Gas heater safety check: Using unflued gas heaters safely

Gas can help to heat large spaces, but it's important to know about gas heater safety.

Unflued, flued – what's the difference?

Gas heaters work by burning fuel – LPG (gas bottles) or natural gas (piped gas). Burning fuel makes fire, fire makes heat, room is warm – awesome!

In principle, these two types of gas heaters work the same. It's what they do with the gas after it's burned that sets them apart.

Flued gas heaters use a chimney or exhaust pipe to send the exhaust gases outside – away from your living space.

Unflued gas heaters don't do this. Unless the space is well-ventilated, the exhaust gases stay inside.

How to use unflued gas heaters safely

Gas heater safety checklist:

The room needs to be well-ventilated.
Keep internal doors and at least 1 window open to allow fresh air to enter the room.
Check that room vents are not blocked.
Never use an unflued gas heater in the room where you sleep, in a bathroom, caravan or tent.
Minimise the length of time you use an unflued gas heater.
Make sure your heater is installed by a licensed gas fitter.
Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for using your heater.
Have your unflued gas heater serviced by a qualified person at least once a year. Do not do any maintenance yourself.

Source: Te Whatu Ora

If you smell fumes, immediately turn off the heater and the cylinder.

Check out Worksafe's guide to gas heating to learn more.

Why it's important to use unflued gas heaters correctly

Burning LPG produces harmful nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide gases.

If one of these heaters is used in a space without enough ventilation, the gases won't have a way to escape.

Without enough ventilation:

The gases can pose health risks. Learn more on the Te Whatu Ora website.
Burning gas creates moisture. Damp homes are harder to heat efficiently, so it's important to have good ventilation so the moisture can escape.

If you're able to, consider replacing it with an efficient electric heater or heat pump. Most electric heaters are cheaper to run and will save you money in the long run!

Check out the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme to see if you're eligible for a government subsidy.

Selling a gas heater?

Find out about the safety requirements when selling gas appliances.

Learn more

Author

Trust and Safety