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Oxford Central Heating - Maintaining and Servicing Your System
This article looks at how you maintain your central heating system, whether you live in Oxford or anywhere - so that it remains both safe and efficient. Let us look at safety first and especially at the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas which can kill and does kill. It is invisible, has no taste and no colour. It is most commonly caused by faulty boilers, faulty cookers and from some old fashioned gas fires. It is estimated that there are 25,000 instances of carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK each year including about 30 deaths. It occurs when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the combustion chamber. When that happens the boiler or faulty device produces carbon monoxide rather than the less toxic carbon dioxide.
Because carbon monoxide has no smell it is not easy to detect. If however you notice that the boiler pilot light flame is yellow rather than blue then that suggests that there is a ventilation problem with your boiler which needs attention. Similarly on a gas cooker if the flame is yellow rather than blue that is evidence of a problem which needs sorting by a qualified gas engineer.
How can you detect carbon monoxide? You can buy carbon monoxide alarms which give off a loud piercing noise which should be audible from any bedroom. These are much superior to chemical carbon monoxide detectors which have panels which change colour when carbon monoxide is detected. For one thing a loud alarm is more likely to be noticed and, in addition chemical detectors need to be replaced every six months, or they become useless. While having a good detector is important the primary way to protect your home and your family is to have your central heating system regularly serviced so that the threat of carbon monoxide does not arise.
Servicing your system is important also to maintain the efficiency of your central heating system. If your system is efficient your gas bills will be lower.
One of the most important features of a service is to check that the boiler system is properly ventilated. It has been known for boilers in garages to be covered in growing foliage or stacked boxes which has severely limited the ventilation to the boiler increasing the risk of carbon monoxide releases. You also need to check that nothing outside has blocked the boiler flue. The purpose of the boiler flue is to enable exhaust gases to escape outside from the boiler, much as an exhaust does on a car. Again some plant growth or storage of garden materials may be obstructing the flue and weakening the system.
The service should also include the various parts being cleaned - suction vacuum cleaners are often used. Make sure also the service engineer checks the pipes and each of the radiators.
Mostly importantly check that the service engineer is on the Gas Safe register. Anyone on the register has had to have reached certain standards to maintain the safety of the gas systems. Ask to see their registration card.
The benefits of a regular service for your boiler are that the central heating system can remain efficient - and safe. If the system is efficient it will not only keep you warm in winter but it will reduce your bills. Neglecting the servicing could lead to a costly plumbing disaster and put your family at risk. Think of it as a MOT for your boiler and it will keep your family safe.
About the Author
Arthur Lewis is an internet marketer who specialises in working with particular local businesses to promote their business and is currently working in Oxford in the plumbing and heating industry. He has availble FREE for you a Guide on choosing the right heating engineer to sort out your boiler. To download it for free go to http://www.oxfordcentralheating.com
Out of the Blue (Oxford University) - all-male a cappella vocal group at the Edinburgh Fringe 2009
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