Several people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper installation and maintenance of gas appliances and chimneys. You can’t see, taste, or smell carbon monoxide. However, it can kill in just a few hours. That is why, as a landlord, you should do your best by checking the safety of the gas appliances you have installed in your home. In this article we discuss how long does a gas safety check take to complete.
What is a Gas Safety Check?
The gas safety test involves a certified Gas Safe Registered Heating Engineer who assesses your appliances’ safety and verifies that the system is working properly. They will check:
- The ventilation ducts are unobstructed and fully operational.
- The device lights up at the correct operating pressure.
- Safety devices work efficiently.
- Harmful gases are discharging outside the house.
How Long Does a Gas Safety Check Take?
Gas safety is guaranteed by regular inspections. Even if you have a gas alarm, it’s also important to have regular gas checks to make sure your home is safe.
A typical gas safety check takes 30 to 60 minutes for a normal domestic property. However, if the need arises for repairs, it may take longer. It also depends on the size of your property and location. Because the inspection includes each gas appliance in your home to ensure you are safe.
Remember that all gas checks must be performed by a Registered Gas Safety Engineer. These are people who are trained to work in the gas field. And by having regular gas checks, you can save your life, money, and time.
The Safety of Your Boiler
The boiler is the main gas appliance in any property. This is why it is included in your Gas Safety Check. During the gas check, the safety of your boiler will be checked.
Here are some signs to look out for that your boiler is no longer gas safe:
- Your boiler isn’t working properly: this can include noises, bangs and taking longer than usual to work
- Black/brown marks on or around the appliance
- The boiler pilot light keeps going out
If the check reveals that your boiler is no longer safe, then you will have to get it replaced. This can be an unexpected expense, but we can help. At Greener Homes we have a team of Gas Safe Registered Engineers to install a new boiler in your home. We have years of experience and get you a new boiler installed quickly and safetly.
Annual Gas Safety Checks
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to conduct a gas safety check every 12 months. This is carried out on any gas and hot water appliances that you have installed in your home to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. This is a legal requirement of the Gas Safety Regulations.
Once the check is done, you will be issued a Gas Safety Lease Protocol or Gas Safety Certificate detailing all the checks performed. It is also known as the CP12 certificate.
Arranging a Gas Safety Check
You should arrange for a gas safety inspection within 10-12 months after the last inspection. This will not affect the expiration date of the initial inspection. If less than 10 months or more than 12 months have passed since the last check, you will have a new deadline of 12 months from the last check.
You are not responsible for the appliances owned by your tenants. However, you still have to ensure the safety of any connecting chimneys, unless they are exclusively connected to the tenant’s appliances.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a gas safety test or service cost will depend on the Registered Gas Safe Engineer you choose. But certain circumstances, such as getting Means Test benefits, may mean you are eligible for a free gas appliance test.
Contact your energy provider to see if you are eligible for a free gas safety check.
To Conclude: How Long Does a Gas Safety Check Take?
As discussed in the article, a Gas Safety check can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. The length of time depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your property.
If there are issues that are raised during the check, some may be fixed at the time if they pose a large danger to life. However, other issues will be included in the Gas Safety Check report for you to have fixed at a later date.
Trust Greener Homes
One of the main appliances in your home that needs to be safe is your boiler. If you are having issues with your boiler or it is no longer safe, then you need to get it replaced.
You can trust Greener Homes to install your new boiler. We offer a variety of services including: boiler installation, boiler servicing and boiler repairs. It is vital that you not only keep your boiler in top shape but your other gas appliances as well.
If you have any questions or queries, feel free to give us a call. A Gas Safe Registered engineer will be able to help and advise you on anything you need.