The importance of gas and electrical safety checks in winter

With the cold weather upon us, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is safe and warm. Your annual gas safety check and the electrical check we do every few years are crucial for keeping you and your family safe, especially during these chilly months.

Let’s start with the gas safety check. Every year, we need to come into your home to make sure all the gas appliances we’ve installed are working properly.

This includes your boiler, any gas fires, and other appliances. Why do we do this? Well, poorly maintained gas appliances can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Scary stuff, right? But don’t worry, the check is quick and simple, and it could save your life, especially when you’re relying on your heating more during the winter.

Here’s what happens.

• First, you’ll get a letter from us when your appointment is due. If the time doesn’t work for you, no problem – you can rearrange it online or just give us a call. On the day of your appointment, please make sure our engineer can get to your boiler.
• When the engineer arrives, they’ll start with a tightness test to check for any gas leaks. Then, they’ll inspect your boiler and turn on your hot taps to make sure everything is working properly and the pressure is correct.
• They’ll also check the flue – that’s the pipe that goes from your boiler to the outside of your house. If you have other gas appliances that we’ve installed, like a fire, they’ll check those too. And don’t worry, they’ll also check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working.

Before the engineer leaves, they’ll ask you to sign a tablet to confirm the work has been done. And that’s it! You’ll receive your gas certificate in the post a few weeks later.

Now, let’s talk about the electrical checks.

These are done every few years to make sure all the sockets, circuits, and lighting in your home are safe and in good working order. We’ll let you know in advance when your electrical check is due. We aim to be in and out as quickly as possible and it should take no longer than a few hours.

We will need an adult to be present but you are free to go about your daily business. We’ll do our best to stay out of your way as much as possible! If we have easy access, we’ll even fit a socket with a USB port and provide you with an energy-saving lightbulb.

I know life is busy, but these checks are essential for your safety. If the appointment time doesn’t work for you, please let us know or rebook it online. Your tenancy agreement requires you to allow us to carry out these checks, and if we can’t gain access, we may have to take legal action to ensure your safety. But let’s avoid that – we’re here to help and keep you safe.

If you have any questions or need to reschedule, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks for your cooperation and for helping us keep everyone safe and warm this winter!