Gas heating - health and safety issues

Gas heaters should be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and qualified gasfitter. An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or fill your home with dangerous fumes, including carbon monoxide. To help keep your household safe, have your gas heater serviced at least every two years by a qualified gasfitter.

If a heater has been identified as posing a serious health risk, do not use it until it has been tested and serviced by a qualified gasfitter. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems.

Carbon monoxide and your health#

Health problems that seem worse, or that only occur when the heating is on, may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, so it cannot be detected without an alarm.

High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and can cause people to pass out or even die. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

• tiredness
• shortness of breath
• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea
• weakness
• confusion
• chest pain

Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to impaired thinking, emotional changeability, irritability and impulsiveness.

The symptoms are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or food poisoning. Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death.

If you suspect you may be affected by carbon monoxide, open windows and doors, turn off the appliance and go outside to breathe fresh air. See your doctor to ask whether your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide, and have your gas heater serviced before you use it again.

Air pollutants from faulty heaters may cause health problems particularly for people at increased risk, including children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, older people, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease. If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them to see whether you can help.

Have your heater serviced regularly#

All types of gas heaters should be serviced at least every two years. This includes central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log fires. Professional servicing, including inspection of the flue or chimney, is recommended.

If you rent your home, your landlord or rental provider may be responsible for arranging a regular gas safety check of all gas installations and fittings by a licensed or registered gasfitter, and for providing the date of the most recent check in writing on request. Check the rules that apply where you live.

Have your heater serviced if:

• it has not been serviced for two years
• there is a yellow or sooty flame (unless it is a decorative gas log fire)
• the pilot light goes out unexpectedly, or “pops” or “bangs” when lighting
• there are signs of heat damage, such as discolouration of the walls or heater panels
• the walls become too hot to touch while the heater is on
• there are soot stains around the heater

If there is any sign of trouble, get it serviced immediately.

Choosing a gasfitter#

Use only a licensed or registered gasfitter who is qualified for gas appliance servicing, and ideally one who has completed training in detecting and correcting the risk of carbon monoxide spillage. Before you book, ask whether the gasfitter has the right equipment and this training, as poorly functioning or faulty gas appliances can be a source of carbon monoxide exposure that puts health, and sometimes life, at risk.

Manufacturers and suppliers usually have recommended service agents, which you can use if you wish. You can also enquire with your gas supplier or search online. If you find a gas heating specialist online, make sure they hold a valid licence or registration for gas appliance servicing, and ask to see their identification or licence, which should state what kinds of work they are allowed to do.

Carbon monoxide alarms#

Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CO alarms can be a useful back-up precaution, but they should not be treated as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas heating appliances. Choose an alarm that is certified to a recognised national or international safety standard.

Manufacturers generally suggest installing CO alarms in or near every room that has a gas heating appliance. When choosing locations, make sure the alarm is audible from all sleeping areas. Consider alarms that give both visual and audible warnings, including when the sensing cell has expired.

How to use a gas heater safely#

Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual if you have one. If you have an open-flued gas heater, limit how much you use it and consider safe alternative forms of heating.

Always:

• Provide plenty of ventilation. Ventilation is very important, as it allows fresh air in and fumes out.
• Avoid running exhaust fans (such as in the bathroom or kitchen) if you have an unflued or open-flued gas heater, as this may draw carbon monoxide back into the room. Ask for this to be tested when you have your heater serviced.
• Clean your heater when it is off and cool to reduce dust build-up, vacuuming out any duct registers and cold air return vents.
• Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces. The normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact.
• Be careful when drying clothes inside, and keep all flammable materials at least one metre away from the heater.

Never:

• Never leave a gas heater running when you go to bed.
• Never use an unflued gas heater in a bathroom, bedroom or caravan, as toxic gases may cause serious health problems in these spaces.
• Never use or store solvents, aerosols or pressure-pack cans near a gas heater. Even when the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on.
• Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues or cotton buds in a gas fire, as this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants.
• Never use an outdoor appliance indoors (this includes barbecues and patio heaters).

Replacing old gas heaters#

Heaters do not last forever. Some cannot be repaired for safety reasons, and spare parts may not be available for older models. If your heater is very old (around 15 to 20 years), it may not be possible or worthwhile to repair it. Be guided by your licensed gasfitter.

Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity.

Old unflued gas heaters may not meet current emission standards. Unflued gas heaters draw air from within the room and release combustion products back into the same space, which can lead to serious health problems, including death. They need ongoing ventilation to outside spaces to supply fresh air to the burner and discharge combustion products. In some places there are restrictions on installing unflued natural gas heaters, so consult your licensed gasfitter before buying or installing one. Replace any unflued heaters that are more than 10 years old, or if you feel your health is being affected by them.

Extra safety tips#

• Always make sure a patio heater is stable or fixed, and only use it outdoors.
• Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors.
• Never use an industrial-type heater in a domestic setting.
• Never use a cabinet heater. A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater fuelled by an LPG gas bottle housed inside the heater itself.

If you are not using your gas heater, consider safe alternative ways of keeping warm, as cold indoor temperatures can also affect health.

Key points#

• An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes, including carbon monoxide.
• Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk.
• A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems.
• High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness.

Where to get help#