Keep Your Gas Fire Safe
Keep your gas fire safe at all times is a good rule to remember.
And this really comes down to making sure that your gas fire is properly vented. This is a must, because it is the vent that takes the exhaust gases, produced by the combustion process, from the fireplace to the outside.
And bear in mind that a direct-vent is the best type to have, both in terms of energy efficiency and safety. A direct-vent will help to keep your gas fire safe. It works by bringing in outdoor air for the combustion process into the firebox via a pipe. Another pipe takes the exhaust gases back out.
This basically means that the firebox is sealed, and therefore safer, and more efficient because it is using external air, rather than the already heated room air, for the combustion process.
There are of course other types of venting, including natural draft venting, power venting and vent free.
With natural draft venting, the combustion exhaust gases are removed from the firebox by drawing them upwards, via the chimney flue. With this system, a draft hood isolates the burner, meaning that it is not effected by the outside pressure fluctuation, as it uses air from the room.
Power venting systems are rare, as it requires an electric fan to make the process work. This works well where no conventional flue is possible and little room air is used.
Vent free is not recommended and should be avoided at all costs. Don’t try this at home, because it means there is no safe way for the exhaust gases to escape.
Right, a few tips on getting maximum efficiency from your gas fire. Firstly, if you don’t plan to use it for some time, switch off the pilot light. Secondly, don’t forget to periodically clean the fireplace glass, as this helps the transfer of heat. Thirdly, when using your gas fire, remember to turn down your main heating system. Finally, keep a check on your thermostats to make sure you are not making your gas fire, or heating system, work too hard.
Now, as regards safety, there are a few things you should always remember.
Firstly, keep the area around the fireplace clean. Most importantly, have your gas fire serviced at least one a year. Do not attempt this yourself. It is a job that has to be completed by a recognised gas engineer. You cannot do it yourself, nor can you get handy andy around to do it for you.
And whereas it used to be that only CORGI gas registered engineers could legally work on a gas appliance, it’s now engineers which are on the Gas Safe Register, run by The Health and Safety Executive. This took over from the CORGI gas registration process on 1 April, 2009, and was brought to improve service levels and benefits. Details can be found at the website www.gassaferegister.co.uk, or by telephoning 0800 408 5500.
Right, some more safety tips to end with. If you’re operating a new gas fire for the first time, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do as they say. Do not play around with the design and the fixtures and fittings; a gas fire should not be modified to suit your home. If the pilot light has gone out, always wait at least five minutes before trying to relight it. If you think your gas fire is giving off bad smells, or fumes, shut it down straight away, open the windows and phone the gas company. And think about installing a carbon monoxide detector in your room as an added precaution.
And, finally, keep all the vents free. Never block them or restrict the, because without them, you could die.
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