Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

CO poisoning is often mistaken for flu because the symptoms are similar — but without a raised temperature. Be alert to:

• Headaches (especially in the morning)
• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling better when you leave the property and worse when you return
• Multiple people in the property experiencing symptoms at once

What Produces Carbon Monoxide?

Any appliance that burns fuel — gas, oil, coal, wood — can produce carbon monoxide if it is faulty, poorly ventilated or incorrectly installed. The most common sources in homes are:

• Boilers (especially older models or those lacking servicing)
• Gas fires and gas cookers
• Open fires and log burners
• Blocked or damaged flues and chimneys

Prevention — What You Should Do

• Fit a BS EN 50291 certified CO alarm in every room with a gas appliance
• Have your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Never block flues or ventilation around boilers and fires
• Never use BBQs, camping stoves or generators indoors
• Look for warning signs — yellow or orange pilot flames (should be blue), sooty marks around appliances, excessive condensation

Annual Boiler Service — Your Best Protection

A regular annual boiler service by a Gas Safe engineer is the single most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide risk from your heating system. We carry out boiler services across all of Surrey — call us to book.