Winter warmers
Winter is the time for chilly evenings and early mornings. Our central heating systems do their best to keep us warm and comfortable even in the poorest weather, and no matter what the time of year, it is a good idea to make sure your gas boiler is working safely and efficiently.
Deposits can build up in your heating system, reducing efficiency over time. Your gas boiler and central heating system need a service every year, similar to giving a car an MOT, to ensure they are running as they should be.
An annual service is also a good way to check that the boiler has been installed safely and correctly, and helps to reduce the risk of breakdowns and potential safety hazards, such as higher levels of carbon monoxide in the home.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels including gas, oil, wood and coal used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, gas ovens, water heaters, solid fuel appliances and open fires.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The most common symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea and feeling tired or confused - in fact, very similar symptoms to those of flu.
However, if you find your symptoms improve or go away when you are away from home, and get worse when you return, and if everyone else in the home, including pets, are also experiencing the same symptoms, you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning and should see your GP immediately.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs every year in November, helping to provide advice and information on reducing the risk of increased levels of carbon monoxide in the home.
Carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so the easiest way to detect it is by using a good quality audible carbon monoxide detector.
Don't forget to take your portable audible carbon monoxide alarm on holiday with you. Protecting the family when away is often over-looked in the rush to pack the family suitcases.
Sources of carbon monoxide in the home
Carbon monoxide is produced in homes when there is inadequate ventilation as a result of accumulation in chimneys, or vents and flues. It can also be produced if gas appliances, such as heaters, fires and boilers, malfunction.
Simple Safety steps
Simple steps to help you with prevent the possible dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Ensuring your gas appliances are installed by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
- Making sure your gas appliances are serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. heateam, the service division of Baxi Group, can carry out a thorough annual service on your Baxi appliances using one of our Gas Safe registered heateam engineers.
- Not blocking any purpose provided ventilation.
- If having doubts about the installation of a gas appliance or you want to check one that is not working contact a Gas Safe registered installer.
- Purchasing and installing an audible carbon monoxide detector for added peace of mind. This should not, however, be used as a substitute for regular appliance servicing.
- Remembering that if you live in rented accommodation, your landlord must - by law - provide you with written evidence that a Gas Safe registered installer has safety-checked the appliances within the last 12 months.
Further information and useful links:
To find out more about CO2 check out these useful links -
Gas Safety Trust
Carbon Monoxide frequently asked questions
Gas Safe Register
CORGI
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
CO-Awareness
NHS Direct
Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA)
