Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm? Symptoms and safety tips for your home

Carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste, so a working alarm is the only way to be warned if it builds up in your home.

Test your carbon monoxide alarm regularly and replace it by the expiry date, not just when the battery runs out.

If you’re worried about home safety, bills or keeping warm, LEAP can help you understand what support may be available.

Carbon monoxide, often called CO, is sometimes described as a “silent killer” because you cannot see it or smell it. It can come from faulty or poorly maintained appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal, including boilers, cookers, fires, heaters and log burners. The NHS advises that CO can make you seriously ill.

The good news is that a working carbon monoxide alarm is a simple, low-cost way to protect your household. Here’s what to check, what symptoms to look out for and what to do if you need extra support.

Where should you have a carbon monoxide alarm?

You should have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where there is an appliance that burns gas, oil, coal or wood. This may include a room with a boiler, gas fire, wood burner or solid fuel stove.

Follow the instructions that come with your alarm, as the best position can vary. In general, do not hide it in a cupboard, behind curtains or near anything that could block it. It needs to be somewhere you can hear it clearly.

If you rent, ask your landlord where carbon monoxide alarms are fitted in your home and who is responsible for checking or replacing them. If you own your home, add your alarm to your regular home safety checks.

How often should you test or replace it?

• A carbon monoxide alarm is only useful if it works
• Press the test button regularly, ideally once a month
• Check the expiry date on the alarm. Many alarms need replacing after a set number of years.
• Replace the battery when needed, unless your alarm has a sealed battery
• Never remove the batteries to use them elsewhere
• If the alarm is damaged, out of date or keeps giving a fault warning, replace it

A useful habit is to test your alarm at the same time as another household task, such as submitting a meter reading, checking your boiler pressure or reviewing your energy use.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can feel like flu, tiredness or a headache, so it is easy to miss. Symptoms can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Feeling weak
• Tiredness or confusion
• Chest or muscle pain
• Shortness of breath

A key warning sign is if symptoms improve when you leave the house, or if more than one person or pet in the home feels unwell at the same time.

What to do if your carbon dioxide alarm goes off

Do not ignore it, even if everyone feels fine.

1. Stop using any appliance you think could be causing the problem, if it is safe to do so.
2. Open doors and windows if you can.
3. Leave the property and get into fresh air.
4. Get medical advice if anyone has symptoms.
5. Do not go back inside until you have been told it is safe.

If you suspect a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Keep appliances serviced and ventilation clear

A carbon monoxide alarm is important, but it is not a replacement for looking after appliances. Make sure boilers, fires, cookers and heaters are installed and serviced by a qualified engineer with adequate ventilation in place. Gas Safe Register recommends annual safety checks for gas appliances unless the manufacturer says otherwise. It also says some households, including those on means-tested benefits in certain circumstances, may qualify for a free gas appliance check, so it’s worth checking with your energy supplier.

Check with your supplier for support

Many energy suppliers and gas networks have safety and extra support information on their websites. Look for sections called “Priority Services Register”, “free gas safety check”, “carbon monoxide safety” or “extra help”. 

If you’re not sure what applies to you, ask your supplier directly or speak to LEAP.

How LEAP can help

LEAP is a free energy and money saving service that helps eligible households stay warm and reduce energy bills. Everyone who applies starts with the LEAP Energy Advice Service and is contacted to arrange an advice appointment with an energy advisor. 

A LEAP advisor can help you understand your energy use, bills and meters, and point you towards further support if you’re worried about heating, hot water, appliances or keeping your home safe with carbon monoxide alarms or anything similar.

If you are concerned about carbon monoxide, arrange the safety checks you need first. Then, for help making your home warmer, safer and more affordable, apply for a LEAP energy advice call.