Homeowners with gas heating may have their equipment disconnected if they fail to arrange for the mandatory inspection of flue and ventilation ducts within 30 days of this obligation arising. In the event of dangerous faults, this deadline will not be observed. The requirements of the Technical Operating Rules for Gas Supply Systems will come into force during the 2026–2027 heating season.
Briefly about the main points
- The time limit for the inspection is calculated from the date on which the obligation to carry it out arose in respect of the specific equipment.
- A lack of draught or a gas leak are grounds for shutting off the gas immediately.
- Seasonal boilers and stoves are inspected before each heating season.
- Following the inspection, the specialists draw up a report on the flue and ventilation ducts.
- Following the repair of a faulty flue, an unscheduled inspection is required.
The timeframe depends on the date of the next check-up
The regulations do not specify a single date from which all consumers must calculate the time limit. It begins when it is time for the next inspection of the flue and ventilation ducts for that particular boiler, stove or other gas-fired appliance.
Equipment must be switched off immediately, without waiting for the specified time, in the event of a lack of draught, damage to or leaks in the flues, a fault in the safety mechanisms, a gas leak or any other faults that render its use unsafe. It is prohibited to operate such equipment until the problems have been rectified.
What is the recommended frequency of inspections for different types of equipment?
Heating stoves and boilers that are used only during the cold season must be inspected at least once a year — before the start of the season. For equipment that operates throughout the year, at least two inspections are required.
Heating and cooking stoves must be inspected before the start of and after the end of the heating season. The flues of hot water supply systems must be inspected at least once every six months or annually, depending on the material of construction.
Ventilation ducts are inspected at the same time as flues. In premises where there are no flues, the ventilation system is inspected at least once a year.
Who commissions the work and what does the DVC report contain?
In a detached house, the inspection is organised by the owner or another person responsible for the maintenance of the property. In a block of flats, this depends on who is responsible for the drains: it may be the property manager, the owners’ association or an organisation authorised by the co-owners.
The inspection is carried out by specialists from a business entity that has the necessary authorisation and a certificate State Energy Regulatory Authority to check that they meet the requirements. They assess the clearance of the flues, the presence of draught, the condition of the structures and the absence of hazardous soot deposits.
Following the inspection, a report on the inspection of flue and ventilation ducts — the FVD report — is drawn up. This is submitted to the person responsible for the premises, the gas distribution system operator and the local office of the State Energy Supervision Authority. If the flue is found to be unsuitable, an unscheduled inspection is required after repairs have been carried out, prior to the resumption of the gas supply.
What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning
A faulty flue can cause carbon monoxide – which is colourless, odourless and tasteless – to build up indoors. Ministry of Health lists headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness and difficulty breathing as symptoms of poisoning; at high concentrations, loss of consciousness and death are possible.
If you suspect poisoning, you should immediately go out into the fresh air, call an ambulance on 103 and contact the gas emergency service on 104. If it is safe to do so, you should switch off any gas appliances.
Property owners should check the date of the last inspection and, if necessary, arrange for the next one, ensuring that the gas safety certificate has been issued. The current regulations do not mean a blanket cut-off of the gas supply: decisions are made on a case-by-case basis regarding specific breaches of safety regulations.
