Shielding your home from Carbon Monoxide

Co cannot be tasted and has no odor giving no opportunity to detect this dangerous gas. The gas is a by product of burning with insufficient oxygen supply such as can happen in a poorly ventilated gas boiler. Co2 is the normal end product from a boiler but this can be replaced by Co with reduced ventilation or a blocked flue. Tragically there are thirty Carbon Monoxide poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of ventilation guidelines and adoption of regular gas boiler servicing.

Will looking at my central heating show me I have a Carbon Monoxide Gas problem?

One way of visually checking for potential problems is to check for marks of staining, sooting or stain on or around gas boilers, fires and water heaters. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellowish or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. If the flame changes from blue to yellowish or orange this could mean that Carbon Monoxide Gas is present and you should have the appliance inspected by a professional.

Can you do anything to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning?

As mentioned Co is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. Checking the components of the exhaust gases should be a standard part of a gas appliance maintenance visit from a trained plumber and this will give early advice of any ventilating system issues. Make sure your central heating appliance is serviced annually by a CORGI-registered engineer. Carbon Monoxide detectors can give a warning of abnormal Co levels, models with a loud alarm are the most effective at warning the inhabitants of the home. Air vents maintain the mandatory air flow to you gas appliances and it is crucial that these are kept free of any obstructions as this could result in a reduced flow of air. Moving outside your property take a look at all ventilation ducts and air bricks to see to it that they have not been covered by plant growth. If your home has a flue to provide appliance air look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a flue which is not being used in the warm weather could completely block the ventilation when required in the winter. see to it that you are aware of the different sounds from your smoke alarms and your Co alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide Gas detector alarm noises be certain that it was your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector and not your smoke detector.

What are the dangers associated with Carbon Monoxide Gas Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide Gas is poisonous so you should be very careful. symptoms can be similar to other illnesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Take action to protect yourself and your household quickly. Co poisoning can affect anyone irregardless of age. Your Pets could also be injured or worse.

Does Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning exhibit any symptoms?

You may observe common influenza like signs in someone who is actually suffering from Co inhalation with characteristics like: -
- head aches which happen every day
- balance troubles
- weariness
- billiousness

If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the house, stop using the appliance without delay, step-up air to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and see to it that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.