The word chimney sweep, a foreign word in Cyprus? How to prevent it!
The word chimney sweep, a foreign word in Cyprus? How to prevent it!
Deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning while heating with wood stoves are becoming more and more common in Cyprus.
As reported in our article, there have already been an increasing number of fatal incidents.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
As reported in our article, there have already been an increasing number of fatal incidents.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can be minimized quite well with a few simple measures.
- Make sure that the exhaust gases can escape completely through the chimney .
- Check regularly whether leaves or rubbish are stuck in the chimney. This is especially important for summer houses and holiday homes that are not used regularly.
- You can install a chimney cover or a draft enhancer to better protect your chimney from the weather. Dirt such as soot makes it even more difficult to extract air. Regular cleaning prevents this problem.
- Avoid negative pressure in your interior rooms , especially in passive or low-energy houses, where air exchange takes place via a closed ventilation system. This can be disrupted by an extractor hood that is too powerful, which can draw gas from the stove into the interior rooms. Modern systems have a corresponding circuit to prevent this from happening.
- Install smoke detectors and, ideally, carbon monoxide gas fire detectors. (You can get them at any hardware store for a few euros!)
Have your heating system and exhaust pipes serviced regularly . For so-called room air-dependent systems , such as an open fireplace, an annual inspection is recommended. Systems that operate independently of room air usually only need to be inspected every two to three years. We also recommend an annual inspection here so that you can identify and remedy potential sources of danger in good time.
In Germany , it is a legal requirement that the chimney and flue of a heating system be inspected annually by a chimney sweep – regardless of the regular maintenance of the heating systems.
🔎 Different in Cyprus:
In this country, one would search in vain for the word “chimney sweep” because this profession simply does not exist .
In this country, one would search in vain for the word “chimney sweep” because this profession simply does not exist .
🏡 Heating technology in Cypriot villas:
In recent decades, open fireplaces have been predominantly installed in villas in Cyprus. These may be visually appealing , but offer little benefit in terms of heating .
In recent decades, open fireplaces have been predominantly installed in villas in Cyprus. These may be visually appealing , but offer little benefit in terms of heating .
⚠️ Safety risks due to lack of maintenance:
- Most of these chimneys have never been checked or cleaned by a professional.
- In some cases it has been observed that stove pipes were simply inserted into existing open fireplaces in order to operate a Swedish stove on them.
- However, no possibility of removing soot and ash was taken into account, nor was a professional cleaning of the chimney possible.
☠️ Danger of carbon monoxide poisoning:
This improper installation poses a significant safety risk . Soot and ash deposits can block the escape of smoke and toxic combustion gases . As a result, there is a risk of carbon monoxide - an odorless, colorless and deadly gas - entering the living space .
This improper installation poses a significant safety risk . Soot and ash deposits can block the escape of smoke and toxic combustion gases . As a result, there is a risk of carbon monoxide - an odorless, colorless and deadly gas - entering the living space .
💡 Recommendation:
Anyone who uses a fireplace or stove in their home in Cyprus should definitely have it checked by a specialist before putting it into operation!
Anyone who uses a fireplace or stove in their home in Cyprus should definitely have it checked by a specialist before putting it into operation!
Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is colorless and odorless and can cause death before victims know it.
Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
Symptoms: How to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific. They include:
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific. They include:
- Fatigue, headache, general malaise, nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, pressure on the chest, rapid heartbeat, increasing unconsciousness.
The causes of carbon monoxide indoors are usually:
- technical defects
- lack of maintenance of the heating system
- manipulation of the combustion equipment
- clogged exhaust pipes
- blocked chimneys
- improper use of fireplaces and grills indoors
- lack of air circulation in the interior due to renovations
How to behave in the event of a carbon monoxide leak
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, follow these steps:
- Leave the interior immediately with your fellow human beings.
- If possible, open doors and windows without putting yourself in greater danger.
- Call the emergency services at 112 .
- Inform neighbors by phone and ask them to leave the house as well.
- Under no circumstances should you return to the house or premises until the fire brigade has arrived!
Do you need professional help installing a fireplace or connecting a wood-burning stove? 🔥
Then please >> contact Thomas Weyermann<< !
Thomas Weyermann has been working successfully with renowned specialist companies and experienced service providers in Cyprus for years. These partners install tested combustion devices according to the highest standards and also offer a guarantee on their services .
✅ Professional installation
✅ Certified devices
✅ Guaranteed quality
✅ Certified devices
✅ Guaranteed quality
Author: MF_Editorial
Source: T.Weyermann
