What features should I look for in a carbon monoxide tester?

Good quality carbon monoxide testers have a loud alarm and are certified to British Standards. These typically have batteries which will last for up to five years and have a loud alarm which goes off when carbon monoxide is detected giving you time to evacuate the room. You should avoid the cheaper testers which have a coloured spot which will change in colour when high carbon monoxide levels are detected. Chemical CO testers loose their effectiveness after 6 months and have to be changed, this increases the lifetime cost and puts you at risk if you forget to change the testers when it has expired. Most importantly the lack of an audible alarm means that this type of tester will not wake you is there is an excess of carbon monoxide produced when you are asleep at night. You can purchase both types of testers from the local DIY shop.

Can the general public purchase carbon monoxide testers?

Carbon monoxide testers can be very effective early warning devices alerting families of rising CO levels. Several types of detector are now becoming available in DIY shops and the supermarket chains. The gradual accumulation of carbon monoxide gas over time will lead to the detector being set off. The technology for these testers is still developing, they are not considered as reliable as the smoke detectors you use in your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can be used as a backup but not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances.

Install a carbon monoxide detector to protect your home

The installation of CO detectors give a warning to people in a building of unhealthy or dangerous levels of CO before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. Properly installed detectors monitor carbon monoxide levels over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms of poisoning. Unlike smoke detectors, they do not need to be placed near ceiling level. You need a CO detector to wake you whilst sleeping if carbon monoxide is detected so detectors should be sited where the alarm can be heard from the bedrooms.

Carbon Monoxide detectors should be regularly tested

As with all safety equipment a detector should be tested throughout the year to make sure that it is working effectively. Detectors should come with instructions detailing the steps to take to check the effective functioning of the detector. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the service instructions if found to be defective. When you use the ‘test’ button on the detector you need to be aware that you will be testing the alarm functionality rather than the gas detector. Read the instructions for the lifespan of the detector, often it is as short as two years. There are detectors on sale which can operate for 60 months In addition to battery models there are some that are mains powered and have battery backup to cover power failures. The choice is yours. Some detectors incorporate smoke detection and also carbon monoxide gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is highly toxic and cannot be smelled or tasted. This gas can be produced when a boiler is operating with too little oxygen supply provided to the combustion chamber. 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?

One way of visually checking for potential problems is to check for signs of staining, sooting or discoloration on or around gas boilers, fires and water heaters. A yellow pilot light is an indication of a problem in the gas combustion chamber which may be caused by a lack of oxygen through poor ventilation. 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.

What do people do to avoid the chances of Carbon Monoxide inhalation and subsequent illness?

As mentioned carbon monoxide is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the ventilation of your boiler, frequent boiler and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any problems which could lead to the production of carbon monoxide. Make sure your central heating boiler is maintained annually by a CORGI-registered engineer. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm. Gas appliances require adequate ventilation and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items.. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. If ventilation is provided through a chimney this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors make different sounds. You should ensure that your family are aware of the differences so that they take the correct action when one of your detectors is triggered.

What is the impact of Carbon Monoxide poisoning on people?

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer so be do not delay if you see any warning signs.Do not read this or other articles and form your own judgement. Be decisive and look after your household straight away. Anyone can fall victim to CO poisoning, even the fit and healthy. Pets, large and small, are also potential victims.

Does carbon monoxide poisoning exhibit any symptoms?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can often be confused with other flu like illnesses and include:-
- frequent headaches
- dizziness
- little energy
- billiousness

Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer if you see anyone in your home with similar symptoms. Open windows and improve air flow while you wait and ensure that no one stays in the house until the all clear has been given.