A gas fire can be a quick and relatively low maintenance way to heat your home; with an instant and constant supply of heat whenever you need it, it’s easy to see why people choose them. However, as with any gas product, there are some safety considerations to bear in mind when you choose to have a gas fire installed; failing to understand what gas is capable of can have very serious implications indeed.
Use a Gas Safe engineer to install your gas fire
If you want a gas fire but don’t have one yet, a non-negotiable from both a safety and a quality sense is engaging with a Gas Safe engineer for installation. These engineers are specially trained to correctly position and install gas fires so that they operate safely, as well as provide a sufficient and reliable amount of heat.
Gas safe engineers will be able to confidently answer any questions that you have, allay any fears, and tell you what to look out for to ensure your gas fire stays fully functioning and safe to use.
Have your gas fire serviced
Ongoing maintenance is as vital as the initial installation, and this again needs to be done by a Gas Safe engineer. It should be carried out annually and to the manufacturer’s specifications, not only to ensure that the gas fire is working efficiently, but that all its elements are safe too.
This isn’t just safety sense either – it can prevent you from paying out for costly repairs, too. Getting your gas fire serviced once a year is an opportunity to identify problems when they are smaller and less expensive to fix.
Don’t leave your gas fire on at night
As much as possible, a gas fire should only be on when you’re around to keep an eye on things and turn it off at the first sign of it emitting carbon monoxide. Nighttime, when everyone is sleeping, is when carbon monoxide poisoning can really take hold, so it’s always best to turn your gas fire off at night.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm
A gas fire in your home should be installed hand in hand with a carbon monoxide alarm, which can detect this odourless substance in the air and alert you to its presence. Carbon monoxide can be fatal, so being able to detect it at an early stage ensures you can get medical help quickly and get your gas fire fixed as a priority.
Recognise the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
We’d recommend educating yourself about what a gas fire that could be emitting carbon monoxide looks like, and the symptoms of inhalation in you or your family.
Signs your gas fire could be emitting carbon monoxide
- Dark, sooty stains on or around your gas fire
- A pilot light that frequently blows out
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach (including vomiting)
- Chest pains
Turn to Wakefords for gas fire installation, advice and servicing
We pride ourselves on being gas fire and gas fire safety experts here in Surrey, with gas safe engineers available who can safely install and maintain your appliance. By knowing how to keep your gas fire safe, you can enjoy the glorious heat that they’re capable of whenever you need it.
If you have any questions about your fire, would like to book a service, or are interested in having a gas fire installed in your home, get in touch.