Oil and solid fuel safety

Regular inspections can help identify potential issues that may lead to dangerous situations, such as oil leaks or carbon monoxide leaks.

Also, a well-serviced boiler operates more efficiently, saving fuel costs and reducing environmental impact.

What we will do to help keep you safe: 

• We will arrange for an annual boiler service by a registered technician.
• Following the service we will keep up-to-date records of any work done and the condition of the boiler.
• We will respond promptly to any reported issues with the boiler and arrange for necessary repairs.

Common questions:

The oil tank in my garden is leaking, who do I contact?

Contact us as soon as you can, we can then look to get this repaired, cleaned up and investigate any oil leakage into the soil. Never use detergent or water to try and wash away the oil from a leak or spill.

Why can’t I install a solid fuel burner?

We kindly ask residents not to install solid fuel stoves or reopen closed chimneys for a number of reasons:

1.       Health and Safety Risks: Solid fuel stoves can release harmful pollutants, especially if burning waste or treated wood, which can be dangerous to both you and your neighbours. Solid fuel also increases the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

2.       Environmental Concerns: Burning solid fuels releases toxic chemicals and emits a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere. This type of heating needs to be removed and decommissioned over the coming years to meet the Government’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.

3.       Legal Obligations: Cornwall Housing also has a legal obligation to improve the energy efficiency ratings in our homes by 2030. To achieve this target all heating systems must have thermostatic controls and be of high efficiency.

What is a solid fuel burner?

A solid fuel burner is a standalone heater that burns wood or coal to heat a room. This includes open fireplaces and wood or log burners.

What if I can’t afford to heat my home?

If you are struggling to heat your home this year, there may be help available. Visit our Cost of Living Support page to see what you may be entitled to.