Carbon Monoxide and Your Home: What Every Yorkshire Household Needs to Know.

Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer for a reason. You can’t see it, smell it or taste it, but if it builds up in your home, the results can be deadly. If you’ve got a boiler, a log burner, a multi-fuel stove or an open fire, you need to be aware of the risks and how to prevent them.

At InstaHeat, we help protect homes across Harrogate, Wetherby, Pateley Bridge, Ripon and the surrounding area through expert chimney services, boiler installations and heating system care. Here’s what you need to know about carbon monoxide and how we can help keep your household safe.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It Dangerous?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a poisonous gas produced when fuels like wood, gas, oil or coal don’t burn completely. It’s incredibly dangerous because:

• It has no smell, colour or taste

• It builds up without you knowing

• It can make you feel unwell without immediately linking symptoms to the cause

• It can be fatal in high concentrations or over prolonged exposure

Even a modern home isn’t immune, especially if appliances haven’t been properly installed or maintained.

Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

In Yorkshire homes, the most common culprits include:

• Poorly maintained boilers or gas appliances

• Blocked or damaged chimneys and flues

• Wood-burning stoves with poor ventilation

• Open fires without proper servicing

• Unvented appliances in garages, workshops or extensions

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, especially in winter:

• Headaches

• Dizziness or nausea

• Breathlessness

• Confusion or tiredness

• Chest pain

If more than one person in the house feels unwell, especially after using heating, it’s a red flag.

How Can InstaHeat Help?

We work every day to help protect local families from the risks of carbon monoxide. Here’s how:

Chimney Services

A blocked or cracked chimney can prevent smoke and gases from escaping properly. Our chimney servicing includes:

• Flue inspections

• Removal of creosote, soot and bird nests

• Smoke testing

• Repair recommendations

Regular sweeping keeps airflow healthy and fumes moving safely out of your home.

Boiler Servicing and Installation

Our team offers full boiler installations and servicing across Harrogate and surrounding areas. We check for:

• Proper combustion

• Venting issues

• Gas leaks or blocked outlets

• System pressure and efficiency

A well-maintained boiler is not just more efficient, it’s far safer too.

CO Alarm Advice

We also advise on where to install carbon monoxide detectors and how often to test them. We can even supply and fit alarms during your service visit if needed.

How to Stay Safe from Carbon Monoxide

1. Service your boiler and heating appliances every year

2. Book a professional chimney sweep at least annually

3. Install CO alarms on every floor, especially near bedrooms

4. Never ignore odd smells, staining or soot marks around appliances

5. Contact a qualified engineer if something doesn’t feel right

Book a Safety Check Today

We’re proud to help Yorkshire households stay safe, warm and carbon monoxide free. Whether you’re in Harrogate, Wetherby, Spofforth, Pateley Bridge or nearby, our experienced team is here to help.