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Safety5 min read15 November 2025

Carbon Monoxide Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family

Carbon monoxide kills around 40 people per year in the UK. Here's everything you need to know to keep your household safe.

Carbon Monoxide Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family

The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels burn incompletely. It has no colour, no smell, and no taste — making it impossible to detect without a purpose-built alarm. In the UK, it causes around 40 deaths per year and sends thousands more to hospital.

Every home with a gas, oil, LPG, wood-burning, or solid fuel appliance is at potential risk.

Where Does CO Come From?

Any fuel-burning appliance can produce CO if it malfunctions or is poorly maintained:

  • **Gas and oil boilers** — the most common source in UK homes
  • **Gas fires and cookers** — particularly in poorly ventilated spaces
  • **Wood-burning stoves and open fires** — if the flue is blocked or the fire is damped down excessively
  • **LPG appliances** — same risks as gas
  • **Portable generators and BBQs** — producing large amounts of CO; never use indoors or in garages

    • Symptoms of CO Poisoning

    Symptoms of CO exposure are similar to flu but without a raised temperature:

  • **Headache** (most common)
  • **Dizziness and nausea**
  • **Shortness of breath**
  • **Confusion and difficulty thinking**
  • **Collapse in severe cases**

    • Key indicator: If multiple people in the same building feel unwell, or if symptoms improve when you go outside, suspect CO poisoning immediately.

    What to Do If You Suspect CO

    1. Leave the building immediately — don't stop to collect belongings

    2. Call 999 and report a suspected CO leak

    3. Call the Gas Emergency line: 0800 111 999 (for gas appliances)

    4. Do not re-enter until emergency services say it is safe

    5. Seek medical treatment — even if you feel better outside

    Protecting Your Home

    Fit CO alarms: At least one on every floor, near sleeping areas. Test monthly; replace every 7 years. BSI-kitemarked alarms are the standard to look for.

    Annual servicing: Every gas, oil, or LPG appliance should be serviced annually by a registered engineer (Gas Safe for gas/LPG; OFTEC for oil).

    Never block ventilation: Boilers and fires need air for proper combustion. Blocking air bricks or fitting sealed windows in boiler rooms can create CO risk.

    For boiler servicing and CO safety checks, call Halo Heating on 01483 676108.

    Need Professional Help?

    Our Gas Safe registered engineers cover Surrey and surrounding areas. Call for a free quote or to book an engineer.

    Call 01483 676108