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
"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.
Britons are increasingly opting to carry out improvements to their property that make it more of a home than an investment vehicle, one sector commentator has claimed.
When it comes to bathroom design and interior decoration in general, neutral is now a thing of the past.
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?
The recent spell of cold weather may have meant many households have been spending more time at home snuggled up together watching television.
As businesses look for ways they can reduce their costs and save money during the recession, they may be failing to take notice of something which could potentially be proving a significant drain on their resources.
The government - supported by think tank the Green Fiscal Commission - has announced its proposals which could see households paying a green tax on their utilities use.
The past year may have been a difficult one for some Britons, with unemployment rates on the rise and the economy falling into a recession.
As many Britons will now be well aware, the recession and credit crunch has put substantial pressure on the housing market, making this year a difficult time for people considering either buying or selling a property.
As the cold snap continues across the UK, many people may enjoy snuggling up in their cosy home and then awaking to see that a blanket of frost or snow has transformed their garden into a winter wonderland.
Last Christmas, a couple from Maidstone in Kent were found dead after what is believed to be a fatal case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Householders are being warned to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide, it has been revealed.
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?
Heating companies and plumbers have been urged to be aware of the new smoking regulations that came into force in the UK last month.
Cut-price carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are being offered to students in a bid to keep them aware of the importance of boiler safety.
As many Britons will now be well aware, the recession and credit crunch has put substantial pressure on the housing market, making this year a difficult time for people considering either buying or selling a property.
Businesses with commercial boilers may not realise that new legislation will soon come into effect to encourage them to reduce their carbon emissions.
If the government fails to take the lead in carbon cutting in the office it potentially gives everyone an excuse to opt out, according to one sector commentator.
Teachers at a new US school hope to spread the message about renewable energy to pupils, with the help of a geothermal heat pump system.
Older Britons are becoming increasingly concerned about the effect that higher gas prices will have
The Builders' Merchants Federation (BMF) is urging homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their

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