How to prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks

According to NHS England, every year there are over 60 deaths in the UK from carbon monoxide and many more suffering the symptoms of carbon monoxide including headaches, fatigue and generally feeling unwell, which could be totally avoidable if the correct servicing procedures and alarms were used. 

How often have you seen a carbon monoxide alarm on a shelf somewhere or worse, still in the box on the sideboard?!  This is all too often the case as people do not know that carbon monoxide alarms will only work correctly, when positioned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

There should be an annual checklist (for gas) or bi-annual (for solid fuel) where you get all your appliances serviced and checked, they can also check to make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is correctly installed and tested and that any ventilation requirements are met.  This is essential to ensure that both the appliance can work at its optimum and that you remain safe throughout the season.

What to check to prevent CO leaks

There are several things you can do to ensure you are keeping safe while using your appliances, including, these include:

• Ensure your CO detectors and smoke alarms are correctly installed (permanently) 
• Carry out tests on them to make sure the batteries do not need changing
• Make sure your appliance looks like it is in good condition with no signs of black soot, dark areas showing excessive heat and is in good general condition
• Checking to make sure any purpose provided ventilation is clear and free of obstruction
• Checking the outside of the property to ensure the air vent outside doesn’t have shrubs and bushes growing over it
• Make sure your service records for any appliances and flues are up to date
• Ensure whoever is carrying out the work on your appliance or flue has the relevant qualifications and is registered with the relevant scheme, the main one for gas is Gas Safe and for solid fuel it is HETAS

In addition to these checks, it’s important to keep your fireplaces and appliances in tip-top condition. For more information on how to maintain your fireplace we have a great guide with our top tips!

Professional Carbon Monoxide Checks

We’d also recommend having an engineer check your detectors and setup, your service engineer will check the following things to ensure your safety:

• Checking there is adequate ventilation for the appliances
• Check the flues to make sure they are clear of blockages and debris and operating correctly
• Check for correct combustion
• Conduct pressure tests and CO tests
• Check safety devices are working correctly
• Carry out a visual inspection of all parts for signs of excessive wear or deterioration 
• Check and correct appliance operating pressure
• Check for gas soundness to make sure there are no leaks

Your appliances will keep you warm and safe the better you take care of them.  For a full safety check and service, why not give us a call or book online via our website conveniently, in your own time and at a date and time to suit you?