GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATES

So what exactly is involved in a gas safety check? And what’s the difference between a gas safety check and a boiler service? Let’s take a look at what each process entails…

• The gas is burning correctly;
• Your boiler is securely fitted and connected to the pipework;
• Your boiler has an adequate air supply;
• It is suitable for purpose in its current location;
• All safety devices are functioning;
• Your other gas appliances are working properly at the correct operating pressure; and
• Harmful gases are transferring cleanly outside the property.

Following the gas safety check, we will issue you with a Gas Safety Certificate. An example of one is shown on the right.

The Gas Safety Certificate will show the:

• Gas Engineer’s details, their Gas Safe Number and their signature;
• Address of the property where the check has been carried out;
• Name and address of the landlord or homeowner;
• Number of appliances that have been tested;
• Appliance details (make, model, location etc.);
• Results of the safety checks and if an appliance is safe to use;
• Defects that have been identified during the testing, if any;
• Remedial action that has been taken, if any; and
• Date the gas safety check was carried out.

No. A gas safety check and a boiler service are two separate things. SDB can help you with both but it’s important to know the difference.

The TWO crucial things to remember are:

• A gas safety check will NOT satisfy your boiler guarantee requirements; and
• Many manufacturers will ONLY guarantee your boiler if it has been serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

A boiler service is a more in-depth check of your boiler than that of a gas safety check.

During a boiler service one of our Gas Safe Engineers will not only make sure your boiler complies with safety standards and regulations, but also:

• Inspect the boiler as per manufacturer guidelines (servicing requirements vary between makes and models);
• Remove the boiler casing, check the internal components, and also the effectiveness of the seals and gaskets;
• Look for signs of distress;
• Repair or replace any damaged parts;
• Clean away any dirt or debris in the system;
• Conduct a ‘gas tightness’ test to make sure there are no gas leaks; and
• Check that the flues are free from obstruction and properly sealed.

If any parts need to be repaired or replaced, there would normally be an additional charge.

We strongly recommend that, as a landlord, you have your boiler serviced at the same time as your gas safety check to avoid two separate charges. Servicing your boiler regularly will also help avoid costly repairs.