Although we're slowly using less gas to heat homes and water, it’s still a key part of most people’s lives.
In the UK, around 23 million homes have a gas boiler and more than 36 million people cook with gas appliances.
But while it’s safe to use gas to heat our homes and cook our food, it’s important to be aware of the risks if things aren’t properly maintained.
Gas appliances that aren't working or installed correctly can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or are at a greater risk of fire.
An easy way to ensure appliances like your oven and boiler remain safe is to get a gas safety check each year.
However, if the fee (between £34 and £90) is holding you back, it’s worth checking whether you could be eligible for a free gas safety check, giving you increased peace of mind without cutting into your budget.
If you, or someone in your home, has reached State Pension age, or is disabled or chronically ill, you could be eligible for a free gas safety check. This also applies if you live with a child, such as a grandchild, who is under the age of five.
The key thing that will determine whether you’re eligible to get the checks for free, though, is your income.
“You must also meet certain eligibility criteria such as a means-tested benefit or income support measure stated by Ofgem,” explains Earl Richards, Technical Manager at gas distribution network Cadent.
“If you don’t, you won’t qualify for the services on offer from the programme.”
Eligible benefits include Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Income Support and Universal Credit.
You’ll only need to arrange a gas safety check if you own your home. If you live in a rented property, your landlord should get your appliances checked every year under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
If you don’t think these checks are being carried out, get in touch with your landlord.
During a gas safety check, a Gas Safe-registered engineer (all gas businesses and their workers must be listed on this register to carry out the work legally) will come to your home to check the safety of your gas appliances and fittings.
Stephen Day, Heating Engineer from boiler installation firm iHeat, explains: “The purpose of this check is to ensure that your appliances are working correctly and safely, checking for any leaks, damage or issues with ventilation that could put you and your home at risk.”
Your engineer will check the appliance is suitable for the room it’s in, is secure and stable and that there is an adequate and permanent air supply. They’ll also check if any flues or chimneys are operating correctly.
If anything is found to be faulty, the appliance will be disconnected (with your permission) and labelled to say it’s not safe. You’ll be told whether you need to replace the appliance or whether it can be repaired.
Be aware that you might be expected to get this work carried out yourself by hiring a qualified engineer, and if you do it’s crucial to use a business listed on the Gas Safe Register to do the repairs or replacement.
You can use the Gas Safe Register to find an engineer near you. You can also use it if you don’t qualify for a free gas safety check but still want to pay for one.
It’s usually possible to sign up for the testing through your energy supplier, as most have an online form you can fill in. (Do a quick search online for your supplier and “free gas safety checks” and it should come up.)
You can also request a free check if you’re signing up for the Priority Services Register, which offers extra support from your energy supplier.
To join the Priority Services Register, you must have reached State Pension age or live with a disability or long-term medical condition.
You’ll also qualify if you’re recovering from hospital treatment or have gone through a recent bereavement, break up or job loss.
However, be aware that even if you qualify for the Priority Services Register, you must still meet the criteria mentioned earlier to get a free gas safety check.
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Even if you’re not eligible for a free check, joining the register offers several other benefits.
“Signing up to the Priority Services Register will enable you to access a range of extra help; for example, getting priority help in an emergency, or help reconnecting your supply in the event of bad weather or power cuts,” says Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK.
“This could be particularly useful if, for example, you rely on medical apparatus that run from a mains power supply.”
Further benefits include the option to nominate someone to take care of your energy account on your behalf. You can also receive your bills in Braille, large print format or textphone, or on a CD to listen to.
Additionally, if you find it difficult to read your meter, your energy company will send someone over to take quarterly readings for you. For security purposes, you can set a password for anyone from your energy supplier to use when they call round.
If you can’t easily reach your gas meter, an engineer might move it to a better spot, or you might be able to have a smart meter fitted.
The advantage of a smart meter is that it’ll send automatic meter readings to your energy supplier for you, ensuring you always pay the correct amount for your bills.
Despite these benefits, you’ll also need to put up with the disruption that comes with moving or fitting a new meter.
Day explains: “Gas supplies [must] be turned off while engineers carry out their work. In most cases, this should only be temporary, with most work taking place in two to four hours.
“However, depending on the location of the meter and the complexity of the work, engineers may need to spend the entire day or attend the home more than once, leading to longer disruption that could prove uncomfortable.
“While suppliers will endeavour to ensure a home isn’t without heating or hot water for long, it’s best to apply for this accommodation in the summer when keeping warm is less of a priority.”
You can usually join the Priority Services Register by filling in a form on your energy supplier's website or by giving them a ring.
Alternatively, type your postcode into the Priority Services Register website to find your electricity network operator and gas distributor.
You’ll be redirected to the relevant site and from there, you can fill in an online application form, contact the operator by email, or phone them to register.
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