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From heaters to stoves, there are plenty of uses for gas in your home. While gas can save you money on electricity, it’s important to understand gas safety to avoid potential hazards in your home. There are general guidelines you can follow to stay safe but it’s also important to comply with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Read our blogs to discover our top gas safety tips. You can also find houses with safely installed gas stoves on GotProperty.

Natural gas vs LPG

LPG is a useful alternative to regions that don’t have a natural gas network. LPG is heavier than natural gas which means that if a leak occurs, the gas will settle at the lowest point. Natural gas is lighter, so it rises if there is a leak. This is an important difference to remember when it comes to gas safety.

LPG can be stored in a container in the location that it needs to be used which means that it can be used without the presence of a gas network. Natural gas isn’t stored at your home as it requires a connection to a natural gas network. The installation process is also different for these two types of gases.

Gas safety tips in your home

When it comes to gas safety, it’s important to service your appliances regularly to ensure that they are kept in good working order. Make sure that you use the services of a qualified technician for any maintenance and repair work.

Gas heaters should be switched off when you go to sleep or leave your home. Likewise, you’ll need to switch your heater off if you want to move it to a different location. It’s also important to keep your pets and young children away from the heater so that they don’t burn themselves.

Never put clothes or other material over your heater as this can be a fire hazard. Similarly, heaters should be placed at a safe distance from flammable items, such as curtains and furniture. When you’re using gas appliances in your home, it’s essential to make sure that the room is well-ventilated. Proper ventilation helps to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

This gas is colourless and odourless which means that it can go unnoticed while causing a serious health risk. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include dizziness and headaches, which over time can be fatal.

If you suspect there is a gas leak, make sure that you turn off the gas and leave it off until it can be attended to by a professional. Once you have opened the doors and windows to let fresh air in, exit your home until the gas has dissipated.

Don’t use electrical appliances or a lighter if you suspect that there has been a gas leak. Natural gas has no smell, so some companies add mercaptan, which gives off a smell of rotten eggs to alert homeowners of any leaks. Using the services of registered installers, as well as buying verified gas products from qualified dealers, are other useful gas safety tips.

Where can gas be used in your house

An important part of gas safety is the proper positioning of gas in your home. The containers should be placed in an upright position on a firm base. Smaller containers need to be used in flats when compared to the size of the containers installed in houses. Gas containers should not be positioned lower than ground level, such as in basements.

If you have a gas stove, the container needs to be placed a minimum of 300mm away from it. Ensure that the area around the container is free from combustible materials that could present a hazard.

Gas regulations

Gas regulations help to ensure that you are using your gas appliances safely. Gas installations are required to have a Certificate of Conformity. This legal document confirms that the installation has been inspected to ensure that it is safe to use and free from leaks. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified technician who has an LPGAS registration.

If an accident happens and you don’t have this certificate, it can have serious consequences for your insurance claim. Not only is this inspection important for your insurance, but it’s also a vital part of gas safety that protects your family.

The regulations stipulate the position of the gas container in relation to doors, windows, air vents, and appliances. It also guides the type of materials that are used during the installation process.

Now that you know more about gas safety, you can decrease your electricity bill by installing gas appliances in your home. While using gas comes with additional hazards, following the regulations and manufacturer’s guidelines will help you to use LPG safely on your property. If you do not have property yet, you can find a house at GotProperty.