Flues and ventilation safety tips
Adequate ventilation and proper flueing are essential for safe and efficient operation of gas appliances.
Many internal domestic gas appliances are designed to operate with a flue. There are two common types of flue:
- an open flue, which is fitted through the ceiling and roof
- a room sealed flue, which is usually fitted through the wall.
Flue safety
Discolouration or stains on walls or appliance casing may be signs of a blocked flue. This could mean combustion products are spilling into the room and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The appliance should be turned off immediately until it can be inspected and serviced by a licensed gasfitter.
The licensed gasfitter will make sure your flue is not obstructed or blocked and that there are no holes in the flue as these problems can cause flue gases to escape into your house instead of passing safely outside.
The flue cowl must be in good condition so that it does not collapse into the flue outlet and obstruct it. The flue cowl must also prevent entry of vermin or birds that may obstruct the flue pipe.
Ensure the flue terminal of a room sealed or outdoor appliance is free of plant growth, insect nests or any other obstruction.
Ventilation
Gas cookers and unflued gas heaters consume air and release products of combustion into the room. They can make the room stuffy if there is inadequate ventilation. Water vapour present in the combustion products can also condense on cold surfaces and may lead to mould growth on walls and ceilings where there is poor ventilation.
Ensure that adequate ventilation is available when an unflued appliance is being used.
Risks of flueless heaters
When heating your home with gas, heat, air pollutants and water vapour are produced. Flueless gas heaters release those pollutants directly into your home. Use flueless heaters only in rooms with adequate ventilation.
Warning
There are restrictions on the installation of flueless heaters operating on Natural Gas in Victoria. Consult with your licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation. This restriction also applies to new and second-hand flueless heaters imported from interstate and overseas. Cabinet heaters are not permitted (mobile heaters containing an LP Gas cylinder)
Health hazards
The effect of exposure to air pollutants on your health depends on the type and amount of pollutants to which you are exposed, and can occur immediately at the time of exposure or be delayed.
The major air pollutants from fossil fuels such as gas are Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Young children and people with asthma or other respiratory diseases are most at risk from air pollutants. Water vapour is not regarded as an air pollutant, but the accumulation of moisture in the room being heated may lead to the growth of moulds and dust mites, which have the potential to affect health.
The emission levels vary depending on the type of heater, the design of the burner and regular servicing.
The level of emissions in the room will vary according to:
- The use of the room
- The size of the room compared to the input of the heater
- The ability of the room’s ventilation to remove or dilute emissions.
Protect your health and safety
When using flueless gas heaters:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep appliance grilles and vents clear of obstructions and free of lint and dust.
- Ensure room ventilation is adequate
- Minimise usage per day. Consider a flued appliance where long usage is envisaged..
- Never use an unflued gas heater in the room where you sleep or in a caravan.
- Have your heater serviced before each heating season