Preparing for winter II

NualaBuala

cloudberry45 wrote: »

Oops the quote above didnt work not sure what I did to it

Just a typo Cloudberry, there is a / in your first quote tag ... so you have
[/quote] = close quote
instead of

= open quote

EstherH

So sorry to hear that Ginny but thank the Lord that they were okay.

anguk

Goodness Ginny, how scary for you and your family! I'm so pleased everyone is okay, try not to think about the "what ifs".

Your post has actually reminded me, I must buy a carbon monoxide alarm, we rent and the boiler etc get serviced every year but I want an alarm for peace of mind. I must tell my DS to get one too because he rents in London and I'm going to ask him if the heating has been serviced.

NualaBuala

purpleheather2810 wrote: »

Oh my goodness Ginny! That could have been an absolute tragedy, CO is so dangerous especially for babies. Speaking of which, I don't have a CO monitor/alarm, do I need one? I don't have a gas fire, but do have gas CH.

Where is your boiler situated and was it serviced recently?

Also open fires can cause problems if the chimney is at all blocked. And I know we don't want draughts but we should have some ventilation in our homes.

The CO forms when there isn't enough oxygen for the fuel to burn completely to CO2.

Causes of CO Poisoning
You can be in danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at home if dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide accumulate in the home. This can happen as a result of any or a combination of the following:

• Faulty or damaged heating appliances
• Heating appliance not maintained or serviced
• Rooms not properly ventilated
• Blocked chimneys or flues
• Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater
• Poor installation of heating appliances
• Improper operation of heating appliances
• Property alterations or home improvements, which reduce ventilation
• Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garages
• Using cooking appliances for heating purposes

From http://www.carbonmonoxide.ie/htm/poisoning.htm

anguk

redlady_1 wrote: »

So what exactly is the LL going to do about these heaters? I guess she never bothered having everything serviced. On the plus side it should have freaked her out sufficiently to give the whole place a complete overhaul. Might be worth getting the electrics checked too.

I am so pleased everyone is ok though.

I thought landlords had to have everything serviced yearly by law now? I know when ours gets serviced the landlord gets a report and we get a copy.

Edit: done a quick google and it appears I'm right, landlords do have to arrange yearly gas safety checks.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/faqlandlord.htm

It's worth always asking for a copy of the gas safety report whenever you view a new rental property.

ginnyknit

At home here we have had electric heaters for so long I never thought about her having gas. I know supermarkets sell CO2 monitors very cheaply so will be investing in one for her today for future use. The problem is usually a blockage in the chimney or inadequate ventilation. Guess we should all bear that in mind whilst we are sealing our houses from draughts - not trying to scare people but after this happening we all need to take heed. The Gp has checked them all out this morning - taken bloods. the landlord has just delivered electric heaters and is now jumping into action - probably before we report her to the police as Im sure she could be charged with negligence but she otherwise has been very good before this so it WILL all be dealt with fast. SIL is still sickly but ok. Thank you all, as ever, for your kind words. I have to compose myself before they get here!

Justamum

ginnyknit wrote: »

Luckily Sil was in the house on his own when he put the gas fire on high - well not lucky for him - but they had programmed the heating to come on in the night to warm the house through as it had been empty before they moved in and it was in need of warming through. I cannot bear to think what would have happened and am still reeling from it all. They had all been a bit low since they moved in on Saturday but we thought it was just exhaustion from all the messing about. I was beginning to suspect something but had not worked it out when Dd found Sil collapsed in kitchen yesterday.
After a trip to casualty and good back up from new Gp and one very scared landlady all seem to be fine- thank god

Isn't it the law that landlords have annual services on heaters and boilers? If not, they should, and I think next time I have to move I'll ask to see the service report!

This could have ended up so badly for you - I'm so glad they are all fine.

starsandmoon

hmc wrote: »

hi. the poles you are talking about, do you really not need a drill and skrews? so they are like telescopic? how heavy a curtain will they hold please

Hi, these poles are great but I dont think they hold a very heavy curtain. Come in a variety of sizes and sort of unscrew at one end. I jammed mine between the 2 walls and up to now its worked a treat. I have a voile panel on mine to help with any drafts but more to stop people nosing in as I have a lot of glass on my front door. You can get telescopic shower rails that do the same job which may hold a heavier curtain. Argos sell them. Wilkinsons is an evil shop, they sell far too many useful things and makes you spend money.

NualaBuala

ginnyknit wrote: »

At home here we have had electric heaters for so long I never thought about her having gas. I know supermarkets sell CO2 monitors very cheaply so will be investing in one for her today for future use. The problem is usually a blockage in the chimney or inadequate ventilation. Guess we should all bear that in mind whilst we are sealing our houses from draughts - not trying to scare people but after this happening we all need to take heed. The Gp has checked them all out this morning - taken bloods. the landlord has just delivered electric heaters and is now jumping into action - probably before we report her to the police as Im sure she could be charged with negligence but she otherwise has been very good before this so it WILL all be dealt with fast. SIL is still sickly but ok. Thank you all, as ever, for your kind words. I have to compose myself before they get here!

Oh Ginny, I think you seem so calm - I don't even know them but I feel quite upset thinking about it!! Sending love and good thoughts to you and your family and hope your SIL recovers fully soon.

purpleheather2810

NualaBuala wrote: »

Where is your boiler situated and was it serviced recently?

Also open fires can cause problems if the chimney is at all blocked. And I know we don't want draughts but we should have some ventilation in our homes.

The CO forms when there isn't enough oxygen for the fuel to burn completely to CO2.


From http://www.carbonmonoxide.ie/htm/poisoning.htm

The boiler is in the kitchen - we have got the BG homecare insurance and I'm not sure if it gets a free check every year?? No open fire or fireplace here. It's a 70s ex-council house.