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Looking after your boiler

Boiler servicing. It’s one of those things you might never have really thought about. But it’s key to picking up issues before they become big problems. This week is Gas Safety Week, and today, Karbon’s Heating Compliance Manager Dave Brown looks at the reasons your boiler’s health check is so important.

Keep you and your loved ones safe

The colder season is on the horizon, so it’s important that your boiler is properly checked. A service from your Karbon engineer will ensure your system is running efficiently and safely. Faulty appliances can be incredibly dangerous and if left unchecked can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and even explosions. During a boiler service, one of our Gas Safe registered engineers will check for leaks and issues, giving you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family.

Pick up on small problems before they become major ones

By making sure your heating appliances run smoothly, you’ll prevent future malfunctions and the inconvenience of a breakdown that could have been avoided. Nobody wants cold radiators in winter.

You could save money on your energy bill

As you may know, energy prices are expected to increase again in Autumn 2024, but did you know that during a service a Karbon engineer will do a series of checks to make sure your boiler is running efficiently? Doing this may contribute to saving you money in the long-term, because an efficient boiler costs less to run.

It’s a legal requirement

As your landlord, we are legally required to organise for a qualified engineer to check your heating appliances and flues annually, to make sure everything is safe and sound. The checks include boilers, but also other gas appliances such as stoves and fireplaces, as well as solid fuel fires. Please be aware this does not include leasehold homes, where you will need to organise your own gas service.

Get your service from Karbon

The good news is if you're a Karbon tenant you're entitled to an annual service at no extra expense (excludes leasehold). All we need from you is access to your home. You don’t even need to set a reminder – we’ll be in touch when it’s your turn for a visit from one of our friendly team.

Access is essential and a legal requirement for you and us, so we’d like to say a big thank you to customers who continue to support our efforts.

Around 20% of boiler servicing appointments unfortunately don’t go ahead because our team aren’t able to gain entry to carry out the service. We’re keen to improve this figure to avoid unnecessary risk to the safety of households. Plus, if the volume of missed Karbon gas servicing appointments continues it could cost us a potential £400,000 a year, which could have been redirected elsewhere to benefit our customers and our community.

If you have any queries about your appointment once you receive it, you can give us a call and we’d be happy to talk through the service. You can reach us on the usual number 0808 164 0111.

 

Follow the golden rules of gas safety.

1.    Never put clothes on or over your heating appliance
2.    Don't block or obstruct fixed ventilation grills or air bricks
3.    Never paint the boiler or gas fire fronts
4.    Know where your valve is (handle next to your gas metre) so you can switch it off if you smell gas.

In your home, look out for:

•    Yellow or orange flames that would normally burn blue
•    Soot or stains around appliances
•    Pilot lights that frequently go out

 

What to do if…

You smell gas and think you have a gas leak?

Call the Emergency Services Provider, SGN on 0800 111 999 this service is available 24hrs a day, 365 a year. If you are deaf or hearing impaired and have a Minicom or Textphone, you can call the gas emergency service on 0800 371 787.

Once it has been made safe, contact us here at Karbon Homes so we can conduct an assessment, then fix or repair any faults that fall under our responsibility. You can reach us by email at info@karbonhomes.co.uk or by calling 0808 164 0111.

Note: All of our homes (except those that are electrically heated) are installed with Carbon Monoxide detectors. If you think your home does not have one please contact us.

Think there’s a risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? 

Do the above and see your doctor immediately or go to hospital.

Gas appliances not working properly?

Turn them off, then call our usual number 0808 164 0111 to report the problem.

 

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