Dangers of a faulty boiler

It may be an unpleasant thought, but there are serious safety implications when it comes to your boiler. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, carbon monoxide — known as ‘the silent killer’ — causes a death almost every week because of unserviced boilers or blocked flues (Nov 1998). Though this is often associated with young people living in rented accommodation, it can affect anyone who uses appliances that burn wood or fossil fuels — gas, coal or oil.

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odourless poisonous gas. It is taken up by the bloodstream quickly and impairs breathing. Inhaling too much carbon monoxide causes coma and death by asphyxiation.

Carbon monoxide can be difficult to detect, however you should keep your eyes open for the following:

• Gas flames that normally burn blue burning orange or yellow instead
• Sooty stains appearing on or just above any fuel-burning appliance
• Coal or wood fires burning slowly or going out
• A fire that is difficult to light
• A poorly ventilated room
• Blocked chimney or flue

There are also a number of physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including tiredness, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, chest pains or nausea.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur because of a lack of adequate ventilation, poor maintenance of appliances and blocked or leaky flues and chimneys. Therefore you should:

• keep appliances well maintained
• make sure chimneys and flues are regularly swept
• ensure rooms are well ventilated

You shouldn’t rely on carbon monoxide detectors as they are only warning devices and are no substitute for regularly servicing of gas heating appliances. However, if you do buy one you should look for British Standard BS7860.

If you own your home then it is your responsibility to ensure that your gas appliances are in good working order. Arranging this yourself can be a hassle, not to mention tricky, as heating engineers are notoriously hard to get hold of.

Worse still, recent statistics have found that a massive 93% of work by ‘cowboy’ plumbers is dangerously defective. This is where heating cover can help, as some plans also cover inspection of your boiler/unit each year by a CORGI registered engineer.

The uSwitch.com heating cover comparison service will allow you to compare which plans include annual safety inspections.

If you live in rented accommodation then your landlord is required under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, to ensure that flues and appliances are kept in good order and checked for safety at least every 12 months.