How to be CO aware

This week sees the launch of a national carbon monoxide awareness campaign, but just what steps can Britons take to ensure their own central heating systems are as safe as possible?

To start with, they may wish to invest in a new boiler. The Energy Saving Trust recommends that people who are reliant on a boiler which is over 15 years old to power their central heating consider upgrading to a new model to get the best results. Not only are newer boilers more energy efficient, leading to less carbon emissions, they can also help ton reduce utility bills.

Boilers account for some 60 per cent of the emissions released by a gas-powered home, according to the trust. Having a condensing boiler - which is able to convert more of its fuel into heat - and a full set of heating controls could see Britons enjoying a £230 saving on their annual household bills.

With the current lifespan of a gas boiler standing at 15 years, a newer boiler is also likely to be safer. An old gas boiler may be at an increased risk of fire or explosion, or of leaking deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Britons who invest in a new boiler could be ensuring the safety of their family is maintained.

But purchasing a new boiler does not have to leave people out of pocket. Indeed, the savings it will make on energy bills could soon see it paying for itself. And people who are currently using a 15-year-old or G-rated boiler to power their central heating can even apply for a voucher from the trust worth £400 to put towards the cost of a condensing boiler, or, alternatively, a biomass boiler or ground source heat pump.

Once a new boiler is installed, what additional steps can households take to keep it in good working order?

It is advised that Britons have at least one boiler service every year, while having a home's other has appliances checked over is also advisable. By scheduling a regular boiler service, people will have the peace of mind that their heating appliances are in good working order, something which may be particularly beneficial during the colder months.

There may be no worse part of homeownership than the central heating breaking down when the weather is at its coldest. Having a boiler services can mean that any possible risk of break down is identified early and fixed or replaced before any damage is done.

However, there is another, arguably more important reason for having boilers serviced at least once a year. Carbon monoxide can be leaked from boilers if they are at fault and the gas is known to prove deadly to people who inhale it. But because it is colourless, tasteless or odourless, people should not expect to realise if there is a leak in their home as often the problem is not noted until they have fallen ill, or, occasionally, too late. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also be misdiagnosed, as its symptoms are similar to those experienced by people with the flu. However, if left untreated for too long, carbon monoxide can prove fatal.

When scheduling a boiler service, Britons should ensure the processional they contact is a member of the Gas Safe Register.

Kirstie Allsopp, presenter of Channel 4 show Location, Location, Location, is currently heading the Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed! campaign. She is urging all UK households to invest in a carbon monoxide detector to alert them should a leak be detected.

"I want to see an audible alarm installed in every household - it's the only way to be sure of detecting this silent killer whilst protecting you and your family," she said.

Britons who currently have an old boiler and want to ensure they save money and keep their home safe may find the boiler scrappage scheme means now is the best time to invest in a condensing boiler.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR SF340E MAINS POWERED

£ 33.97 (ex vat)
£ 39.92 (inc vat)

PH SLEEPSAFE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

£ 6.88 (ex vat)
£ 8.09 (inc vat)

SF EZSENSE HAND HELD GAS DETECTOR

£ 28.42 (ex vat)
£ 33.39 (inc vat)

FIREANGEL PS-101 IONISATION PLUG IN SMOKE ALARM

£ 18.57 (ex vat)
£ 21.82 (inc vat)

SF Z12EDCX OPTICAL SMOKE ALARM

£ 11.07 (ex vat)
£ 13.00 (inc vat)

HONEYWELL SF450EN CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

£ 22.32 (ex vat)
£ 26.23 (inc vat)