Urgent cost of living crisis warning as households at risk of 'silent killer'

Seven in ten heating engineers say more households have delayed annual gas services in recent times due to cost

The cost-of-living crisis is fuelling a dangerous increase in unsafe gas appliances, as households delay safety checks to save money, according to a recent study.

Financially stretched households across the region are prioritising other expenses over servicing their boilers and gas appliances, with nearly seven out of ten heating engineers (69%) reporting that more households have postponed annual gas services recently due to cost - putting them at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Furthermore, engineers report regularly encountering poorly maintained and hazardous appliances, with almost four in ten (38%) frequently coming across boilers, fires and cookers that require significant repair work or replacement, which homeowners simply can't afford.

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That's according to a new study organised by Project SHOUT - a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Poorly maintained and faulty gas appliances can emit deadly carbon monoxide, often dubbed 'the silent killer', as it is invisible, odourless and tasteless.

Recent energy price hikes coupled with months of inflation have hit struggling households hard, and the loss of the winter fuel allowance is set to put budgets under even more strain. In a survey by campaign group Project SHOUT, engineers also reported seeing a significant increase in dangerous appliances since the cost-of-living crisis began, with nearly half (45%) saying they had seen a rise in dangerous appliances since a previous survey in 2021.

Carbon monoxide, a deadly gas produced when fuel doesn't burn properly, often originates from poorly maintained or badly fitted appliances. Gas and oil boilers, gas hobs and fires, log burners and open fires are common culprits.

With engineers noting numerous instances of neglected appliances, homeowners could be at serious risk, particularly the elderly and very young.

As winter draws near, campaigners worry that the issue will only escalate. Prolonged exposure to low levels of CO can result in slow poisoning.

Symptoms often alleviate upon leaving the house, only to worsen upon return. High levels of the gas can prove fatal within minutes.

Medical professionals may misdiagnose CO poisoning, especially during colder weather when many exhibit flu-like symptoms. Patients are often advised to stay warm indoors with the heating on, inadvertently exposing them further to the source of the poison.

The only reliable method to detect carbon monoxide is through an audible CO alarm. These life-saving devices are reasonably priced, typically around £20.

Approximately 50 people in the UK succumb to CO poisoning annually.