It is a poisonous gas that you can’t smell, taste, or see.

Carbon monoxide can be produced by any combustion appliance including those that burn fossil fuels (oil, wood and coal).

What are the symptoms to look out for?

• Headaches or dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness
• Tiredness
• Pains in the chest or stomach
• Erratic behaviour
• Visual problems

If you think someone in your family might have carbon monoxide poisoning, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

What are the signs to look out for with my appliance?

• Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame).
• Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances.
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
• Increased condensation inside windows.

What should you do if you think you have a carbon monoxide leak?

• Immediately Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
• Switch of the appliance and shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve.
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room.
• Visit your GP and tell him/her that you believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

What is condensation?

As air cools, it loses the ability to hold moisture, causing tiny drops of water to appear on cold surfaces or areas with little or no movement of air. These tiny water drops are called condensation.

It is perhaps the most common form of damp that can appear in your home, and if left untreated it can lead to:

• Mould growth, potentially causing health issues, and breathing difficulties.
• Structural damage to the property.

The primary reason for condensation forming in your home is lack of adequate ventilation, causing humidity levels to rise.

A family of four people, living in a 3-bedroom property can create 112 pints of moisture a week, by breathing, cooking, showering, and boiling the kettle.

EnviroVent Ltd

What can you do to prevent condensation?

The following simple steps will help you to prevent condensation in your home:

• Dry clothes outdoors (one load of washing can release 2 litres of water into the air)
• Use saucepan lids when cooking, and turn on the extractor hood in the kitchen, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes after your food is prepared.
• Turn on the bathroom extractor fan when taking a shower.
• Close kitchen and bathroom doors whilst they are in use.
• Ensure there is adequate heat in the property.
• Wipe down cold surfaces, if you see condensation build then remove the moisture with a dry cloth.
• Don’t overfill wardrobes and cupboards, it will reduce the circulation of air.
• Keep furniture away from external walls.
• Open your windows when the weather is nice.

How do you treat mould?

Washing down walls with a fungicidal wash can help to treat mould.

For real problem cases, Brenwards can provide a three-part mould treatment.