Poisoning danger does not occur only in the inversion

The poisoning threat occurs most often in connection with the inversion and poor dispersing conditions. Much more often the flue gas leaks occur in summer months, especially from hot water flow heaters, which are operated all year round. Provided the outside temperature is too high, the chimney draft gets worsened. It depends on the temperature differences. If the sun warms the cooled chimney, the air temperature inside may be lower than the ambient temperature and the cooler air retains in the chimney.

The prevention is crucial

You cannot smell the carbon monoxide and poisoning occurs slowly and unobtrusively. Therefore, the prevention is the most important protection. Regular maintenance of the boiler and flue gas outlet is especially crucial. The gas device should be inspected annually before the beginning of heating season.

Provided the boiler is set and checked by a professional technician, the risk of poisoning is minimal. Problems come especially with older unmaintained boilers or with improper reconstruction.

Thermona Sales Director

Problematic reconstructions

Only few people realize that besides the gas, the air is needed in the boiler for burning. In case the air is supplied from the interior, its sufficient supply shall be ensured. This is often omitted especially when reconstructions are made, when, for example, all windows and doors are replaced with plastic ones.

The problem is that they are tight too well and not enough of air is supplied into the room, which is necessary for the device safe operation. A hood or a bathroom fan can cause a serious problem as they can cause flue gases leakage into the interior when they are operated simultaneously with the gas boiler.

Thermona Sales Director

The most serious danger is found in poorly ventilated rooms, such as bathrooms. People often have a hung gas boiler or a gas flow-hear above the bathtub in a small bathroom. Although the room must be equipped with ventilation grilles, for example in the door, this is often omitted during a reconstruction for design reasons. Or the vent made directly in the wall is usually closed or blocked due to heat leakage.

A special sensor can be helpful

CO leak detectors are available at the market. Although they are similar to smoke detectors at first sight, they operate under a different detection principle and shall not be interchanged. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, thus it is important to install the sensor at a height of at least 1.5 meters or on the ceiling. The battery will last for many years, if it is discharged, the detector signal it to be replaced.