How dangerous is gas heating?

Inadequate ventilation, bad installation and poor maintenance can turn a gas heater, even a water heater, into a deadly device.

These factors are a vital consideration in winter, when everyone is huddled inside.

The well published case of a woman who died of carbon-monoxide poisoning in South Australia in 2018 has been a big wake-up call for anyone with gas heating.

The woman was found unconscious on the floor of a shower at a country property. An inquest was told a gas water heater had been installed incorrectly 22 years before and never serviced.

If you have a gas heating appliance in your house get it serviced now for safe operation. Drowsiness is the first sign of deadly carbon-monoxide poisoning.

A Sharpe Services technician can check and test any gas appliance, ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.

When did you last have your gas room heater, water heater or stove professionally checked?

Do you feel drowsy when you sit in front of your heater for an hour or so?

Did you know that a gas heater that isn’t performing properly will cost more to run?

The silent Killer...

So I need to get my gas system checked every year?

Safety authorities recommend gas heaters, hot water systems and other appliances are professionally tested a minimum of every two years. However, with the likelihood that increasing numbers of people will be self-isolating at home this winter we suggest you play it safe and get the checks done now, especially if your system or appliance is more than a few years old.

I understand the dangers of older gas appliances, but surely more recently manufactured products are safe?

Not necessarily. For example the SA Government’s Energy and Environment website has a section listing warnings and recalls on heaters with a range of build dates starting as recently as 2012. If you’ve just moved into a new house, how sure are you the gas appliances were installed correctly and are operating safely?

Is it just the gas appliance that should be checked?

A proper safety check undertaken by our technicians covers the entire system, including supply lines. For example external leaks can poison garden environments. In extreme cases a leak is a potential explosion waiting for an ignition source.

What’s the legal situation?

A homeowner must only hire a professional, licensed technician to install and service a gas appliance. This includes room heaters, water heaters and stoves.