Top gas safety warnings households miss - including condensation and tired pets

Top gas safety warnings households miss - including condensation and tired pets Millions of Brits could be missing the hidden signs of a gas safety issue at home — with experts warning carbon monoxide symptoms can look like everyday illness. Many UK homeowners may be unaware of the warning signs of a gas safety issue at home, including pets acting nervous or lethargic, houseplants dying and excessive condensation. A study of 2,000 adult renters and homeowners found 26% weren’t confident they could recognise these as red flags. Almost all respondents (91%) said they would overlook potential signs such as condensation on windows — and even chest pains — while 84% did not realise sore eyes could also be a clue. The research, carried out by British Gas, also found more than three quarters (77%) wouldn’t identify an appliance-related hazard if a gas hob flame weakens when the boiler switches on. Meanwhile, 75% wouldn’t see a gas fire flame dropping or weakening when another gas appliance is used as a warning sign, and 72% would dismiss black soot building up around household devices. Unusually high energy bills can also be a key sign, but was not widely recognised, with 70% saying they wouldn’t peg them as a possible gas safety warning. Peter Knowles, a technical repair engineer for British Gas, said: “There are lots of less obvious warning signs of a gas safety issue in the home, and some can be easy to put down to something else. “Carbon monoxide can present unexpectedly, it is silent, and has no smell or colour, with symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important not to ignore changes in how you feel at home, in particular if more than one person is feeling the same. “Keeping on top of maintenance – like booking an annual boiler service and gas appliance check – is a quick and easy way to catch problems early. “All our engineers are Gas Safe registered, and with a nationwide network of 7,000 of them on hand to help. Regular checks can stop small issues turning into far more serious ones, such as fires or carbon monoxide poisoning” The study also found 46% of those with a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm don’t regularly replace the batteries, and 14% don’t even own an alarm. Overall, general home safety knowledge across the UK appears poor, as just 32% are confident about testing smoke alarms and only 29% can read their own energy meters. Just 18% would know how to turn off their gas supply, while only 17% can confidently check their carbon monoxide alarm works. General household tasks such as resetting fuse boxes, checking for damp and mould and making sure appliances are properly ventilated also feature as areas of home safety people don’t trust themselves with. The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, found knowledge around household safety and dealing with appliances such as boilers and radiators was predominantly learned from parents or family members (42%). While 22% have taught themselves through trial and error and 27% relied on online searches. But still, 18% don't know where their boiler is loated and the same percentage can’t find the fuse box. A further confused 17% wouldn’t be able to locate any of their gas, electricity or water meters. Peter Knowles, technical repair engineer for British Gas, added: “The research highlights gaps in knowledge around home safety, if you do suspect a gas leak, get outside into fresh air, avoid using electrical switches and contact the gas emergency service for advice. “And if something about a gas appliance doesn’t look or behave as it normally would, seek professional advice." The Gas Emergency Service can be reached on 0800 111 999. TOP 20 THINGS BRITS WOULD NOT IDENTIFY AS A GAS SAFETY WARNING SIGN - Dead patches of grass outside - Condensation on windows - Chest pain - Dying house plants - Animals acting nervous or confused - Sore eyes - Eye and throat irritation - A gas hob flame that gets weaker when the boiler switches on - A gas fire flame that drops or weakens when another gas appliance is switched on - Fatigue - Black soot build up around appliances - High gas bills - A gas hob flame that fluctuates or changes in strength - Discoloured flames on the hob - Nausea or vomiting - Recurring headaches - A burning smell coming from a gas appliance - Dizziness - Rotten egg smell at home - A quiet hissing sound