When Central Heating Goes Wrong

Central heating systems are one of the safest appliances in most households, simply because we do not have that much interaction with them once we have our heating and hot water on timer. We might change the temperature on our thermostat every now and then or choose to turn off the radiators if we go out for a couple of days or longer, but on an everyday basis most people will not go very near their boiler.

However, when something does go wrong with your central heating, it is likely to be a much more serious accident than if it were your toaster or your kettle involved. This is because the components of a boiler and pipe system are complex and integral that if something goes wrong, you can be sure it is going to be fairly serious.

There are two major dangers with central heating; a carbon monoxide leak and an explosion. Both of these can be caused by poor quality systems or the central heating being incorrectly fitted. If either of these happen to your system, you could file an accident claim or negligence law suit against the supplier and fitter for causing you or your home injury.

Carbon monoxide is one of the most deadly gases to humans because of the speed and silence with which it can kill. You could die in your sleep due to the effects of the gas because it can suffocate you from the inside. If you breathe in carbon monoxide, it can prevent your blood cells from carrying oxygen to your vital organs, brain and muscle tissue. Some of the symptoms include headaches and dizziness, nausea and vomiting and chest pains with a difficulty to breathe. The effects of poising by this gas can be reversed if you get medical help quickly and do not stay in the affected building, however if you are affected strongly then you could suffer from brain damage, paralysis and loss of nerves.

An explosion if a much more obvious defect with your central heating but one which is just as serious if you are caught unaware. Explosions happen if a build up of gas hits a flame, if the water heats up too quickly and there is not enough water in the tank, or if the tank has not been drained off properly before it is decommissioned. This is most common in older boilers which are more than 30 years old but it can happen in newer systems if they have been manufactured to a poor standard or badly fitted.

Use a personal injury or professional negligence lawyer if you have been injured due to your central heating supplier or fitter. If you need new central heating make sure you choose a well known company with Gas Safe registered engineers.