A faulty boiler can cause carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide has no taste or smell, making it difficult to detect by human senses.
If carbon monoxide fumes are breathed in, they are a major health hazard and can kill. This is why every home with a boiler needs one or more carbon monoxide detectors, that sound an alarm if CO2 is in the air.
Both oil and gas boilers can produce carbon monoxide. Solid fuel stoves that burn wood or coal can also leak carbon monoxide, which is made if there is not enough oxygen in the boiler or stove.
CO detectors can be placed on every floor and near the boiler. They should be placed at eye level or higher and away from doors and windows. Detectors should not be put in high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Test them at least monthly and replace them after five to seven years of use. You can buy devices that detect fire and smoke as well as carbon monoxide.
If the detector alarm sounds, turn off the boiler and call the National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999. You may also need a blood and breath test to check if the leak has affected your health.
A modern boiler is unlikely to leak carbon monoxide if it is serviced annually. During a boiler service by an Xgas heating engineer in your Chester or Wrexham home, the boiler is checked for burning fuel correctly. The engineer will make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.