Carbon monoxide kills around 60 people in the UK every year and sends thousands more to A&E. A £20 alarm is the cheapest life insurance you'll ever buy. Here's what you need to know.
What is carbon monoxide?
CO is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced when any carbon-based fuel (gas, oil, wood, coal, LPG) burns incompletely. You can't smell it, see it, or taste it. The first warning sign without an alarm is usually feeling unwell, by which point it may already be serious.
Legal requirements for landlords
Since October 2022, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations require landlords to install CO alarms in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. This applies to all tenancies, not just new ones.
Non-compliance can result in fines up to £5,000 from the local council. CO alarms are cheaper.
Where to put CO alarms
- Every room with a gas-burning appliance (boiler, fire, water heater)
- On a wall, 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance
- At head height or ceiling-mounted, never near a window or draught
- NOT in the same room as a gas hob (cooking sets them off)
- NOT in cupboards or behind furniture
Choosing the right alarm
Look for the BS EN 50291 kitemark and a 10-year sealed-for-life battery. Avoid alarms with replaceable batteries: people forget. Brands I trust: Kidde, FireAngel, and Honeywell.
Testing and replacing
Press the test button monthly. Replace the unit when it shows an end-of-life warning, typically 7 to 10 years after fitting. I supply and fit certified CO alarms during boiler services for £25 per unit.