Gas boilers and gas heating systems require regular maintenance. Most homeowners are aware of this. However, the law even stipulates that gas systems (gas pipes, stopcock, etc.) must be checked regularly. This is regulated differently depending on the federal state. In general, however, it can be assumed that an inspection must be carried out every 12-15 years. For liquid systems every 6 years.
However, other inspection intervals may also be prescribed by notice. The gas installation includes in particular the gas pipeline, the gas meter and the gas appliance. To put it simply: the internal gas pipe is the responsibility of the homeowner from the point of delivery from the natural gas company to the homeowner. The limit is (usually) the main tap after the building entrance.
In addition to routine checks, you should also check the system after the following events:
- After fire, explosion or mechanical damage
- After business interruption of at least 1 year
- If there is a suspected leak in the gas system
- If changes have been made that affect the operational safety of the gas system
In the case of jointly used parts of the gas system (gas supply from the main shut-off device to individual gas meters), e.g. in stairwells or cellars, the responsibility generally lies with the owner’s representative or the property management.
Maintenance:
During an inspection, the following points should be checked on the gas system or appliance:
- Combustion air supply and exhaust air ducting
- Device connection
- Appliance status (e.g. flame pattern)
- Tightness of the gas pipes
An inspection of the gas system is also recommended if structural changes, especially in the building envelope, affect the supply of fresh air. For example, by installing windows and doors, shutters on the outside, installation of mechanical ventilation (e.g. extractor fan, bathroom and WC ventilation). This also applies in particular to gas appliances of type B (chimney-bound).
Gas appliances with an open combustion chamber should be reassessed by an authorized person to ensure that the combustion air supply is adequate.
Otherwise there may be consequences in the event of damage! Furthermore, failure to comply with the inspection obligation constitutes an administrative offense, which can be punished accordingly.
Maintenance – water sports vehicles / caravans:
Water sports vehicles, caravans and mobile homes equipped with a liquid gas system must also be inspected regularly in accordance with the ÖNROM EN 1949 installation guidelines and ÖVGW guideline G 107. Caravans and mobile homes must be inspected every 2 years, water sports vehicles every 3 years.
To make sure you don’t miss any more appointments in the future, download the MyBuilding24 app app. There you can record all your devices requiring maintenance and manage the associated appointments. With a complete list of maintenance work available at all times, you are always on the safe side.
Glossary
Laws
- Rules of the ÖVGW
- Natural gas systems, guideline GK 71, GK 72
- ÖVGW Guideline 10 (technical guideline for the operation and maintenance of gas systems)
- Lower Austrian Gas Safety Act 2002
- Vienna Gas Act
- Gas Industry Act § 6.41
- Tyrolean Gas, Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Act 2013 – TGHKG 2013
- Burgenland Gas Safety Act
- Salzburg Gas Safety Ordinance (LGBL 105/2017)
- Upper Austrian Air Pollution Control and Energy Technology Act 2002
Oö. LuftREnTG (Provincial law on the placing on the market, construction and operation of heating systems, other gas systems and storage facilities for combustible substances)
