Moving into a new house is always filled with excitement and anxiety. Whether it is a new build or an existing property, the prospect of a fresh start and adjusting to a new environment can feelings of anticipation and dread. Then there is a list of things to do. Getting the home ready for the move. This includes the typical: a fresh coat of paint, a thorough cleaning, checking the switches, getting the internet connection, and making sure that all the locks are functional.
But this checklist is incomplete. Before moving into your new home, you must make sure that it is 100% safe. This includes checking all locks, windows, and any openings that may make you and your family vulnerable. Additionally, make sure the electric wiring and connections are safe. Finally, your safety checklist is incomplete if you fail to optimize the gas safety of your new home.
Why Worry about Gas Safety?
Gas safety is a serious concern. Yes, it is rare to hear about gas-related accidents and fires nowadays; however, there is always a risk. Gas safety is about managing risk and reducing the likelihood of a gas leak. The probability cannot be zero, but it can be minimized to a large degree.
The total number of deaths in the UK from carbon monoxide poisoning in homes and flats from 1995 to 2023 is 403 and 104, respectively. These are 403 deaths that could have been prevented with a few simple safety precautions. When there is a gas leak inside the home, it puts everyone inside at risk, unlike an electrocution, which directly harms only the individual getting electrocuted.
Most worrying is the fact that gas leaks can go undetected for long periods and may become deadly as a result. Exposure to CO has many harmful effects on the body, like headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and difficulty breathing. It even confuses you, so you may not be able to act right, even if you figure out what is wrong.
But things are not as dire as they seem. Gas safety is easy and requires a few measures that you add to your new home checklist.
Gas Safety Measures for your New Home
Here are the gas safety measures you need to add to your checklist of jobs that need to be done before you move into your new home:
Expert Review
It is better to let an expert review and inspect before you decide to move in. A thorough check-up is best, since a Gas Safe engineer will not only review the existing gas safety system in the house but also provide recommendations regarding additional measures you need to take. The gas safety check cost is minimal compared to the benefits it provides.
It is good to adopt a habit of getting the gas safety inspection conducted yearly. When you move into a new property, you may not know the gas safety inspection status. It is better to be sure and have the gas safety reviewed yourself.
The process is easy and convenient. All you need to do is book an appointment with a registered Gas Safe engineer. The registration can be checked online. The inspection takes 30 minutes at most and, once everything is reviewed to be alright, a certificate ensuring the gas safety status of your property is issued, which is valid for up to 12 months.
A gas safety check is really effective when you consider that owner-occupied homes reported 419 cases of CO deaths during 1995 to 2023, while private rentals reported just 72 deaths during the same period. The main difference is that private rentals are required by law to undergo annual gas checks.
Check Compatibility of Gas Appliances
This is necessary when moving your existing gas appliances to the new home. Proper installation is key, and if there are compatibility issues, then you must get appliances that are consistent with the gas connection system at the new house. It may seem like an added cost on top of the moving expenses; however, it is an investment in protecting you and your family.
If existing gas appliances are suitable, it is recommended that they be cleaned and serviced. A deep cleaning of stoves, burners, and other appliances prevents any gas-related issues and keeps your appliances in good shape, increasing their longevity. Regular servicing and timely repairs of appliances should be a habit.
Proper Ventilation
Select a home with proper ventilation. Practical considerations are more important than aesthetic ones when choosing your dream home. This is because you can always improve the aesthetics later on; compromising on safety is not an option.
Make sure there are plenty of windows and the HVAC system is functioning well. The chimneys and other parts of the ventilation system should be operational and serviced in advance.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation
Get CO detectors installed in specific areas around the house, for example, the kitchen and the boiler room. These are small devices that can be attached anywhere and help monitor CO levels in the house continuously. Just make sure the batteries are working, and the detector is doing its job. It is a small cost to pay for your safety.
Know your Gas Connection
Be aware of the gas mains and connections inside your home. Knowledge is power when it comes to safety and protection. While you might be informed about the gas mains in your old home, knowing the same for the new house is necessary. This information can be potentially lifesaving. Gas mains can be shut down immediately in case of an emergency. You will need to show the gas safe engineer around, and you should know where everything is located.
Moving On
Shifting and moving are hard, and you want to make the transition as easy and painless as possible. Gas safety measures may feel like an added burden, but they are necessary. A few more tasks on your checklist will not hurt. They are important for the current and future protection of your family. Good luck with moving into your new house, and be sure to implement the gas safety measures that have been listed above.