Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas you cannot see, taste or smell. To help keep you safe, we check your gas meter and gas pipework once a year.

If you think there is carbon monoxide in your home

All our properties have carbon monoxide alarms fitted, if the alarm sounds or you think there is carbon monoxide in your home, call us at once on 0191 525 5000 and select option 2.

We will ask you to turn off your gas supply. This is usually a handle under your boiler, but we will guide you through it if you are not sure.

We will tell Northern Gas Networks who will visit your home within 2 hours.

Checks to see if carbon monoxide is in your home

Check to see if:

  • gas flames burn orange and yellow instead of blue
  • there are soot stains on or near appliances
  • it is difficult to light your fire
  • you have a blocked chimney
  • your boiler’s pilot light keeps blowing out
  • there is more condensation than usual in your home

There are physical signs of carbon monoxide that are like other illnesses. These are:

  • being out of breath
  • chest and stomach pains
  • feeling tired and weak
  • headaches
  • sickness
  • sight problems

How carbon monoxide can get in your home

Carbon monoxide can get into your home through a:

  • blocked chimney
  • incorrectly installed fuel appliance
  • fuel appliance that is in a poor condition