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Buy now, pay later interest freeFor many, winter is a beautiful season, and the most exciting time of the year for creating a cosy atmosphere inside the home, Yet, it's also important to remember that winter can bring with it an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning with more of us spending time indoors throughout the cold spells at this time of year.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as gas, oil, wood, and coal. It’s extremely dangerous and can be deadly if not detected early.
One of the best ways to protect your customers and ensure their safety this winter is by promoting an awareness of CO alongside performative checks. Here at City Plumbing, the home of heating, we’ve got everything that you need to help keep your customers safe in their homes this winter and beyond.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it’s virtually impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. When inhaled, CO replaces oxygen in the blood and prevents the body from getting the oxygen it needs to function properly. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, and over time even death.
How Can Customers Be Exposed to Carbon Monoxide?
Customers can be exposed to carbon monoxide in a variety of ways. Common sources of CO in homes and businesses include gas appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves, as well as fireplaces and generators. It's important to ensure that these appliances are properly maintained and vented to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide.
The Importance of Regular CO Checks
Regular CO checks are essential to ensure that your customers are safe this winter and beyond. By scheduling annual maintenance inspections of gas appliances and investing in carbon monoxide detectors, customers can detect any potential issues early and prevent CO poisoning.
Additionally, it's important for those in the trade to educate customers on the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so they can act quickly if they suspect a problem.
How Can You Keep Your Customers Safe?
One of the best ways to keep your customers safe this winter is by offering essential CO checks as part of your services. Licensed HVAC professionals are able to ensure that customers' gas appliances are functioning properly and are not putting them at risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
Additionally, you can provide your customers with further information on the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and how to properly maintain them.
Boiler Safety Checks for Homeowners
While it's essential for customers to have their boiler serviced annually by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer, there are a few things you can suggest to homeowners in an effort to ensure their safety between professional check-ups:
Visual Boiler Inspection:
- Check for leaks: Look for any signs of water leaks around the boiler, pipes, or radiators.
- Inspect the flue: Ensure the flue pipe is clear and not blocked by debris.
- Examine the pressure gauge: Make sure the pressure is within the recommended range.
- Look for signs of damage: Check for any visible damage to the boiler or its components.
Listen and Smell:
- Unusual noises: Pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the boiler, such as banging or hissing.
- Strange smells: Be alert for any unusual smells, particularly a strong gas odour.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness:
- Install CO alarms: Ensure you have working carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.
- Understand the symptoms of CO poisoning: Be aware of the symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Ventilate your home: Ensure adequate ventilation in rooms where gas appliances are located.
Additional Tips:
- Regular servicing: Schedule annual boiler services to identify and address potential issues.
- Bleeding radiators: Bleed radiators to remove trapped air and improve heat distribution.
- Thermostat settings: Adjust your thermostat to optimise energy efficiency and comfort.
- Insulation: Ensure proper insulation of pipes and the boiler itself to reduce heat loss.
Help Customers Stay Safe In The Home With City Plumbing
During winter and indeed all year long, City Plumbing has got you covered when it comes to keeping your customers safe in their homes and properties.
From CO heat and smoke alarms to fire alarms, we stock quality products from top-named brands at some of the most competitive prices on the market. Here are just two of our favourites from this category:
Featuring outstanding technology throughout its design, the Aico Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm is one of the most effective domestic fire alarms on the current market.
Wonderfully priced, this alarm promotes confidence with its total fire coverage, combining both a heat and an optical sensor to detect all fire types.
This fire alarm features AudioLINK technology, allowing customers to extract real-time data from it via the App.
Helping to make the home a safer space, the Honeywell Home Carbon Monoxide Alarm detects the presence of CO and offers a visual alarm for the hearing impaired.
Featuring a sleep-easy and do-not-disturb feature, this reputable brand product has a super slim design and offers a 10-year battery life and warranty.
Make Customer Safety a Top Priority This Season
Ultimately, keeping your customers safe this winter should be a top priority for any business owner. By offering essential CO checks as part of your services, you can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure the well-being of those you work with.
Educate your customers on the dangers of CO, the importance of regular maintenance, and the signs and symptoms of poisoning. Together, we can make this winter season a safe and enjoyable one for everyone.
If you’re looking for further help and advice on helping your customers select the best CO and Fire Alarms this season, then take a look at our City Plumbing website.
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