Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector With My New Boiler?

If you’re in the middle of replacing your boiler, you’re probably not thinking about all the added extras you’ll need. However, one thing you won’t want to forget is your carbon monoxide alarm. Aside from identifying potentially costly issues with your boiler early on, most importantly, it could save your life.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that is difficult to detect without specialised equipment. However, it’s highly toxic to people and animals, meaning by not having alarm, you could be putting your family at risk. Symptoms can be similar to the cold and flu, including headaches, nausea and extreme fatigue. If not dealt with promptly, symptoms can worsen leading to issues with balance, concentration, memory and eventually death.

We don’t want to dwell on the sad stuff too much, but installing a carbon monoxide alarm alongside your boiler is really important.

Reducing the Risk of a Leak

Almost every household in the UK is a risk of a carbon monoxide leak – if you have a fuel supply, it can happen. One way to minimise the chances of your family being affected is to have your gas appliances serviced regularly by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, like us here at Hunsbury Heating. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your detector is working as expected.

We recommend that your home have a carbon monoxide detector in every room that you spend lots of time and sleep, if it contains a gas appliance. Ideally, your detector should be mounted on the wall above ground level, to maximise the chance of it detecting a leak. If you’re concerned about a gas leak, speak to a Gas Safe Registered engineer immediately.

From October 2018 it because law for all domestic properties in Scotland to be fitted with a carbon monoxide detector. Across the rest of the UK, it’s only necessary in rental properties, although this may change in the future as safety regulations become tighter.

If you have any questions regarding fitting a detector in your home, or if you’re concerned about a gas leak, please call Hunsbury Heating now on 07919 008441. We highly recommend annual servicing of all gas appliances in your home, to ensure they’re running efficiently and safely. Book your service now.