Boilers & gas appliances should be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered expert
Not only is carbon monoxide odourless, but it is also colourless and tasteless; it is silent in every sense of the word. As a result, the only way to detect the presence of this toxic gas is by installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your property or by recognising the warning signs.
Alarming figures show only 38% of homes in the UK have a carbon monoxide alarm. A further 25% admit their appliances have never been checked by a Gas Safe registered professionals.
What are the symptoms?
if poisoned it prevents oxygen from circulating your body. The symptoms of early carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dull headaches
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Dizziness as well as blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect you are suffering from a number of these symptoms, you should turn off all your gas appliances and also leave your property to seek medical attention. The next step is to book a gas safety check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What else can you do?
There are several precautions you can take to ensure any potential carbon monoxide leaks to do not develop.
To avoid becoming a victim of the Silent Killer, we recommend the following steps:
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Check that it is working correctly regularly.
- Regularly check your boiler as well as other gas appliances for black/sooty marks. This indicates that something is wrong.
- Ensure the flame on gas appliances is NOT weak and yellow/orange.
- Look for condensation in your home. If you notice more than usual it could be a sign of a gas leak.
- Book a boiler and gas appliance safety check with a Gas Safe accredited engineer.
Use our free online service to receive an immediate quote from a local, accredited engineer.