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Remember to remind your family and friends to do the same. It is an easy item to forget to service and maintain, however the importance of this can lead to life or death. Don’t be another statistic be proactive!

Figures show from The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that one in ten households nationally use wood as the main source of energy for heating.

While wood is mainly used by households in rural areas 19 per cent, compared with capital cities 5 per cent it can be a great alternative for homes in the rural areas.  Wood heating requires a qualified chimney sweeper to maintain and clean before and after every season. This will guarantee your safety on the flute being free from soot build up or any bird nests or other vermin hiding out away from the elements. If this is not done on a regular basis it can catch on fire and could lead to your treasured home being burnt down.

Heating and cooling accounts for 40% of household energy, including varies heating providers electric, gas and wood. It is always a good idea to choose heating systems that are energy efficient and will provide you long term service. It is irrelevant what type of heating service you have, it must always be service before and after and in many cases during the heavily used seasons. For health and safety reasons it is most important as it can throw out harmful carbon monoxide that can cause unconsciousness and even death due to poisoning.

You can always maintain your heating services by cleaning them on a regular basis to ensure no dust and dirty is obstructing the vents by using a vacuum and wipes (do not use flammable liquid to clean any heating service as this may lead to faults or fire). Be sure to leave the filters and fans to fully licensed fitters, as well as obtaining a certification upon completion. Always ensure you have plenty of ventilation in the room of the heating while keeping flammable materials about one metre away for direct heating appliance.

Electric heating requires a fully qualified and certified installer to put in your heating and to also check for faults. Do not try to check faulty wiring as it may lead to electrocution or even death. It is very important to have regular checks to ensure faults are properly checked and maintained to avoid electrical fires.

If you have any of the following issues with your gas heater be sure to turn it off immediately and call a qualified gas fitter to test faults before you turn it back on.

  • Heating service turning on and off unexpectedly
  • Sparks coming from the plug or on off button
  • The walls become hot to touch while the heat is on
  • Yellow or snooty flame (gas heater)
  • Stains around the heater
  • Chimney catches on fire or flames coming out of the wood heater door


Signs of faulty heating systems

There are many signs that may arise before death or fire has engulfed your home from your heating service. If you have any of these signs be sure to turn off heating service and open all windows and doors in the area, to release any harmful chemicals.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain

Remember it is your family and friends life at stake. When it comes to any heating services always have a qualified and certified person to check and maintain your heating service. If you are in doubt, turn off the heating service immediately and open all doors and windows. If you feel you have suffered harmful chemicals call or go directly to your doctor.

Additional Information

Energy Safe Victoria 1800 652 563

Department of Health 1300 761 874

Plumbing Industry Commission 1300 815 127