As you know by now, here at eSpares we help you to repair all your appliances yourself so you can save money. Hold onto your hats everyone because there is one exception. Yes, you read that right. Repairing your gas appliances yourself is a big no-no.

We want our customers to be safe above all else so here are the key facts you need to know about gas appliance safety.

How do you know if your appliances are gas appliances?

If you’ve inherited your appliances or moved into furnished accommodation where they’re inbuilt you may not know whether or not they’re gas models. Here’s how you can find out.

 

Cookers

A gas cooker has blue flames burning around the hob rings and inside the oven when it’s turned on. Bear in mind cookers can be a combo of gas and electric so you could have an electric oven and a gas hob or vice versa.

 

Boilers

Old gas boilers had pilot lights with blue flames visible from the outside, but this is not usually the case with modern versions. Instead, look at your gas meter when your heating is on and off. If more gas is being used when the heating is on you’ve got yourself a gas boiler.

 

Fires

Ever wondered how some homes (usually fancy ones) have fires that burn with flames at the touch of a button? These, our friends, are gas fires.

 

Tumble dryers

Most tumble dryer models are electric, but there are gas models available. Look at the back of yours. If you see a flexible rubber hose about an inch in diameter going into the dryer (in addition to the power cord and potentially the larger vent hose) your tumble dryer is powered by gas.

 

BBQs

Similar to gas cookers, gas BBQs will burn with a blue flame. The difference is they’re powered by gas canisters instead of your mains gas supply.

Still not sure about your appliance? Seek out the appliance manual and you’ve got your answer.

What are the dangers of faulty gas appliances?

Let’s put it this way, faulty gas appliances are no laughing matter. Gas leaks from your appliances can cause fires or devastating explosions. Also, improperly burning gas can give off carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are:

• A headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling sick
• Feeling short of breath
• Passing out
• Collapsing

If you breathe too much carbon monoxide in it can kill you. So first things first, if you suspect a CO leak turn off your gas appliances, open the doors and windows and go outside. Then seek help from medical and gas safety professionals.

To stay safe make sure any gas appliance vents and flues are clear and unblocked. You can also get a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to any CO gas in your home.

The Gas Safe Register reports that 1 in 6 homes has an unsafe gas appliance. So it’s worth checking yours and telling your neighbours too.

What are the symptoms of faulty gas appliances?

• The flame in the appliance is not burning properly.
• There is excess condensation in the room the appliance is in.
• There is soot or a stained area on or around the appliance.
• You can smell gas.
• The pilot light keeps going out.

Even if your appliances have no symptoms it’s best to have them checked annually by a Gas Safe engineer to be on the safe side.

What should you do if you suspect your gas appliance is faulty?

Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.

You should also:

• Turn off the gas supply via the emergency valve next to your gas meter.
• Don’t turn on any electrical equipment.
• Open windows and doors to aid ventilation and go outside.
• Put out any naked flames.
• Go to the hospital if you’re feeling ill and think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do you know if an engineer can safely repair your gas appliances?

Different engineers are qualified to work on different types of gas appliances. When they arrive, be sure to check their ID card and double-check that they’re qualified to work on your faulty machine.

More important than saving money is staying safe so please do contact the professionals if you have any doubts at all about the gas appliances in your home. Better safe than sorry!

So in summary, stay safe at home and leave gas appliance repairs to the folks who have the professional safety training.

Tags: appliance safety, gas appliances