CARMARTHENSHIRE residents should make sure their heating system is checked and to ensure a carbon monoxide detector is installed in their home to help keep them safe this winter.

As the days and nights get colder, many people are turning to their heating to help keep warm, but Carmarthenshire County Council is encouraging its residents to make sure they stay safe with correctly functioning heating.

Carbon monoxide can be given off by appliances that burn fossil fuels like gas, coal, wood or oil, if the appliance isn’t working properly, the flue is blocked, or the room isn’t properly ventilated.

Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless which makes it difficult to detect without a carbon monoxide alarm and the effects can be deadly.

Appliances should be tested and serviced every 12 months by qualified contractors.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, the council’s cabinet member for climate change, decarbonisation and sustainability, said: “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and we should all take precautions to ensure our appliances pose as little risk as possible.

“Please ensure any appliances in the home that burn fossil fuels are checked regularly by a qualified engineer as well as having a carbon monoxide detector placed within the same room as these appliances.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s public protection team can provide advice and support to anyone concerned about carbon monoxide levels in their property. For help and advice, email publicprotection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01267 234567.

These are the signs that may indicate carbon monoxide:

  • Gas flames burning orange or yellow instead of blue.
  • Sooty stains appearing on or just above appliances, regardless of the fuel being burnt.
  • Coal or wood burns slowly or goes out.
  • Fires are difficult to light which may mean that the room is not properly ventilated.
  • The chimney or flue is blocked – watch out for smoke in the room.
  • Unexplained symptoms of tiredness, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, chest pains, nausea and/or muscle weakness.