2024 - Beware of gas boilers - this is how you can avoid CO accidents at home in summer

One hears again and again of fatal carbon monoxide accidents with gas boilers in summer. You can read in our trends how you can take precautions at home to minimize the risk of such cases.

One hears again and again in Vienna of fatal carbon monoxide accidents in combination with gas boilers. Because: In very old or poorly maintained thermal baths, the heat can lead to an exhaust gas backlog and the exhaust gases cannot escape properly. Newer devices can usually recognize this backwater and switch off automatically. If such a protective mechanism does not exist or is defective, the proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) in the room air increases as a result.

CO – dangerous to fatal

Above a certain concentration, CO is highly toxic. Since it is odorless and tasteless, people often do not even notice when it is leaking. In the event of sudden headaches, dizziness and nausea, the alarm bells should ring immediately! Every second counts here in order to get into the fresh air, because CO poisoning quickly leads to unconsciousness with fatal consequences.

In addition, pay attention to the following safety measures in order to live carefree at home even in summer:

The gas boiler should definitely be serviced regularly – The specialists check the device not only for all functions, but also for contamination and then clean them immediately.
Arrange an appointment with the chimney sweep – this checks and cleans the chimney, which can also affect the air conditions in the home.
Open in The windows regularly in summer, to provide fresh air.
Especially in the bathroom and shower rooms you should ventilate adequately and leave the doors open.
To get A CO alarm. This sends out an acoustic warning signal as soon as the CO concentration reaches an increased value.
Be careful with the Use of mobile air conditioners! These can increase the effect described above. Before using the air conditioner, you should definitely consult with the chimney sweeper beforehand, be well informed about the risks and do not use the device in the same room as the gas boiler.

CO alarm