Securing Your Safety: Why Gas Servicing is a Critical Priority in the Cost of Living Crisis

As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, many of us turn up the central heating, relying on our gas appliances to keep our families warm. Yet, the current Cost of Living Crisis is forcing more households in fuel poverty to make dangerous cuts, often deeming annual gas appliance servicing “less essential.”

This decision, driven by increased energy tariffs and general austerity, has a terrifying consequence: an increased risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.

At Groundwork Yorkshire, we believe that no one should have to compromise on safety to save money. We see annual servicing not as a luxury, but as an essential component of Individual Resilience and safe, energy-efficient homes.

The Hidden Danger: Carbon Monoxide Risks

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer—a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels are burned incorrectly, such as when there is insufficient oxygen or a blockage in the flue.¹ This invisible danger is why regular servicing is non-negotiable for any home with gas appliances.

What a Full Service Includes:

A professional service is much more than a check-up; it’s an in-depth safety inspection designed to prevent life-threatening failures:

Safety Check: Inspection of all components, checking for proper gas pressure and functioning safety devices.
Flue & Ventilation Check: Ensuring the flue is clear and the appliance has adequate ventilation to prevent dangerous CO build-up.
Efficiency Tune-Up: Cleaning the appliance and its components to ensure it operates safely and efficiently, which saves money on bills.

Regular servicing also validates manufacturer warranties and extends the appliance’s lifespan by catching worn parts before they fail—essential for maintaining the Creating Better Places standard in low-income homes.

Our Solution: Fully Funded Servicing through Green Doctor

The cost of servicing is often too expensive for the vulnerable people our Green Doctor programme supports. A typical service cost, even before repair work, can be a major barrier.

To directly address this safety gap, Groundwork Yorkshire has integrated a fully funded gas appliance servicing scheme into some of our key projects, such as Warm Homes Healthy Futures, which we deliver in partnership with National Energy Action (NEA).

This scheme ensures that some of the region’s most vulnerable households receive the critical safety checks they need, without the financial burden.

Eligibility Criteria for Funded Servicing

To qualify for this essential safety element of the programme, clients must first receive a Green Doctor home visit and meet the following criteria, ensuring support is targeted to those at highest risk:

Appliance Status: The client’s essential gas appliance(s) must be working and not have been serviced in the last 12 months.
Responsibility: The client must own and be responsible for the essential gas appliance(s).
Vulnerability: The client must have children under 5, a health condition, or a disability.
Income: The client must receive Means Tested Benefits or have a low income.

The Importance of Urgent Action: Know the Symptoms

Increased appliance usage during the winter makes this the ideal time for a service. Crucially, it is vital that householders and frontline staff understand the warning signs of CO poisoning, which can often be mistaken for the flu.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Headache: Persistent and often severe
Dizziness and Nausea: Feeling sick or faint
Breathlessness: Feeling short of breath
Collapse: Loss of consciousness (severe cases)

If an Alarm Sounds or a Leak is Suspected: Act Immediately

Evacuate Immediately: Stop using all appliances and evacuate the property immediately. Try to remain calm.
Call Emergency Services: Call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident.
Do Not Re-Enter: Wait for advice from the emergency services; do not go back into the property.
Seek Medical Help: Get immediate medical help for anyone feeling unwell.

Call to Action

Do you work with vulnerable households in Yorkshire who meet the criteria above? Your referral could secure a life-saving gas service and provide genuine peace of mind this winter.

Partner with Groundwork Yorkshire today to deliver safety and resilience in our communities.