The WA Government has advised that people with Vulcan Heritage or Pyrox Heritage gas heaters in their homes need to get them checked by a qualified gas fitter immediately.
Laboratory tests show that under certain conditions the heaters produce too much carbon monoxide. Particularly if homes have poor ventilation and bathroom exhaust fans or kitchen rangehoods are used at the same time as the heater. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
1 What Do I Do?
If you have one of these heaters, do not use it until it can be tested by a qualified gas fitter. In the meantime please use alternative sources of heating. DO NOT bring outdoor gas appliances inside such as a patio heater. This is dangerous and can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The manufacturer Climate Technologies will arrange for a test by a qualified gas fitter and provide a rebate of $150 towards the cost of the test. If the heater needs to be decommissioned, Climate Technologies will assist with the replacement cost.
2 What Has Happened?
Industry review in Victoria has established a number of failures with the product certification process.
Open-flue heaters like the Pyrox and Vulcan Heritage space heaters are old technology and are not necessarily designed to operate in better-sealed, newer houses that may have less ventilation. In most older houses, carbon monoxide can simply escape via the heater’s flue or chimney.
They were first manufactured in 1977 and many have been replaced with different kinds of heaters.
In addition to the servicing and replacement programs in place, all Vulcan Heritage or Pyrox Heritage space heaters have been withdrawn from sale and their manufacturer has ceased production.
3 How Do I Tell if My Heater is a Vulcan Heritage or Pyrox Heritage?
The heaters concerned can be easily identified be the Vulcan or Pyrox branding and the ‘Heritage’ marking on the front fascia in the lower left hand corner. This marking is visible in the photos above.
4 What is a Space Heater?
As the name suggests, a space heater is designed to heat a particular space rather than the entire house. So, a space heater in a living room is designed to heat the living room only.
5 What is the Difference Between Open Flue and Room Sealed Heaters?
Need to Know More?
- Phone Climate Technologies on (08) 9454 1056 for more information.
- WA Government http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/gas-safety-alert
- Victoria Government https://www.esv.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/gas-heritage-gas-heaters/
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