What To Do If You Smell Gas
Always use a GasSafe registered engineer when installing or repairing a gas appliance.
If you believe you can smell gas:
1. Turn the gas supply off immediately at the meter.
2. Extinguish all sources of ignition.
3. DO NOT smoke.
4. DO NOT operate electrical light or power switches.
5. If necessary, ventilate the building by opening windows and doors.
6. Ensure access to the premises can be made.
7. Report the gas escape to Transco on
0800 111 999.
Help With Heating Costs
There are various schemes available to help you reduce your heating costs.
Energy Suppliers
The Government's Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) has been replaced by the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) this means energy suppliers with a certain number of customers operating in Great Britain are obliged to achieve targets for improving home energy efficiency. The suppliers therefore provide a range of offers which significantly reduce the cost of installing energy efficiency measures. What's more, you can take up offers from any of the energy companies, regardless of who supplies your gas and electricity.
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Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest causes of high fuel bills and energy inefficiency comes from old boilers, generally those over 15 years old. All modern boiler systems are more energy efficient and use less fuel to run. The most efficient boilers in terms of saving money are called condensing boilers which use 30-40% less fuel. You or your landlord may be eligible for a grant to install a condensing boiler.
• Have the boiler serviced annually - the summer is the best time - GasSafe registered engineers are extremely busy during the winter and many will be reluctant to call during this period.
• Is the timer/ programmer set correctly?
• Fit thermostatic radiator valves in all rooms to allow you to control temperatures - don't heat up rooms unnecessarily.
• Ensure all pipes are lagged/ insulated correctly.
• Insulate your loft - most heat escapes through your roof.
• Check for drafts around windows/ doors & letterboxes and insulate if necessary.
Heating
• Your room thermostat should be between 18 and 21°C. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10%
• Central heating is more efficient than using a gas or electric radiant fire. However, older boilers tend to be inefficient. Replacing these with a newer model could save over 20% on heating bills.
• The hot water cylinder thermostat should be no higher than 60°C for bathing and washing.
• Your home could be losing 20% of your heat through single glazed, poorly fitting windows. Secondary glazing is less expensive than replacement double glazing and can save around £30 per year.
Appliances
• Wherever possible, try to buy household appliances with an Energy Saving Recommended logo . Also, look for the EU Energy Label - appliances are rated from A to G depending on their energy efficiency. Always aim for an A-rated appliance or as near as possible.
• Keeping your freezer full will make the appliance more efficient and help to save money on your energy bills. If necessary, fill with loaves of bread and fill gaps with rolled up newspapers in carrier bags.
• Switch off TVs, videos, stereos etc rather than leaving them on standby. These appliances use over 60% as much energy on standby as they would if they were switched on.
• Use energy-saving lightbulbs wherever possible; a bulb giving off 100w of light only uses 20w of electricity. |
