Ensure your home is safe; be carbon monoxide aware
Here at North Wales Stoves we assist our clients when they are looking for the contemporary or traditional stove of their dreams which suits the style and design of their home or work place, among other requirements. We are also committed to ensuring that every stove that we fit is done so with the home-owners safety in mind.
Carbon Monoxide, and in particular carbon monoxide poisoning, is always a concern for families. With the potential to cause serious health problems, sometimes with fatal consequences, what can you do to ensure that you and your family stay safe? HETAS, the official body recognised by Government to approve biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances, offers the following advice to ensure that you take the necessary steps to have a CO friendly home.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which is produced by incomplete burning of fuels. It has no taste, smell or colour and can be present in the fumes of gas, oil, solid mineral fuel or biomass burning appliances. It is now a legal requirement to install a permanent mains or battery operated CO monitor whenever a new or replacement solid fuel appliance is fitted in a dwelling.
What usually causes faults relating to Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is usually caused by incorrect installation, lack of care and maintenance or an inadequate air supply which your appliance needs to function correctly and safely. An inadequate air supply can also prevent your stove or appliance from burning fuel efficiently, which could increase your running costs.
Some ways that you can ensure your stove/appliance are safe are:
Ensure your stove is fitted by a HETAS registered company, such as North Wales Stoves.
Only buy appliances that fully comply with current British Standards.
Check your appliance regularly and replace any parts that have diminished due to wear and tear. Please click here to contact North Wales Stoves re: replacement parts
Ensure that you only burn the recommended fuel for your appliance and that any wood you burn is seasoned and dry. Remove ash as stated in your user manual. Contact North Wales Stoves for advice.
Have your chimney swept regularly to prevent damage and chimney fires.
Overall, the advice from HETAS is clear: Solid Fuels including wood are safe to burn if an appliance is installed, maintained and used correctly.
For more information about wood-burning, multi-fuel and boiler stoves, please click here. To learn more about our HETAS Registered installations, click here. For any other enquiries including spare and replacement parts, fuel and stove accessories, please click here to contact us via our website or call 01745 822344. Our fully qualified team look forward to helping you choose the best stove for your home or workplace.
