Winter is coming. Are you heating your home safely?

It’s that time of year again, Halloween and Bonfire Night have been and gone and winter is on its way. Contacting us now for a boiler safety check is a sensible move.

As your mind starts to wander towards Christmas planning, present lists and ordering the turkey, spare a thought for your poor heating system – out of use for half a year and suddenly pressed into service again as the mercury falls.

The truth is, gas appliance maintenance is very often overlooked, or lost amongst the rest of life’s never ending to-do list.

Boilers, cookers, gas fires – all examples of great pieces of technology that just tick along in the background, until they don’t. Cue a panicked call to an emergency gas engineer and make way for what could be a very costly repair bill, or worse.

Not servicing your boiler and other appliances, means they’re more likely to break down. A costly mistake in more ways than one. And not only can a faulty heating system pack a nasty punch to your wallet, it can actually put your health, and the safety of your family at risk.

Here’s how you can stay safe this winter and spend the festive season celebrating as you should.

A winter health check for your home

Many of us prepare for the colder months by getting a flu jab, wrapping up warm and ensuring we have a Vitamin C supply on tap. We often neglect what could be a very real threat to our health – the appliances in our own homes.

The Department for Health cites faulty boilers as one of the leading causes of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in the UK.

Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is a harmful gas that can be produced by appliances which have been incorrectly fitted, or poorly maintained. It also builds up in chimneys and flues. It can be deadly, as CO poisoning is commonly mistaken for a run of the mill virus, or even a hangover (things we might all expect to hit us in the coming months).

As we start to use our boilers more, now is a good time for a boiler service.

CO poisoning – know the signs

So, how do you distinguish between feeling a bit ropey after the office Christmas party and something more serious? If you find yourself experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to check whether anyone else at home is feeling something similar, as even pets can be affected.

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect a CO leak in your home, open all the windows, turn off all gas appliances and get fresh air immediately. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible.

As well as making you seriously unwell, the escape of toxic gas in your home can result in potential fire and explosion. If you believe there is immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 (GB).

How to keep your home safe this winter

Getting your home checked out annually, by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer is the best way to protect yourself and your family from harm. Shockingly, Gas Safe Register engineers found 1 in 6 homes they inspected had unsafe gas appliances.

Fitting an accredited Carbon Monoxide alarm can also act as extra reassurance that you and your family will be safe over the coming months. As they are activated when Carbon Monoxide is already in your home, they shouldn’t be relied upon as your sole safety measure. Your engineer can recommend the best options available.

Giving your home the once over couldn’t be easier

All gas engineers should be registered on the Gas Safe Register to legally carry out any work on your home. This is a great place to search for a qualified engineer.

Of course, you could always make life even easier and book your qualified home health check here. A service with one of our Gas Safe-registered engineers couldn’t be simpler to book, and it’s a small price to pay for total peace of mind this festive season.

Need help with your boiler or heating system? Contact us today