As we move towards the autumn and many of us will be turning on our gas boilers after having them turned off over the summer, it’s important to be aware of some of the risks – like carbon monoxide poisoning.
One of the best ways to minimise the likelihood of carbon monoxide escaping from your boiler is to ensure that you’ve had a recent boiler service, especially if it hasn’t been in use much in recent months.
But what is carbon monoxide poisoning? How can you tell if you have it and why is it a risk associated with gas boilers?
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas, which means it’s impossible to detect when it’s around you. It’s highly poisonous to humans and can make you seriously ill or even kill you if you do not seek treatment.
However, one of the challenges is that the symptoms can come and go as you move away from the source of carbon monoxide. So, if your boiler is located in your kitchen, for instance, you might feel ill here, but start to feel better if you step out into the garden.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are dizziness, a headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, feeling weak and chest pains. If you stay in an area with carbon monoxide gas for too long, you will become unconscious and could die.
Because it’s impossible to detect carbon monoxide until you start to feel ill, many households that have gas boilers or wood burners will have a carbon monoxide alarm that alerts them if the gas is present.
The good news is that treatment in the first instance is to remove yourself from the source of the gas and to get some fresh air. If you suspect you may have carbon monoxide poisoning, always call the emergency services and take their advice. You may be given oxygen to breathe to help your body eliminate the carbon monoxide from your system.
Why might my boiler leak carbon monoxide?
A carbon monoxide buildup occurs when the fuel within your boiler isn’t completely burned. Normally, any excess gas is released via the flue into the air outside, where it dissipates and therefore doesn’t cause any harm.
However, sometimes this gas can escape into your home and, if it isn’t a well-ventilated area, it can build up and cause you to become sick. This is why regular boiler services are so important, because this will ensure that your boiler is working as it should.
There are a few signs you might spot that could indicate there is a carbon monoxide leak from your boiler, including that the pilot light frequently gets extinguished or that there is more condensation on the inside of your windows than usual.
If you have gas for your cooker as well as for your heating, you may notice that the flame on your hob or in your oven is yellow or orange and looks weaker than normal, rather than the vibrant blue flame you’d usually associate with a gas cooker.
