Gas fires make an exceptionally stylish and cosy addition to your home. They are commonly described as the heart of the home, and so it’s important that you pick the right one for you. However, it’s equally important that the gas fire you choose is installed safely and responsibly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. 

In this article, we’ll be explaining the importance of hiring a legitimate, Gas Safe company for the installation of a gas fire, together with the risks posed if you don’t take the right precautions.

The importance of using a Gas Safe registered professional

Gas appliances which have been unsafely or irresponsibly installed have the potential to leak gas, thus causing fires to break out or explosions to occur. It could even lead to carbon monoxide poisoning – a silent killer. However, all of these risks can be prevented if you hire a Gas Safe registered professional to install your gas fireplace.

The Fireplace Studio are registered and fully-certified to carry out installations of gas fires, and we can provide the relevant proof for your peace of mind. There are several gas safety tips you can follow to eliminate the risk of faulty gas fire installation, including:

Find a Gas Safe registered engineer

• We’re Gas Safe registered here at The Fireplace Studio, so you’ll always be able to rely on us. If you live outside of the area we operate in, then you can do an online search to ensure you and your family are in safe hands.

Ask to see an engineer’s Gas Safe ID card

• If legitimate, they shouldn’t have a problem with swiftly presenting you with a valid Gas Safe ID card. This acts as certification that they are in fact Gas Safe registered and can be fully trusted to install your gas fire. You will always be provided with the relevant information when choosing The Fireplace Studio.

Only use your gas fire for its intended purpose

• This applies to all gas appliances, for instance: do not use your cooker to heat your kitchen. This could have dangerous consequences, such as the outbreak of a fire or even cause an explosion.

Carbon monoxide – what is it and why is it bad?

Carbon monoxide is odourless, tasteless and highly poisonous. Also referred to as a silent killer, exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal, with around 60 accidental deaths occurring in England and Wales every year, according to the NHS.

When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it will mix with the haemoglobin present. Haemoglobin carries oxygen around your body with the help of red blood cells, so when combined with carbon monoxide, carboxyhaemoglobin is formed. This means the blood will be unable to carry oxygen around your body, thus causing body cells and tissues to eventually die.

If exposed to low levels for a small amount of time, then it could cause you to feel unwell as opposed to being deadly. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath

The symptoms are often said to be similar to flu or food poisoning when exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Although carbon monoxide won’t cause your temperature to rise, which is a symptom of flu.

The longer you’re exposed to carbon monoxide, the worse the symptoms will become. If you suspect that you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you must leave your property immediately, taking other building occupants with you – much like if there was a fire. If you can, leave doors and windows open and call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999. They will come to your home as quickly as possible.

Do not return to your home under any circumstances unless you’re told it’s safe to do so. You must visit your GP urgently to notify them of your exposure to carbon monoxide. You may be asked to give a blood or breath sample to help judge the extent of the poisoning. Appropriate action will be taken based on the severity of your symptoms.

All risks posed by a carbon monoxide leak can be mitigated by the safe, responsible installation of gas appliances. Therefore, it’s important that the engineer is Gas Safe registered for your own safety and peace of mind. 

To be doubly sure, buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm marked EN 50291 and follow the instructions when installing it. If a carbon monoxide leak occurs, then the alarm will sound and you’ll be alerted to the danger in plenty of time.

Is it safe to leave a gas fire on overnight?

We never recommend that a fire, of any type, be left on overnight. Primarily, this is to ensure your safety and the safety of others, but it will also save you money if you refrain from leaving it on overnight. Many homeowners across the UK, particularly during the winter months, are tempted to leave the heating on overnight in order to wake up in a warm, cosy house the next morning. However, this can be costly, leading many to switch it off when they turn in for the night.

However, turning it off at night lowers the risk of a fire occurring in your home, therefore keeping you and your family safe while you sleep. It would also be worth installing a carbon monoxide detector near or next to your gas fire for added peace of mind. If your gas fire is installed by a Gas Safe engineer, then the risk of a carbon monoxide leak is minimal, although a detection system would provide added protection.

Gas Safe installations at The Fireplace Studio

With a wide range of traditional and contemporary gas fires to choose from, together with a wealth of industry knowledge and fully-qualified and registered Gas Safe engineers, you’ll always be able to count on us here at The Fireplace Studio. With exceptional style and functionality, we’ll have a gas fire which is right for you and your home.

You can rest assured that the gas fire you choose will be installed safely and responsibly with skill and precision to ensure the best possible fit. As Gas Safe registered specialists, you’ll always be in safe hands when purchasing a gas fire from The Fireplace Studio.

For more information about the gas fires we’re able to provide, including gas fireplace suites, gas stoves and high efficiency gas fires, get in touch with a member of our team today or visit either our showroom for a quality, first-hand experience.