4 Ways to Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Danger

One of the biggest dangers in the modern home cannot be seen, smelt or heard. The danger from carbon monoxide is real. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of the gas burning process and a build-up and leak of carbon monoxide gas occurs when appliances like boilers and ovens are badly maintained. Up to 26 deaths each year are attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning, many of these in London. The sad fact is, these deaths could be prevented by following a few simple strategies to prevent boiler problems turning into deadly problems. Here’s what you need to do to safeguard your family in your London home.

1. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell so you are going to find it pretty hard to detect. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, nausea, depression, and fatigue – can be easily mistaken for illnesses like flu or migraine. So the only way you are really going to know is by installing a detector. By law, landlords must install a carbon monoxide detector in any room that has an appliance burning solid fuel. This law is to take effect in October. Make sure that the carbon monoxide detector is manufactured by a reputable company and has been tested to the required safety standards.

2. Get Your Boiler Serviced

It may seem that the boiler is working fine, and you can leave it to do its own thing for another year or so. But you will be unaware of a carbon monoxide problem unless you get the boiler checked out on a regular basis. London homes with boilers need to set up a regular maintenance schedule for the appliance – another benefit of regular boiler checks, aside from the safety aspects associated with carbon monoxide, is that a costly boiler breakdown is a major inconvenience. When it comes to boiler repair London offers a good choice of experienced engineers but it is cheaper and more convenient to stop problems happening in the first place.

3. Keep the Boiler Safely Maintained

Take a look at the general quality and upkeep of the boiler and other gas-burning appliances throughout the year. Monitor any changes that could cause problems with carbon monoxide leakage, such as faulty flues, blocked chimneys, a blocked ventilation pipe, and signs like a slow-burning flame or a flame that is a green colour.

4. Clear Chimneys and Air Vents

It is very important to keep flues and vents free from obstruction so that harmful gases can be safely taken outside. The air vents on a boiler also ensure that there is plenty of air coming in for safe burning. Never block an air vent if you are cold in the home and want to stop a draught. Have your chimneys checked annually for problems like natural debris or leaves. If you have a shared flue in a block of flats or in a terrace, make sure that someone takes responsibility for getting the flue checked regularly.

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