Autumn is the time to get home heating systems checked out…

ONE of the downsides of having a home hermitically sealed and insulated from the cold is the need to ensure toxic gases from home heating systems can still escape. The government have rightly introduced a vigorous campaign in recent years to help highlight the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and the many precautions you can take. Proper ventilation is important, but given the unseen dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning further precautions may need to be considered.

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death. Approximately half the deaths from unintentional CO Poisonings result from smoke inhalation from home fires and people die each year in Ireland from CO poisoning in the home that are related to domestic heating and fossil fuel installations (excluding the inhalation of smoke from fires).

It’s important to take note of this danger by making sure ventilation grills are kept clear and it’s no harm to familiarise yourself with other danger signs like staining on walls, soothing or discoloration around the heating appliance, a yellow or orange flame that is normally blue in colour, condensation and dampness on walls in the room where the appliance is lit, and rusting or water streaking on the appliance, vent or chimney.

Another danger is home improvements and one should be mindful of this as building new extensions, knocking walls, carrying out insulation works can all alter the way in which dangerous toxins are allowed permeate from your home. You should also consider buying a Carbon Monoxide alarm from a local hardware or DIY shop. For a price tag of roughly €25 to €30, it’s a wise investment and will ensure extra peace of mind for you and your family as the dark winter evenings approach. So remember while it might feel tempting to block vents from the cold winter winds, think safety first.