Heat your home safely with gas
You won’t be able to tell if your heater is leaking carbon monoxide – because you can’t see it or smell it. All gas heaters can spill carbon monoxide (CO) – a gas you can’t see or smell that can make you seriously unwell or kill you.
Be sure your gas heater is safe:
- have it serviced at least once every two years, by a qualified gasfitter
- check for safety advice – some heaters need fresh air flow to operate safely.
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Are you renovating your home?
If you have renovated or weather-sealed your home and kept your open-flued gas heater, you may have inadvertently altered the ventilation your home needs to clear carbon monoxide from your gas heater. This might be sealing dangerous carbon monoxide in your home.
Be sure that your gas heater is safe. Have it serviced by a qualified gas plumber.
Is carbon monoxide making you sick?
Carbon monoxide building up inside your home can make you sick for a short time, have long-term health effects or even kill you and your family quickly.
Some of the symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, common in winter. This can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, they could be caused by carbon monoxide leaking from your gas heater.
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick or nauseous
- Headaches
- People and/or pets getting sick at the same time
- Feeling unwell only when you’re at home.
Act quickly if you think your heater could be making people sick
- Call Nurse-on-Call, see a doctor or dial 000 in an emergency
- Leave the house immediately and get into the fresh air
- Turn off all gas appliances straight away, open windows and doors to let fresh air into the house
- Do not use your heater until you’ve had it checked by a qualified gasfitter.
Finding a licensed gasfitter
Gasfitters have different types of licences depending on the work they are qualified to do. All registered and licensed plumbers are issued with a Photo ID card that lists the type of work they can do.
When searching for a gasfitter, you will need to check their qualifications and areas of expertise. Contact them and ask if they are licensed for the service required. When they attend the site, ask to check their licence card and the registered classes listed on the back of the card.
- search online to find a gas plumber or gasfitter in your area
- look in local newspapers and Facebook pages, or
- visit the VBA website to find a practitioner.
Further information
Carbon monoxide poisoning
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it replaces oxygen in the blood, which may cause serious health symptoms.Advice from the Department of HealthEngaging a gas plumber
The VBA regulates plumbing practitioners and plumbing work in Victoria.Find a gas plumberAdvice for renters
Your rental provider (landlord) must ensure a gas safety check every 2 years.Learn about the renting rules