In winter, if your heater develops a fault, it can mean cold nights and expensive electricity bills running temporary heaters. Make sure you do not get left in the cold.
You won’t be able to tell if your heater is leaking carbon monoxide – because you can’t see it or smell it. Be sure your gas heater is safe. Have it serviced at least once every two years by a qualified gasfitter.
Carbon Monoxide and Negative Pressure testing is important all year round, but you tend to notice it more in winter, when your gas heating system is working the most. It is advisable to regularly get your home checked for Negative Pressure or Carbon Monoxide.
A Negative Pressure test will help identify any air leaks in the house which can lead to dangerous air pollutants in roof spaces or simply mean your gas heating bills are higher due as your gas heating system is working overtime to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is the silent killer, a colourless, odourless gas which is poisonous to humans. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness and, in some cases, eventually death as the CO gas enters into your lungs and slowly starves your vital organs of oxygen.
CO whenever fuel is burnt or when your gas appliance is not functioning properly.
Flueless heaters can be extremely dangerous. CO and other deadly gases spill directly into your home and mix with the air you breathe. Ensure a room is adequately ventilated when an unflued appliance is being used. Unflued gas heaters consume air and release combustion products into the room and can make the room stuffy if there is inadequate ventilation.
