Earlier in the year we reported on indoor air quality and it’s such a hot topic that Which? has conducted further research into the matter. Its most recent area of analysis concerned gas hobs – an appliance found in millions of UK homes.
The consumer champion set out to measure the levels of indoor air pollution emitted when cooking on gas. The tests compared the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – two of the most damaging air pollutants – in the homes of five people.
Four participants cooked on a gas hob while the fifth used an induction hob. For balance and benchmarking, Which? also measured the NO2 and PM2.5 levels on the busy Marylebone Road in central London.
Gas hob pollution as bad as a busy road
Worryingly, Which? found using a gas hob can create higher levels of indoor air pollution than found on Marylebone Road. Increased levels correlated with longer cooking durations and the greater number of gas rings lit at the same time, although using just one ring to slow cook doubled indoor pollution levels. In comparison, the person using the induction hob was only exposed to ‘background’ levels of pollution, mainly stemming from the outside environment.
The biggest pollution risk was to those in the same room while the cooking took place, although the levels of harmful pollutants remained elevated for several hours after the gas was turned off. Pollution was also found to spread, with levels registering high in other rooms.
Red flag for respiratory illnesses
Indoor levels of NO2 and PM2.5 are a worry for those who already suffer from respiratory illnesses as they can potentially worsen lung cancer. Exposure can also increase the risk of developing heart disease and Parkinson’s disease in adults, and contribute to children developing asthma and a wide range of other respiratory diseases.
How to reduce gas pollution risks
If indoor air pollution is a concern in your household, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk. Replacing a gas hob with an induction alternative will have the biggest impact, drastically reducing indoor pollutants.
If a replacement hob isn’t possible, always use an extractor fan that’s vented to the outside, and open windows and doors while using a gas hob. To achieve the cleanest gas burn, ensure your gas hob is serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer on a regular basis.
Users can also reduce risks by keeping their gas hob well maintained between services. Regularly take off all removable parts, soak them in hot soapy water and dry them with a cloth. The hob itself should be wiped over with a damp cloth, using a sponge to remove any stubborn, burnt-on debris.
It’s also important to recognise when your gas hob could be working inefficiently. Look out for sooty deposits and flames that burn orange or white. A gas flame should burn a crisp blue and your hob should not give off a strong smell of gas when lit.
All of these signs can indicate incomplete combustion, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide. If in any doubt about your gas hob’s condition, stop using it and call out a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If you’d like to see a list of available properties where the hob runs off electricity, please get in touch.
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.
At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.
Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.
Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.
Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.
Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.
Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.
With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.
By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:
Increase rental appeal
Reduce void periods
Attract high-quality, long-term tenants
Enhance rental value
At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.
👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
📧 Email hello@redkeylets.co.uk
Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.
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As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
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