Don't be a hothead with home heating this winter

Victorians are being urged to remain vigilant when warming their homes as the State’s energy safety regulator reveals dozens of heating-related safety incidents over the last 2 years.

Energy Safe Victoria is warning the public not to be complacent with heating systems, highlighting the fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risk from switching on devices that haven’t been properly inspected or maintained.

Since June 2023, Energy Safe has received more than 50 reports of safety issues involving home gas and electrical heaters or heating appliances, with at least half the incidents relating to appliance age and a lack of qualified installation or servicing.

Several house fires have also been linked to these heating appliances, including one incident last year where an old electric blanket ignited a bedroom in just 60 seconds of the resident turning it on.

“As households rely on their electric and gas heaters this winter, it’s crucial they check, maintain and use them correctly to avoid a serious incident like fire or carbon monoxide poisoning,” Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said.

“Heaters and heating appliances are never something you should just set and forget.”

To stay safe while staying warm, Victorians with gas heaters should:

• always have a qualified and licensed professional inspect and service them at least every two years. Never attempt to fix them yourself.
• ensure proper home ventilation when using indoor gas appliances, never bring outdoor gas appliances like patio heaters indoors, and watch for changes in how the gas heater operates, i.e. flame colour, to prevent CO poisoning. Households should also consider installing a CO detector.
  
  And those using electric heaters and blankets should:
  
• ensure appliances have a regulatory compliance mark when shopping for new products. As shown here:
  

• be cautious if buying from an overseas supplier and consider replacing older-style heaters as they may not have the required safety features.
• check and replace any appliances with frayed or damaged cords, cracked or broken plugs, and hot spots.

Every household must have smoke alarms installed and should check them regularly, as outlined on the Fire Rescue Victoria website. And in the event of a fire or emergency, call triple zero (000) immediately.

The public can make a report about safety issues or concerns and find more information about electricity and gas safety at home on the Energy Safe Victoria website.

Media enquiries

April Dudgeon: 0498 188 117 or media@energysafe.vic.gov.au

Energy Safe. Always.