Smell gas at home? What UK households should do, including after a new ECO4 boiler (2026)

Guide by ApplyFreeBoiler.uk (Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd), a heating and insulation installer in Bury, Greater Manchester. We are not the government, Ofgem or an energy supplier.

A new gas boiler should be installed and tested by a registered gas engineer, but every household with gas should know what to do if they ever smell it. This is general safety information from ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, a heating and insulation installer in Bury. In an emergency, always follow the instructions of the National Gas Emergency Service. This page does not guarantee funding.

1. Call the gas emergency number

In England, Scotland and Wales, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 straight away if you smell gas or think there is a leak. The line is open 24 hours a day.

2. Do not use switches or flames

Do not turn electrical switches on or off, use a doorbell, or light matches, cigarettes or a hob. A spark can ignite gas.

3. Open doors and windows

If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows to let fresh air in.

4. Turn off the gas at the meter

If you know where it is and can reach it safely, turn off the gas supply at the emergency control valve next to the meter.

5. Get everyone out

Leave the property with everyone in it and wait outside for the emergency engineer. Tell neighbours if you share walls.

6. Carbon monoxide symptoms

Headaches, dizziness, nausea or tiredness that ease when you leave the home can be signs of carbon monoxide. Get fresh air and seek medical advice. Fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm is a sensible safety step.

7. After the emergency visit

Let your installer know if a smell or fault happened after recent boiler work, and keep any paperwork the emergency engineer leaves.

8. Check funding and local figures

See ECO measures by council on ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, built from DESNZ Household Energy Efficiency statistics, to see how many ECO measures have been installed in your local authority area. Use the ApplyFreeBoiler.uk eligibility check to see whether an ECO4 heating or insulation pathway may be available for your home in England, Scotland or Wales. ECO4 is due to close on 31 December 2026.