If you and your family are planning on hibernating on the couch this winter, here’s how you can do it safely!
Winter is a time when most families are more likely to stay indoors. If you have a gas heater, it sounds tempting to turn it on and shut the windows and snuggle on the couch. But do you know that a faulty gas heater can release carbon monoxide, which may cause serious health problems?
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas. CO can be hazardous to one’s health when inhaled in large quantities, especially among young children, pregnant women, and older adults.
A gas heater that’s been untouched, incorrectly installed, or poorly ventilated could potentially leak carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, the warning signs do not come from the heater itself but are instead experienced by the people living in the house. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and nausea.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring that your gas heater is safe for use and take the proper preventative measures. For peace of mind, call Seaview Plumbing to book an appointment today.
A gas heater that’s been untouched, incorrectly installed, or poorly ventilated could potentially leak carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, the warning signs do not come from the heater itself but are instead experienced by the people living in the house. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and nausea.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring that your gas heater is safe for use and take the proper preventative measures. For peace of mind, call Seaview Plumbing to book an appointment today.
At Seaview Plumbing, we recommend servicing your gas heater at least once a year. As we head into the thick of winter, what better time to book a service appointment than now? Our professional service will assist in finding any issues that could become serious and costly if left unattended.
When should I service my gas heaters?
It’s important to get a professional gasfitter to check that your gas heater is running smoothly. A person without the proper equipment and training will not be able to service your gas heater the right way, which can endanger your health.
Your heater should be serviced when:
- It hasn’t been serviced for a year
- There’s yellow or sooty flame coming out of it
- The pilot light ‘pops’ or ‘bangs’ when being lighted, or goes out
- There’s discolouration of the walls or heater panels (usually a sign of heat damage)
- The walls become too hot to touch when the heater is turned on
- If something doesn’t seem right – service it immediately!
If you’re looking to upgrade rather than maintain your gas heater this winter, you may be eligible for a rebate from Australian Gas Networks. Be sure to talk to our friendly team for information on how to save money with an upgrade.
Don’t ignore warning signs
Remember to take the necessary precautions this winter by safe proofing your home. This can include
- Never leaving a gas heater running when you’re not at home, or sleeping
- Always keeping outdoor gas appliances outside
- Ensuring that your rooms and home are adequately ventilated
- Keeping flammable materials such as aerosol away from the gas heater
Gas leaks can be dangerous. If you suspect a leak or smell gas, turn off your gas heater immediately and call Seaview Plumbing. We are the gas experts in Adelaide with trained gasfitters to check your gas pipework for leaks and service them with the appropriate mechanisms.