Gas Safety Cambridge
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING SYMPTOMS
You can not see, taste or smell it but it can kill. What is CO poisoning?
Unsafe gas appliances can produce a highly poisonous gas called carbon monoxide (CO). It can cause death as well as serious long term health problems such as brain damage.
CO is produced by the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). This usually happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, incorrectly repaired or poorly maintained. It can also happen when flues, chimneys or vents are covered or blocked so make sure you always leave them free.
Oil and solid fuels such as coal, wood, petrol and oil can also produce carbon monoxide.
CO poisoning occurs when you breathe in the gas and it replaces oxygen in your bloodstream. Without oxygen, your body tissue and cells die. Even small amounts of the gas can cause CO poisoning, and long term effects can include paralysis and brain damage.
Remember the six main symptoms to look out for:
headaches
dizziness
nausea
breathlessness
collapse
loss of consciousness
Being aware of the symptoms could save your life
CO symptoms are similar to those of flu, food poisoning, viral infections and fatigue. That’s why it’s quite common for people to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else.
Other signs that could point to CO poisoning:
Your symptoms only occur when you are at home and seem to disappear when you leave home.
Others in your household (including pets) are experiencing similar symptoms and they appear at a similar time.
What to do if you suspect CO poisoning
Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and leave the house.
See your doctor immediately or go to hospital – let them know that you suspect CO poisoning. They can do a blood or breath test to check.
If you think there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999
Ask a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances and flues to see if there is a dangerous problem.
To find engineers who are qualified to investigate the presence of fumes, follow the link to the ‘Find by Location’ page. Enter your postcode and select either Domestic or Commercial Appliances and press ‘Find’. Under the ‘Select appliance type’ tab chose ‘Fumes Investigation’. Remember to click ‘Find’ again to see the updated results.
The warning signs of a CO leak
Any of the following could be a sign of CO in your home:
Flames of a lazy yellow or orange colour on your gas hob, rather than being a crisp blue;
Dark staining on/around appliances;
Pilot light that frequently blow out;
Increased condensation inside windows.
Faulty appliances in your home can lead to CO poisoning. Get your gas appliances checked regularly to avoid this.
The benefits of having a CO alarm
An audible CO alarm will alert you to the presence of the poisonous gas in your home. Although no substitute for having your appliances serviced and checked regularly, fitting an audible CO alarm in your property is strongly recommended as a second line of defence.
Modern CO alarms are similar in design to smoke alarms (which do not detect CO) and can be purchased from around £15 at many major retail outlets including DIY stores and supermarkets. Before purchasing an alarm, make sure it is marked to EN 50291 and has the British Standards Kitemark or another European approval organisation’s mark on it. We do not recommend the use of ‘black spot detector’ warning strips – they are too easy to miss and won’t alert you if you have a CO leak when you’re asleep.
It’s advisable to fit an alarm in every room with a gas appliance – when installing and siting the alarm make sure you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, audible CO alarms have a battery life of up to 5 years. If you’re unsure which alarm to get, you can ask a Gas Safe registered engineer for advice.
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FAQ for Central Heating Systems Cambridge
How much should a boiler installation cost?
A new boiler costs £600 – £2,500, depending on the model and type of system. A new combi boiler costs £500 – £900 for a budget model, £900 – £1,200 for a mid-range model and £1,000 – £2,000 for a premium model depending on the size of the boiler.23 Jun 2021
Which Worcester boiler is best?
The Greenstar 30i is Worcester’s best seller and over a million of them are in homes throughout the UK. If choosing between the two, then do consider opting for the Greenstar 30i over the Greenstar 25i as they are known to be much more reliable and often don’t have too much disparity in price.13 Jul 2021
Is a Worcester boiler worth it?
Advice from an experienced engineer However, in my experience, if you want a boiler that’s going to last you in the long term, a Worcester Bosch is always worth the price tag. The brand has proven itself time and time again to be reliable, long-lasting and efficient.10 Nov 2017
How much does it cost to service a Worcester Bosch boiler?
How much does a Worcester boiler service cost? Assuming your Worcester or Worcester Bosch boiler is working normally, without any known faults, a standard service should set you back around £100 including VAT. However, some companies may charge a little less, and some (for instance, national companies) a little more.5 Feb 2019
Which Worcester boiler is best?
The Greenstar 30i is Worcester’s best seller and over a million of them are in homes throughout the UK. If choosing between the two, then do consider opting for the Greenstar 30i over the Greenstar 25i as they are known to be much more reliable and often don’t have too much disparity in price.13 Jul 2021
Are British Gas expensive for boiler installation?
In our experience, British Gas is one of the more costly boiler installation companies. Those looking for a system boiler can expect to pay between £2,000 and £3,000 for a smaller home. In larger homes, expect to pay at least £2,500.
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