Spot carbon monoxide risks before they strike | Tenant news

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the ‘silent killer’ for a chilling reason: You can’t see it, smell it, or touch it, but if left undetected, it can be fatal within minutes.

Every Habinteg home with Gas appliances will have a CO alarm installed by us.

Understanding the early warning signs of a CO leak is one way to protect the lives of your family and your neighbours.

Check the flame

One of the most effective ways to spot a risk is to look at your gas appliances.

A healthy gas flame should be crisp and blue. If you notice a lazy, yellow or orange flame on your cooker or boiler, it’s a major red flag that the fuel isn’t burning properly.

Keep an eye on the area surrounding your appliances as well. Look for unusual sooty stains, dark brown marks, or heavy condensation on the windows in the room where a heater or boiler is located.

If a pilot light frequently blows out or the appliance seems to be ‘struggling’ don’t ignore it. These are physical symptoms of a failing system that could be venting lethal gas into your living space.

Listen to your body

Often, the first sign of a carbon monoxide leak isn't found on a machine, but in how you feel.

CO poisoning symptoms are frequently mistaken for the flu or food poisoning, but there is one key difference: they usually improve when you leave the house.

If you or your family members experience persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, or sudden fatigue that seems to lift when you go to work or step outside, your home environment may be compromised.

In multi-unit buildings, if neighbours are reporting similar flu-like symptoms at the same time, it could indicate a shared venting issue or a leak traveling through floorboards and pipes.

Carbon monoxide alarms

While visual checks are vital, they aren't foolproof. The only 100% reliable way to detect CO is a carbon monoxide alarm.

Ensure you can hear your alarm. If the alarm sounds, or if you suspect a leak, turn off all appliances, open the windows, leave the property immediately, and contact your landlord or the emergency gas services.

Home safety checklist

Use this quick guide to keep your household safe and ensure your appliances are running correctly:

• Monitor Symptoms: Be alert if you feel heavy-headed or nauseous while at home.
• Check the alarm: Test your CO detector monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries annually.
• Inspect flames: Ensure gas rings and boiler pilots are burning blue, not orange.
• Clear vents: Make sure air bricks, vents, and chimneys are not blocked by furniture, bird nests, or debris.
• Look for soot: Check for dark staining or scorching on or around boilers and gas fires.
• Gas safety checks: Ensure you keep any gas safety check appointments we make with you. Ensuring we have an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for your home, every year, is a legal requirement.
  
  

If your CO detector does not work, let us know immediately by calling our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100.

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