Have you ever wondered if you should have Carbon Monoxide Testing performed on Your Heater?
You may be in more danger than you thought. A lot of people have the impression that it is only either flueless heaters or very old heaters that have a carbon monoxide problem. However, recent Safety Alerts have shown that it is not just flueless heaters or old heaters like the one pictured.
Am I in Danger?
Today’s modern homes have some great things going for them. If they are well-sealed and thereby energy-efficient (with little ventilation) with open plan living and kitchen areas you may have issues. The heater running at the same time as a range hood in the kitchen or even an exhaust fan in the bathroom if close by can re-circulate carbon monoxide fumes into your living areas. This is the major reason why carbon monoxide testing should be performed regularly on all of your gas heaters.
Some appliances that have recently been cited as definitely requiring regular testing regardless, are Vulcan Heritage and Pyrox Heritage Gas Space Heaters, Cannon Fitzroy and Canterbury inbuilt gas log fires heaters built before 2010, Regency i31 log fires, Masport F38 and FG38 Gas Log Fires built before 2006, the Nectre 2000 (built from 2007) and the Real Flame Pyrotech (from 2012 onwards).
If you had a carbon monoxide test performed on your Cannon Fitzroy or Canterbury inbuilt heater (see picture below right) between June 2015 and 19th March 2020 then you may be eligible for a refund or partial refund due to their safety notification to the public. To find out more just click on Gas Heater Safety Message.
Current Cannon Heaters are not included in the safety message, however, Cannon do recommend regular safety checks on all of their appliances, which includes carbon monoxide testing.
What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Symptoms can range, but the most common are as follows:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Blurred Vision
- Sleepiness
Any single or combination of these may lead to loss of consciousness and thereby death, for either you or a loved one.
If you take anything from this article, take this. Make sure that you service ALL gas heaters, old or new according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Patrick Thermal Services perform Maintenance Services incorporating Safety Inspections for all gas heaters.
Call us on (08) 8168 1770 for further information.