ARE GAS HEATERS SAFE?

KEEP YOUR FAMILY & HOME SAFE

With winter just around the corner, is your indoor gas heater safe?

No matter what type or brand of heater you have, you should check yearly to ensure it is safe to use.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:

• • Carbon Monoxide
  • Fire Hazards
  • Indoor air pollutants
  • Gas heater servicing & maintenance

So if you want to make sure your home and family will be safe this winter, you’ll want to be prepared.

Let’s get started.

 CARBON MONOXIDE: THE SILENT KILLER

All gas heaters have the potential to leak carbon monoxide.  Malfunctioning gas heaters are the most common source of carbon monoxide being emitted into your home.

ACCIDENTAL POISONING WAS ONE OF THE TOP 3 CAUSES OF INJURY DEATHS IN AUSTRALIA

A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. Health problems that seem to be worse or that only occur when your gas heater is on may be to carbon monoxide being emitted from your gas heater

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air may cause you to pass out and in extreme cases, may lead to death. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that in 2018-2019 accidental poisoning resulted in 10,500 hospitalizations and 1,400 deaths.  

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure?

Some of the common system include: headache, nausea and vomiting, flushing, muscle pain, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, coordination difficulties, confusion, or chest pain. Symptoms are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning.  

FIRE HAZARDS: PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

In NSW, the cooler months see a 10% increase in the number of home fires, with more fires in the bedrooms and lounge rooms, being due to heaters and electric blankets.

25% OF HOME HEATING FIRES WERE DUE TO GAS HEATERS 

Follow these preventative measures as a safety guide:

• • Keep your heater 1 meter away from flammable objects such as curtains, books and boxes
  • Never dry clothes near or on your heater
  • If you suspect a fault, have your gas heater serviced and/or repaired
  • Always supervise children and pets around your heater
  • Regularly clean your heater’s filters
  • Always turn your heater off before going to bed
  • Do no operate your heater if painting is being done or has been recently done
  • Ensure the room has plenty of ventilation
  • Always use your heater as per manufacturer’s instructions

81% OF HEATING RELATED FIRE DEATHS INVOLVED HEATERS

Are you getting the smell of gas when you turn on your heater? In the event that your heater is leaking gas, the following steps should be followed:

• • Switch off your heater
  • Turn off your supply at the source by turning the valve clockwise
  • Open the doors and windows and leave the area
  • Do not use anything with flames or sparks
  • Do not return until the gas has had time to dissipate
  • Contact a certified gas fitter. At Gas Heater Specialist, we provide 24hr emergency services

4 OUT OF 5 HOME HEATING RELATED FIRE DEATHS ARE DUE TO GAS HEATERS

.

INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS: UNFLUED GAS HEATERS

Gas heaters produce heat via the process of burning gas fuel (natural gas and propane). As a result of the burning, air pollutants and water vapours are produced.

Portable (unflued) gas heaters release these directly into your home and could potentially affect your health if not serviced regularly.

Air Pollutant Exposure

Air pollutants produced by your unflued gas heater include nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). The levels that are produced vary depending on many conditions:

• • The type of heater used (flued/unflued)
  • Correctness of gas heater installation
  • Amount of ventilation in your home
  • Fixtures and fittings (bayonet point & hose) being checked regularly
  • Regularity of your heaters service
  • The size of the room being heated

Reducing Exposure to Air Pollutants

Ensure there is adequate ventilation in your home – check that your permanent ventilation is clear, and leave a window open if necessary. Yearly servicing and maintenance of your heater will assist with proper function. Heaters that are in poor working order will release higher amounts of combustion pollutants into your home.

The installation of your gas supply system, bayonet points, piping, hoses should only be done by a qualified gasfitter.

Never use an unflued gas heater in the bathroom, bedroom or in small rooms that have no permanent ventilation as toxic gases can build up inside.

Check for changes in how your gas heater operates such as the flame changing colour, your heater switching off, combustion error codes flashing on your heater. If any of these occur, be sure to contact us and we’ll arrange for one our experts to service/repair your heater.