Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide continues to endanger British holidaymakers 

New research, carried out by Gas Safe Register, found that many Brits do not understand the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) on holiday. More than one in two Britons (53 per cent) do not recognise that a smoking charcoal barbeque in a tent, caravan, motor home or room can result in CO poisoning. More than one in three (37 per cent) do not know that using a portable camping stove inside can result in poisoning and nearly one in five (19 per cent) people do not realise CO can build up in a poorly ventilated space with working gas appliances, such as a caravan.

Should Britain suffer a cold spell this summer the threat of CO poisoning could be greater. Last year the cold weather led to the tragic deaths of Hannah Thomas, 14, in May 2012 and Isabelle Harris, six, in April 2012 after their respective families brought a barbeque inside the tent to keep the family warm.

Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous and poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of gas, liquid gas, oil, coal and wood. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.

If you’re planning a trip away follow Gas Safe Register and APPCOG’s advice: 

  1. Never use a smouldering or lit barbeque (charcoal or gas), gas stove, light or heater in a tent, caravan, room or cabin, or under an awning unless it is a permanent fixture that has been installed and maintained correctly. Even if you have finished cooking, your barbeque will still give off fumes for some hours after use.
  2. Remember the six main signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and don’t confuse it with food poisoning or another holiday related illness – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. If concerned, seek medical advice.
  3. If using a gas appliance, check that it is in good order, undamaged and, where present, that hoses are properly attached and undamaged. If in doubt, get the hoses replaced or do not use it. Make sure the gas taps or cylinder valve are turned off before changing the gas cylinder and only do this in the open air. Do not over-tighten joints.
  4. Ask if the gas appliances in your accommodation have been safety checked and serviced. In the UK, the owner must do this by law.
  5. Recognise the signs of dodgy gas appliances. Black marks or stains around the appliance, yellow lazy flames instead of crisp blue flames, and too much condensation are all signs gas appliances aren’t working properly.

For more information on CO safety on holiday watch the video below & Contact Samsian Ltd on 01732 885882 if you need further advice.

Source Gas Safe Register 2013

New Gas Boilers

New Gas Boilers – Things to consider

A boiler is one of the most vital devices in our homes. They keep us warm in the winter months and provide us with hot water all year round.

As your boiler is so important and vital to your home, it is important to look after it as best you can. This means carrying out regular safety checks and attending to any repairs as quickly as possible. So, why should you check your boiler regularly?

Prevent breakdown

The boiler is central to the heating of our home, so if it breaks down it can really spell disaster – especially in the winter months.

Having the boiler regularly checked by a registered gas engineer competent do so & at least once a year, is important. But remember you can also check certain things too just by switching on your heating at the end of the summer for instance, just before you are about to start using it more regularly. As usage is reduced in summer, you might not notice any problems and could subsequently end up with a nasty surprise come autumn. In most situations, you’ll be able to see if there’s a problem before something major happens. This could be anything from the radiators being colder than they should to an unusual increase in energy usage and bills. 

It is also worth noting that older G Rated boilers are likely to encounter more problems and breakdowns. So, if your boiler is older than 10 years, check it more regularly.

Purchasing a new boiler

Boiler repairs can be expensive and the bills can really add up if you have an older model that is susceptible to breakdown.

If your boiler is getting old, investing in a new model could prove more cost effective in the long run. Not only is it likely to break down less, but newer boilers offer far greater energy efficiency than old models.

The first thing to look for in a new boiler is its energy efficiency rating. According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing an old boiler with an A-rated high efficiency condensing boiler can save as much as £300 a year. Have a look for yourself by using our boiler efficiency calculator.

Condensing boilers are best for energy consumption as they have bigger heat exchangers, meaning more heat is recovered.

When it comes to choosing a new boiler, you’ll need to think about what type of boiler is best for your home. If you have a mains gas supply then a gas boiler will offer the cheapest heating system while a combi boiler can offer better overall efficiency.

Try out our new boiler price guide if you are just budgeting or contact us for a free no obligation quotation.

Save money

Boiler Scrappage Scheme 2021

The Boiler Scrappage scheme

The 2013 Boiler Scrappage Scheme was a government programme to encourage homeowners to replace old, inefficient central heating boilers by giving a voucher towards the cost of a new boiler. Despite the government 2013 Boiler Scrappage Scheme closing in England and Wales, Samsian Ltd are continuing with their own scrappage allowance on all new boiler installations carried out from 1st January 2021.

When offering a Vaillant boiler for example, depending on the model of appliance you are replacing our scrappage allowance is typically between £100 to £300 – This will be shown clearly on your written quotation.

Why scrap my old boiler?’

High Gas Bills?
Paying too much for your gas?

Boilers can account for around 60% of what you spend in a year on energy bills, so an efficient boiler makes a big difference. Replacing an old gas boiler with an A-rated high-efficiency condensing boiler and improving your heating controls can significantly cut your home’s carbon dioxide emissions and could save you as much as £300 a year.

Want to know how much you could save? use our free quote tool to get an idea how much a new boiler from Samsian Ltd will cost.

For more information, contact Samsian Ltd on 01732 885882