Carbon monoxide poisoning is a term that often gets thrown around in relation to fire safety and boilers. But what exactly is carbon monoxide? And what are the risks of poisoning? Here at K and M Maintenance we are Preston’s favourite gas engineers and we work across the North West with a huge range of boilers. As a result, we are also experts in carbon monoxide. This is our guide to carbon monoxide poisoning and boilers.

What exactly is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that is produced from gas appliances that are faulty, poorly maintained, or not burning fuel correctly. This is one reason why it is so important to make sure that your boiler is installed and maintained by a registered and qualified gas engineer.

Carbon monoxide is almost impossible to detect without a specialist alarm, and as a result it has been labelled the silent killer. Carbon monoxide is emitted by these faulty gas appliances, and then inhaled by the inhabitants of the property. This leads to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Are there any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

There are a range of symptoms relating to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, these symptoms mirror those of common colds or flu. As a result, many people overlook their symptoms, and this can be a lethal mistake, as carbon monoxide kills.
The symptoms include:

  • dizziness
  • headaches
  • weakness
  • chest pain

Is a carbon monoxide alarm necessary?

carbon monoxide poisoning and boilers

Because of the deadly nature of carbon monoxide, and because it cannot be seen or smelt, a carbon monoxide alarm is absolutely necessary! The only way to detect carbon monoxide is through a carbon monoxide alarm. Ultimately, it could save your life, of that of your loved ones.

As a result, you should always use the highest quality carbon monoxide alarm available. This is because many of the cheaper alarms do not emit a sound, and so if a leak begins, you may not even notice. The cost of the alarm is definitely worth it to keep your home and family safe.

Can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented?

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can be emitted from gas appliances. As a result, if you have your gas appliances installed by a qualified and registered gas engineer, and maintained yearly by the same team, you can lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, you cannot fully prevent carbon monoxide poisoning because if your gas appliances stop burning fuel correctly, which could occur at any time, carbon monoxide will be produced. For this reason, you should always have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Here at K and M Maintenance in Preston we install, repair and maintain boilers across the North West. If you think you have a boiler issue, or a carbon monoxide risk, contact us today.