventilate, don’t touch switches, get out and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. For non-emergency faults, stop using the appliance and book a Gas Safe engineer.
Noticed a yellow flame, soot or an odd smell from a gas appliance? Don’t risk it — we’re Gas Safe registered and cover South Manchester and Cheshire.
See our gas appliance service
