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Staying Gas Safe FAQS

  • Why is gas safety important?

    Dangerous gas work can be deadly. Badly fitted and poorly maintained gas appliances can cause:

    1. gas leaks
    2. fires
    3. explosions
    4. carbon monoxide poisoning

    Getting all your gas appliances safety checked or serviced every year will keep you and your family safe, as this will make sure appliances are working correctly and will reduce the risk of a dangerous situation occurring.

  • The map shows regional detail, but what about the national picture?

    Gas safety is a national issue and the guidance we give applies whether you are in Aberdeen or Aberystwyth. Generally, we don’t directly compare one region to another because there can be lots of differences in the size of the population, types of properties or even the types of fuel used.

    At a national level we take the statistics and data we gather from our own inspections and add that to material from a variety of other sources including the Gas Distribution Networks, HSE and others. We do know that the best way to keep yourself and your family gas safe is to have your gas appliances safety checked every year by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.

  • If I sign up to receive a text/SMS reminder will this cost me?

    You will not be charged for receiving your reminder by text/SMS or email.

  • If I change my mind how do I opt-out of receiving text/SMS and email reminders?

    You may opt-out of receiving text/SMS reminders at any time by calling us on 0800 408 5500 or by sending an email to marketing@gassaferegister.co.uk.

    You can opt out of email reminders by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email or by sending an email to marketing@gassaferegister.co.uk.

  • What is the difference between a gas safety check and a service?

    A gas safety check assesses the basic safety of gas appliances in your home to ensure they are all working correctly and safely. A Gas Safe registered engineer will assess the following four areas:

    • Gas appliances are on the right setting and burning correctly with the correct operating pressure
    • Harmful gases are being removed from the appliance safely to the air outside
    • That any ventilation routes are clear and adequate
    • All the safety devices are working properly

    A service will consist of a full check of a gas appliance and - in addition to the above checks - the registered engineer will dismantle the appliance to inspect and clean it. The engineer will assess the physical condition of the appliance, installation pipework, air vents and any flues for deterioration. They will carry out performance tests to ensure the appliance is operating safely and efficiently and take any necessary remedial action, alerting you to any issues.

  • How often do I need a safety check or service?

    Just like you MOT your car, a service or safety check should be carried out every year on all of your gas appliances.

    Rent your home? By law, your landlord must have each gas appliance they provide safety checked once a year and give you a copy of the Landlord's Gas Safety Record. You are responsible for the safety of the gas appliances you own.

    Appliances should be serviced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the manufacturer's instructions are not available, an annual service is recommended. Servicing your gas appliances regularly will make sure they are safe to use. It will also maintain your appliances’ efficiency and performance.

  • Signs that your appliances need checking or servicing

    Gas appliances should be safety checked/serviced regularly but if you notice any of the warning signs below you should arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to safety check or service your appliance immediately:

    • You feel unwell when the appliance is operating
    • You smell fumes
    • Your gas appliance is not working properly
    • Your appliance is burning with a lazy yellow flame instead of a crisp blue flame
    • You can see black marks or stains on or around your gas appliances
    • The pilot light keeps going out
    • There is increased condensation in the room
  • How much does a gas safety check or service cost?

    Independent research shows that gas safety checks can range from £25 - £70. Servicing can range from £80 - £120*

    As costs vary across the country, we recommend that you talk to a Gas Safe registered engineer and ask advice on what you need for your home. For instance, if you are having a service on your boiler it would be a good time to get all other appliances in your home safety checked, such as your gas fire or cooker.

    Ask for a free written quotation from two or three businesses to ensure you are getting best value.

    *Average service costs from Checkatrade research March 2023.

  • Are any free checks available?

    If you receive benefits and/or are on your energy supplier's Priority Service Register you may be entitled to get free gas safety checks from your energy supplier. Call the number on your gas bill to find out.

  • Who can carry out a gas safety check or service?

    Only Gas Safe registered engineers can work on gas – it's the law. Always check a gas engineer is on the Register before employing them to carry out work. Check them out at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call our free helpline on 0800 408 5500. When your engineer arrives on your doorstep, always ask to see their Gas Safe Register ID card before letting them in.

  • How long will the safety check or service take?

    It shouldn't take too long but it will depend on the number of appliances and what type of appliance they are.

  • What will I need for a safety check or service?

    Always try to make sure you have the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions available for each appliance. The engineer will use these and other industry guidance documents to check the specific requirements for each appliance to ensure it is safe.

  • Will I receive a gas safety certificate from the engineer?

    Homeowners: once a gas safety check has been completed they may leave you with a Gas Safety Record or other documentation that explains which checks have been done and the test results. It isn't a legal requirement that they give you this information, but many Gas Safe registered engineers will. Agree with your engineer what documentation you will receive before they complete the work.

    Tenants: the Gas Safe registered engineer will provide a Gas Safety Record to your landlord and your landlord legally must provide you with a copy of it.

    View a copy of the Gas Safety Record

  • What other certificates could I receive?

    If you have a new or replacement gas appliance (with the exception of most cookers) installed by a registered engineer, you should also receive other documents such as a commissioning record and Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Find out more about Building Regulations at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.

  • What about carbon monoxide alarms?

    You should also fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. It will give you a warning if carbon monoxide is present in your home, but it's no substitute for having an annual gas safety check or servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

     

  • How can I find out more information and contact Gas Safe Register?

    Visit our main website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk for further information. Or contact us directly by calling our free helpline on 0800 408 5500 or email enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

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Gas map data is supplied by the following companies:

Wales and West Northern Gas Networks Scotia Cadent Gas Safe Register
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Gas map data is supplied by the following companies:

Wales and West Northern Gas Networks Scotia Cadent Gas Safe Register