Wood burners & carbon monoxide

Hi, Roger here! As well as being a chimney expert in my professional life I still enjoy a lovely warm fire in the colder months of the year and I really look forward to the cosy warmth of a wood burner. However, with the increased use of a wood burner, you need to be aware of the potential dangers that come with them. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that is created when fuel such as wood or coal is burned. It is a silent killer, and exposure to high levels of CO can cause serious health problems or even death.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel is burned without enough oxygen. This can happen when a wood burner is not properly ventilated, or when there is a blockage in the chimney. Carbon monoxide can also be produced by other sources such as gas stoves, furnaces, and water heaters. In most cases, the levels of carbon monoxide produced are not high enough to cause harm. However, it is possible for the levels to get dangerously high if the wood burner is not ventilated properly. This is why it is so important to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home if you have a wood burner.

A carbon monoxide alarm is designed to detect even the smallest levels of carbon monoxide in your home. It is usually installed near the wood burner where CO levels are more likely to be higher. The alarm will sound if the levels of CO reach a dangerous level, alerting you to the potential danger. This gives you the opportunity to take action to reduce the levels of CO and protect yourself and your family from potential harm.

In addition to having a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home, there are other steps you can take to ensure your safety when using a wood burner. Make sure that your wood burner is properly vented and that the chimney is free from blockages. Have your wood burner and chimney inspected regularly to make sure that they are in good working order. Ensure that the wood burner is burning properly by using the right kind of fuel and making sure that it is burning at a low temperature and that they are properly vented as well.

Having a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home is an important safety measure if you have a wood burner. It can detect dangerous levels of CO and alert you to the potential danger.

If you are looking for a carbon monoxide alarm for your wood burner, I can recommend you take a look at the Wolf Shield Carbon Monoxide Alarm on Amazon, it has great reviews and costs only £25.

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