3.Smoke Testing
What can having a smoke test tell you about your chimney? The first thing that a smoke test does is indicate whether your chimney is 'drawing' correctly. (Before I do a smoke test I pre-test the chimney just so I am satisfied that your room is not going to be filled with smoke)
In addition, a smoke test can indicate whether you have any breaks in the inside of your flue which may allow harmful fumes to leak into parts of your home.
The smoke produced from the pellet is of a high volume and very pervasive. It gets everywhere it can and so you can see and smell if it is leaking out of anywhere it shouldn't be, although a successful smoke test does not guarantee the safety of your chimney. However, a smoke test is a useful device which can give a warning of problems with your chimney.
4. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a silent, invisible, odourless, tasteless gas and is of particular danger to infants, pregnant women, the elderly and pets. It is produced by all gas and solid fuel fires, boilers, water heaters etc.
Greater amounts are produced if there is inadequate ventilation / oxygen for the appliance to use, or if the appliance is not working properly, perhaps due to poor installation, lack of regular servicing, or a chimney / flue blockage.
Carbon Monoxide kills three times more people compared to fire or explosion due to gas, (Health and Safety Executive 1991).
Carbon Monoxide can cause death or permanent injury to oxygen rich tissues such as the brain or heart. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is often mistaken for flu as the initial symptoms are similer.
Carbon Monoxide is Deadly! Buy a detector USE IT