Check for CO leaks

Be safe, not sorry - check for carbon monoxide leaks before it's too late

Research shows homeowners are reluctant to pay for gas appliance safety checks, which could save their lives

A survey by central heating specialist Northern Gas Heating, shows a worrying reluctance by households to have their central heating and household appliances checked for carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. The research showed that while 82 percent of customers recognised the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, few thought it could happen to them and nearly two thirds of respondents didn't have a CO detector fitted in their home.

  Invisible, odourless and tasteless, carbon monoxide has earned the title ‘the silent killer' due to its ability to cause brain damage or even death from inhaling the smallest of amounts. CO can be produced when a gas appliance has been incorrectly installed or maintained, or when the flue or chimney becomes blocked. The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of viral infections, including drowsiness, weakness, headaches, nausea and chest pains.

  "Having talked to our customers, many take the view that because you can't see or smell carbon monoxide, there isn't a problem," explained Northern Gas Heating's Marketing Communications Director, Jim Lynch. "Some would be quite happy to go five years between check ups and sadly it takes a high profile incident such as we've seen in recent weeks to make them pick up the phone."