Signs of Carbon Monoxide Production

Carbon monoxide - spotting the signs of production

Whilst carbon monoxide (CO) gas itself is invisible and odourless, there are some things you can look for that indicate the possible production of CO by your heating or gas appliances.

For gas appliances, take a look at the flame. If your appliance is working as it should be, the flame should be burn bright blue in colour. If instead it appears orange or yellow colour, then it is possible that carbon monoxide is being produced.

Other indicators of possible CO presence include pilot lights that go out often, the appearance of brown or yellow staining around an appliance and/or significant amounts of condensation in a room where an appliance is installed. (continues below)

Signs of carbon monoxide...

Misuse of appliances (eg using a gas cooker to heat a room), blocking appliances' air vents, blocked chimneys or flues and a lack of sufficient ventilation in a room can also all lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Importantly, none of the above - nor any other checks you carry out yourself - should be regarded as a substitute for having gas safety checks and servicing carried out on a regular basis by a properly trained and qualified gas engineer. Carbon monoxide can be deadly and there is no substitute for proper safety measures.

According to both the Government's Health & Safety Executive and Gas Safe Register, annual gas boiler and gas appliance safety checks and servicing are a critically important way of helping to keep your gas boiler and other appliances operating safely and efficiently.

More gas boiler and central heating safety information:

» Gas safety introduction

» Why annual gas safety checks matter

» Carbon monoxide - the silent killer

» About carbon monoxide detectors and alarms

» Recognising carbon monoxide poisoning