At Les Etchells Plumbing & Heating, we offer professional gas fire installation services for homeowners and landlords in the Birmingham area. Our team of highly qualified and experienced gas safe engineers have the expertise and knowledge to safely and efficiently install gas fires in any type of property.
Our gas fire installation service includes:
- A consultation to assess your needs and recommend the best type of gas fire for your home or property.
- Preparing the area around the fire, including removing the old fire and making any necessary repairs to the chimney or flue.
- Installing the new gas fire according to the manufacturer’s instructions and connecting it to the gas supply.
- Carrying out a gas safety check to ensure that the fire is working safely and efficiently.
- Providing a final inspection and issuing a gas safety certificate.
We understand the importance of safety when it comes to gas appliances and we take every precaution to ensure that your gas fire is installed correctly and meets all safety standards. We also offer annual maintenance and repair services to keep your gas fire in optimal working condition.
Homeowners should have their gas fires serviced and checked by a qualified gas safe engineer at least once a year. The engineer will check that the fire is working safely and efficiently and that there are no leaks in the gas supply. Additionally, it’s important to keep the fire and the surrounding area clean and free from debris, as this can help prevent blockages and other problems. If you notice any unusual smells or hear any strange noises coming from the fire, you should turn it off immediately and call a gas safe engineer. If you have any doubts about the safety of your gas fire, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and to have it checked out
Gas Fire Servicing
Visual Inspection
- Assess the Location: Before diving into the technicalities, the engineer checks if the gas fire is appropriately positioned and securely installed.
- External Examination: They will look for any visible signs of wear, corrosion, or damage on the gas fire and its surrounding area.
Checking for Proper Ventilation
- Air Vents and Flues: It’s crucial to ensure that the room has adequate ventilation. The engineer checks air vents for any blockages and ensures the flue (if present) is functioning correctly, disposing of combustion gases safely outside.
Testing Gas Pressure and Flow
- Pressure Test: Using a manometer, the engineer checks if the gas pressure is at the correct level. Incorrect pressure can affect the fire’s efficiency and safety.
- Gas Rate: They will also verify that the gas flow rate is consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Inspecting Safety Devices
- Safety Checks: Gas fires have built-in safety devices, such as oxygen depletion sensors and flame supervision devices. The engineer will test these to ensure they operate correctly.
Cleaning Components
- Cleaning the Burner: Over time, burners can become clogged with dust and soot. The engineer will clean the burner to ensure an efficient burn.
- Clearing the Pilot Light: The pilot light’s small opening can become blocked, affecting its functionality. The engineer ensures it’s clear and functioning optimally.
- Checking Seals: The engineer will inspect and replace (if necessary) any seals to ensure they’re gas-tight.
Combustion Analysis
- Analyzing Emissions: Using a flue gas analyzer, the engineer checks the combustion process’s efficiency, ensuring that the fire burns cleanly and the waste gases are within safe limits.
Final Checks
- Operational Test: Once all components have been inspected and cleaned, the engineer will test the gas fire to ensure it operates smoothly and safely.
- Feedback and Documentation: After the service, the engineer will provide feedback, highlighting any potential issues and their solutions. They will also issue a service report or certificate confirming that the gas fire has been checked and serviced.
The most common problems with gas fires that we address are:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks: A gas fire that is not working properly can release CO into the home, which can be dangerous or even deadly if not addressed.
- Blockages in the chimney or flue: A blocked chimney or flue can cause the fire to produce too much smoke or even go out.
- Pilot light problems: The pilot light is the small flame that is used to ignite the main burner on a gas fire. If the pilot light goes out or is not working properly, the fire may not start or may not burn correctly.
- Gas leaks: If a gas fire is leaking gas, it can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
- Inefficient operation: A gas fire that is not operating efficiently can be costly to run and may not heat your home as effectively as it should.
- Unsafe installation: A gas fire that has been installed incorrectly can be dangerous and may not meet safety standards.