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For all the latest energy safety news visit www . esv . vic . gov . au
Autumn / Winter 2018 energysafe issue 50
Program in place to address CO risk in Heritage gas space heaters
By Enzo Alfonsetti , Manager , Type A Gas Appliance and Component Safety
In April 2018 , ESV issued a safety alert on Heritage gas space heaters following a request from the Coroner ’ s court .
Victorians with either a Vulcan Heritage or a Pyrox Heritage gas heater in their home are urged not to use them until they are serviced by a qualified gasfitter .
Victoria ’ s Director of Energy Safety , Paul Fearon , said both the Pyrox and Vulcan brands of the Heritage heater produce high levels of carbon monoxide under certain conditions .
“ If the house is well sealed and the heater is operating at the same time as a kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan , carbon monoxide from the heater can be drawn into living areas ,” he said .
“ The manufacturer Climate Technologies has a program in place to service every household with one of these heaters .”
Anyone with a Pyrox or a Vulcan heritage gas heater should call Climate Technologies on ( 03 ) 8795 2462 .
For people living in DHHS housing , please call 1800 148 426 .
Open flue heaters , like the Vulcan Heritage or Pyrox Heritage space heater , are old technology and not necessarily compatible with many new or renovated homes with less ventilation .
As a result , and in addition to the servicing and replacement program now in place , all Vulcan Heritage or Pyrox Heritage space heaters have been withdrawn from sale and their manufacturer has ceased production .
“ This is a timely reminder that everyone should have indoor gas appliances , especially heaters , serviced by a qualified gasfitter every two years ,” Mr Fearon said .
Laboratory tests show that open flue heaters such as the Heritage may , under certain operating conditions , produce too much carbon monoxide if they are not properly installed and maintained . All Victorians with a Vulcan Heritage or a Pyrox Heritage gas space heater in their home need to get them serviced by a qualified gasfitter immediately .
The combination of inadequate ventilation as well as operating bathroom exhaust fans or kitchen range hoods at the same time as the heater can draw carbon monoxide into living areas . The risk is increased if the heaters and associated components such as the flue are not regularly serviced .
However , people with one of the models contained within the list should make sure they have it serviced and tested for CO spillage at least once every two years .
There are several ways to determine whether your heater is open flue :
»» Contact the manufacturer
»»
Ask a qualified gasfitter during regular servicing .
To view the list of currently certified open flue heaters go to www . esv . vic . gov . au / Heritage-Heaters .
Heritage space heaters — Q & As ?
ESV has compiled a list of Q & As with information including how to identify if your gas space heater is Heritage branded .
These are available on our website at www . esv . vic . gov . au / Heritage-heaters
DO NOT USE : Images of a Vulcan Heritage and Pyrox Heritage gas space heater . These heaters are identified by the brand marking on the front fascia in the lower left hand corner .
Certified open flue space heaters
ESV has compiled a list of certified open flued space heaters based on information provided by the five certifications bodies .
At this time , the Vulcan / Pyrox Heritage is the only model for which a safety issue has been identified .