Gas safety tips for your home
Ensuring that your home is gas-safe should be at the top of your priorities, as unsafe gas appliances can lead to a number of problems, along with fatality at worst.
It is important that appliances are regularly checked and that all gas appliances are installed by a qualified gas fitter. Gas safety is not something to be taken lightly. Here are RJW Gas Services gas safety tips for your home.
Check your appliances annually
Hot water systems, gas cookers and gas fires should be checked annually to ensure they are safe to use. Warning signs like lazy yellow flames (as flames should always be predominantly blue), black marks on the appliance or too much condensation in the room can be indicators that an appliance is not functioning in a safe manner.
Install carbon monoxide alarms
Installation of carbon monoxide alarms can save your life. While learning to recognise symptoms of carbon monoxide poising including headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea and loss of consciousness is also important.
Why use gas?
Gas cooktops can be more energy and cost effective than electrical stovetops. Gas stoves with electronic ignition have the potential to use 1/3 less energy than stoves with pilot lights. You also have more
control over the cooking level, being able to change the flame strength compared to conventional electrical element tops, which take a lot longer to cool down or heat up. Distribution of heat is also more even with gas, making your cooking easier and more efficient.
How to detect a gas leak?
If you smell something similar to a ‘rotten egg’, or can hear a blowing or hissing sound, you may have a gas leak. Ensure you call your gas supplier or gas fitter to resolve the problem. Turn off all gas appliances and ensure to open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow through. Pay attention by refraining from lighting a match, a lighter, open flame or any other source of ignition. Keep lights off and electrical appliances away, and do not use electrical appliances nearby the leak.
Ensure you turn off appliances
Once you are finished using your gas appliances always ensure they are turned off. In many cases, the flame will turn off however if the gas knob hasn’t been turned completely off the gas will continue to expel. Always double-check your appliances after use and prior to going to sleep.
By completing regular gas safety checks and being aware of the warning signs and risks associated with gas leaks you can ensure that you and your family stay safe at home and in the workplace! If you have further questions or would like your home to be gas safety checked contact RJW Gas Services now.