Essential safety checks in your home

We have a duty to protect the safety of you, your family and your neighbours.

Who needs an annual safety check and why?

All council homes that have air source heat pumps are provided with an annual safety check. Regular safety checks prolong the life of your appliances.

Who can perform a safety check?

Only registered engineers can carry out annual safety checks.

What is included in a safety check?

The Building Services engineer will check:

• appliances are working at the correct settings
• there is adequate ventilation around your pump
• safety devices on appliances are working as they should be

How long does a safety check take?

Safety checks usually take less than 60 minutes. The time spent in your home can be kept to a minimum by ensuring the engineer has free access to all the appliances. It is also essential to make sure there is enough credit on prepayment electricity meters.

To keep you and your family safe, follow top tips: 

• allow the engineer access to carry out your annual safety check
• never attempt to work on an appliance yourself - always seek the help of a qualified and registered engineer who can work on your appliance in a safe way
• always ask to see your engineer's ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which appliances they are qualified to work on

Air Source Heat pump servicing programme

All tenants are lettered, in advance with appointments for services to be carried out.

If the date is unsuitable, it is essential that you make contact to rearrange to a more suitable time. This is to ensure the safety of our tenants and their neighbours.

Air Source heating – do’s and don’t

Air Source Heat Pumps can reduce your running costs if used correctly:

• Never switch your heating off. Leave your ASHP running 24/7.
• This is the most economical way to heat your home and provide lots of hot water.
• If the heat pump is switched on and off it will cost you more to run. Always leave it on.
• Leave the programme at the settings set by the engineer at installation or service.
• Playing around with the settings can lead to higher bills if you are unsure of what you are doing.
• Speak to your Housing Officer if you would like to change the settings and are unsure how to do this.
• Only turn down heating in bedrooms. The heat pump will heat the rest of your home to your preferred temperature.
• Press the suitcase button if you are away from home for a long period.
• Do not attempt drying laundry on the radiators as this can affect the efficiency of the system and can cause higher bills.
• If you have had an ASHP fitted recently, please contact your energy supplier as soon as possible to advise them.

If you require further information please see the Air Source Heating Pump User Guide and Air Source Heating Pump User Video.

If you require advice or support with your energy bills please contact the Money Matters Advice Service.

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