General News
24 April, 2023
Victorians urged to service their open flued gas space heaters
Energy Safe Victoria is urging Victorians using open flued gas space heaters — particularly in recently renovated homes — to have them serviced to reduce the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. New and renovated homes are generally better...
Energy Safe Victoria is urging Victorians using open flued gas space heaters — particularly in recently renovated homes — to have them serviced to reduce the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
New and renovated homes are generally better insulated with reduced ventilation, which can impact the safe operation of open flue gas space heaters, potentially causing carbon monoxide leakage.
Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said carbon monoxide leakage via the heaters poses a serious risk to people, especially in situations where there was little ventilation.
“Energy efficiency is important both for the environment and for household budgets. However, open flued gas space heaters were never designed to operate safely without ventilation,” she said.
“If you live in a renovated or weather sealed house with an open flued gas space heater, please get a qualified gasfitter to ensure carbon monoxide.
“Get your heater serviced at least once every two years. If you can, think about replacing your heater. There are many different options on the market that are more efficient and cost less to run including room sealed gas space heaters.”
In July last year, Energy Safe banned the sale and supply of new open flued gas space heaters that do not meet new Australian Standards.
The standard requires newly manufactured open flued gas space heaters shut down within 15 minutes if the appliance is operating in a negative pressure environment, which could lead to carbon monoxide spillage.
Energy Safe recommends servicing heaters at least once every two years by a licenced gasfitter, purchase a carbon monoxide monitor to place near your heater, and when operating to leave open a window so there is some airflow.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can be similar to the flu, including headaches, tiredness and nausea. Seek medical advice if you are concerned, particularly if symptoms improve when outside.
For more information and tips visit esv.vic.gov.au/campaigns/ carbon-monoxide