What features in a monitor aid carbon monoxide detection?

Carbon monoxide detectors should have a very loud alarm and be certified to British Standards. Key points for these alarms are a 5 year plus battery and the loud alarm alerting family members to the presence of carbon monoxide to the need to get to fresh air. You should avoid the cheaper detectors which have a coloured spot which will change in colour when high carbon monoxide levels are detected. With a colour change detector you may forget to replace the detector when it has expired after 6 months creating a risk. Also the lack of an alarm means that you may not be made aware of a problem in the critical early hours. Chemical detectors lack of loud alarms prevents them from waking your family at night time if CO levels rise and this could be a major safety issue. Both types of alarms are now commonly available in DIY stores.

Are carbon monoxide detectors available in the shops?

Accumulated exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to death and CO detectors can give early warning of carbon monoxide production in the home. These days these are several types of detector available in the local shops. CO detectors track the accumulation of carbon monoxide over time and are triggered at a predetermined level. Carbon monoxide detector technology can not be relied upon to the same level as that in smoke detectors at this time but the gap is being closed. While Carbon monoxide detectors are a valuable addition to your home protection measures they are not a substitute for proper appliance maintenance and servicing.

The benefits of installing a Carbon Monoxide detector

Early warning of heightened CO levels provided by installing a carbon monoxide detector can ensure that fatalities do not occur. Carbon monoxide alarms will sound the alarm before the concentrations of gas have reached the levels where an adult would be effected. Carbon monoxide detectors have installation requirements separate from those of smoke detectors and do not need to be installed at the top of a wall or on the ceiling. When selecting a location to install your carbon monoxide detector ensure that the alarm will be heard when you are asleep in your bedroom. The alarm must be able to wake you in the middle of the night.

Test your CO Detectors

As with all safety equipment a detector should be tested throughout the year to make sure that it is working effectively. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how the detector should be tested. Check your carbon monoxide detector every month to confirm that it is working as designed, replace it without delay if any problems are identified. Many detectors have a test button, this does not test the detector but its purpose is to trigger the alarm so that you can confirm that the sound and the battery are working. Read the instructions for the lifespan of the detector, often it is as short as two years. There are a variety of detectors designed to meet differing needs. Some operate off the mains others are portable and can be taken on holiday. Select the one that meets your requirements. There are combined detectors sold which combine smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within the same case. These may have specific installation instructions as advised by the manufacturer and you should pay particular attention as to how these should be installed.

Carbon Monoxide Some facts and protection advice

Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous and toxic. Bad ventilation to a boiler can lead to the production of this gas. Carbon Dioxide is the normal output from a boiler but this can be replaced by Carbon Monoxide with reduced ventilation or a blocked flue. Tragically there are 30 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of ventilation guidelines and adoption of regular boiler servicing.

What will I see if I have a carbon monoxide issue in my home?

If you see stains, soot or coloration on or near gas boilers, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a potential problem. Inspecting gas pilot lights can give early warning of a lack of oxygen in the boiler as the colour of the pilot light may change from blue to yellow. You should call in a trained engineer to maintain your heating system if you notice that the pilot light starts to burn with a yellow light.

How do I protect my family from Carbon Monoxide and potential poisoning?

The underlying cause of carbon monoxide production is lack of ventilation to a gas flame. Checking the components of the exhaust gases should be a standard part of a gas appliance maintenance visit from a trained engineer and this will give early warning of any ventilation issues. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. Fitting a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm is also a valuable investment to provide early warning of potential carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also keep air vents in doors, walls or windows clear – never cover them up to prevent draughts. Garden plants can also be a danger to you as growth throughout the summer can block air vents to a boiler which may not be in operation until the cold weather returns. And make sure your chimney doesn’t become blocked with birds’ nests or other debris. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms. If the CO detector alarm goes off make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.

What are the dangers associated with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer so be do not delay if you see any warning signs.Symptoms can be similar to other illnesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Take action today and ensure you are able to take action tomorrow. Age and good health are no defence against poisoning from carbon monoxide. Pets can also be impacted.

What might I see if there was carbon monoxide in my home?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can often be confused with other flu like illnesses and include:-
- persistent headaches
- loss of balance
- loss of energy
- billiousness

A CORGI certified gas engineer should be brought in to inspect your gas appliances if you notice these symptoms in your family. Whilst waiting for the engineer to arrive you should ensure that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the house.