Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, invisible gas hardly detectable to humans – and yet it can kill within minutes.

CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-loaded fuel, such as wood or gas. That is why the appliances in your home or business need to be regularly checked by a properly qualified and experienced tradesman. If the combustion process is not properly concluded, you could have a real problem.

When it comes to woodburners, CO needs to find a direct route from the fire to the outside. If the chimney flue is blocked, the gas will still look for an escape path. Unfortunately, with a blocked flue, that means it will go back down the flue and into the room hosting the fireplace, such as your lounge or dining room. Remember that you can’t smell or see CO. So you could be sitting happily with family in the room not aware that you are all being gas poisoned.

Carbon monoxide is a combination of carbon and oxygen. It blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs in the body. So there is a very real risk of being seriously injured or killed from CO, if your appliances are not checked. And people do die from CO gas poisoning every year.

Does that sound frightening? It IS frightening. But the good news is that regular maintenance helps to prevent these risks. Even a partially blocked chimney flue poses a danger because some of the gas can be present in your room. Regular chimney flue inspections and sweeping by James the Sweep ensures that you can use your fireplace with peace of mind that there is no danger of gas poison.

It is also advised to have a working Carbon Monoxide detector. Make sure that it works by testing it regularly – once per week should be sufficient. Don’t just leave it to chance. Put it in the weekly diary as a household chore.

Are your worried? Don’t be – call your local chimney sweep James now on 07587 134589. James the Sweep continues to serve customers during the Covid pandemic, in Kentish towns including Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Southborough, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Pembury, Paddock Wood, Orpington, and villages in the local area.