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Do you own gas log fires in Melbourne? It’s important to be aware of safety when using gas log heaters in your own home. Central to this premise is the idea of regular servicing. If you own a gas log heater, then you need to get your gas appliance serviced frequently to ensure there is no leakage of carbon monoxide (CO) that can have terrible adverse health effects, including death. You should also use a CO alarm for the same reason, and always follow the operating procedures outlined in your appliance manual. Read on to find out more.
Have Your Heater Serviced Regularly
It’s important that all gas log fires in Melbourne are serviced at least every two years. A licenced gasfitter will be able to do a full service and also test for carbon monoxide fumes. All kinds of gas heaters need to be serviced in this way, including central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log heaters. If you’re renting, it’s the landlord who must make sure that a safety check of any gas log heaters in the home is conducted at a minimum of once every two years. The renter can request the date in writing of the last safety check. When you book a gasfitter, ask about their licence and check that they specialise in safety checks for gas heaters. Faulty gas appliances can have disastrous effects on the health and welfare of people, even potentially causing death, so getting gas heaters serviced regularly is vital.
Use Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarms should accompany any purchase of gas log heaters for the home. CO alarms are a good ‘just in case’ type intervention, but there’s nothing better than the correct installation, maintenance and operation of gas log fires in Melbourne for safety. In Australia, there is no standard for the design, manufacture, installation or servicing of domestic CO alarms, so European (EN50291) or US (UL2034) standards are used instead. The best thing to do is to install your CO alarms near or inside every room that has a gas heater. Place the alarms strategically so that you can still hear them even when you’re asleep in bed. When choosing a CO alarm, think about those that use visual and audible notification alarms that tell you when the sensing cell for CO has expired so you can replace the alarm and remain safe.
Use Gas Log Fires Safely
Always read and follow the operating instructions in the appliance manual of gas log fires in Melbourne. It’s important that you stay safe while operating gas heaters in your home. First of all, you should ensure that you have plenty of ventilation. If you have an unflued or open flued gas heater, don’t put on exhaust fans in the bathroom or kitchen, as they can cause retention of carbon monoxide in the room. Best practice involves cleaning your gas log heaters when they’ve been turned off for some time and are cool. Get rid of dust by vacuuming duct registers and cold air return vents. Don’t let children near your gas log fires in Melbourne, lest they get burnt. If you’re using the heater to dry wet clothes, keep the clothes at least 1 metre away. Following these tips will help you and your family stay safe.
