External gas heater safety tips
External gas heater safety tips
- A safety Checklist
- The Danger Signs
- Signs of a faulty gas heater
- Servicing gas heaters
- More Information?
Gas fired water heaters need ventilation to operate safely and for gas to burn cleanly it requires fresh air and to get rid of dangerous exhaust fumes and surplus heat. Unless sufficiently ventilated, gas heaters may produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. If your gas water heater has been designed for external use the consequences could be fatal if they are installed in enclosed spaces without the proper ventilation.
Never enclose gas pool and spa heaters designed for external use without providing adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide can be formed and travel into adjoining rooms.
If you have concerns about the safety of a water heater on your property, you should shut down the gas heater immediately make sure you contact a licensed gas fitter to arrange an inspection or arrange a building inspection report to ensure there are no concerns with your gas appliances
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WARNING – Carbon monoxide can overcome people without warning and cause death. |
A Safety checklist: Gas pool and spa heaters
It is recommended that all gas pool and spa heaters are serviced once a year by a licensed gasfitter. Follow these safety steps:
- never enclose gas pool and spa heaters designed for outdoor use
- never allow a ventilation source to a flued appliance to be closed, eg. by a roller door
- never allow exhaust fans or ducts to cause back draught to the gas appliance
- always ensure that flues terminate outside away from windows
- always clear dust and debris from inside the appliance and flue after construction
- always ensure there is ventilation at both high and low positions for fresh air circulation.
Carbon monoxide on its own is odourless. However, in most cases when carbon monoxide is formed, other partially oxidised gases are also produced. These other gases produce an acrid or pungent smell.
If you notice an acrid or pungent smell around a gas appliance, this can most likely mean that it is also producing high levels of carbon monoxide.
Contact a licensed gasfitter to arrange a building inspection should you be concerned at any time do not take the risk
Signs of a faulty gas heater
A faulty gas heater can cause serious problems. Health problems that seem to be worse, or only occur when the heating is on, may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- tiredness
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- weakness
- confusion
- chest pain.
High levels of carbon monoxide are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. If you suspect you may be affected by carbon monoxide turn off the appliance immediately. See your doctor and ask whether your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide.
How to service your gas heater
Professional servicing, including inspection of the flue or chimney, is recommended. You should get your heater serviced:
- immediately if there is any sign of trouble
- every two years (before the winter heating season), or more often if recommended in the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
Visit your gas supplier’s website for more safety tips should you have any concerns and remember be aware the dangers presented when using gas but if you have concerns a building inspection report conducted by a professional can determine the safety of your gas appliances and advise if further action is required.