Gas heaters need to be professionally installed and properly looked after. An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes. If you service your heater regularly and use it correctly, it will be safe and economical to use.

1.Servicing
Professional servicing, including inspection of the flue or chimney, is recommended. You should get your heater serviced:

Immediately if there is any sign of trouble.
Every two years (before the winter heating season), or more often if recommended in the instructions.
If you have ducted heating, contact the appliance manufacturer to see if professional duct cleaning is necessary.

2.Do-it-yourself cleaning
Do-it-yourself cleaning should be limited. You should only:
Clean accessible filters as necessary (see instruction manual or contact the manufacturer to find out if this needs to be done).
Vacuum out any duct registers as necessary (the register is the central heating duct opening in each room, which can be seen when the cover grill is lifted).
Clean fans once a year if this is included in the manufacturer's instructions, or contact the manufacturer if you do not have an instruction booklet (many fans are not accessible for do-it-yourself cleaning).
How to arrange servicing
Manufacturers and suppliers usually have recommended service agents. You can use these if you wish. You can also check the Yellow Pages (under 'g' for 'gasfitters') for a licensed gas person.

How to use a gas heater safely - what you should do
Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual if you have one.

3.You should always
Allow plenty of fresh air in - never seal up the doorways and windows.
Prevent young children and elderly people from touching very hot surfaces. The normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact.
Be careful when drying clothes inside - keep all flammable materials at least one metre away from the heater.

4.What you should NOT do
Never use an unflued gas heater in a bathroom, bedroom or caravan. Toxic gases may cause serious health problems in these situations.
Never use or store solvents and pressure pack cans near a gas heater -even if the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on.
Never dispose of rubbish such as cigarette butts in a gas fire - this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants.
Never use an outdoor appliance inside (this includes barbeques and patio heaters).

5.Signs of trouble
A faulty gas heater can cause serious problems. Health problems that seem to be worse, or that only occur when the heating is on, may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

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

High levels of carbon monoxide are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. If you suspect you may be affected by carbon monoxide, open windows and doors, turn off the appliance and go outside to fresh air. See your doctor and ask whether your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide.

6.When to check your heater

Your heater needs to be checked if:

• There is a yellow or sooty flame (unless it is a decorative gas fire).
• The pilot light goes out unexpectedly, or 'pops' or 'bangs' when lighting.
• There are signs of heat damage such as discoloration of the walls or heater panels.
• The walls become too hot to touch while the heater is on.
• There are soot stains around the heater.

7.Replace an out of date heater
Heaters do not last forever.

Old heaters - some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. If your heater is very old (around 15 to 20 years), it may not be possible or worthwhile for your service person to repair it.
Older unflued gas heaters - (only allowed by law in homes supplied by LP gas cylinder or tank) do not meet current emission standards. You should consider replacing these heaters if more than 10 years old.

8.Three extra safety tips
Always make sure that a patio heater is stable or fixed.
Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors.
Never use an industrial type heater in a domestic situation.

9.Things to remember
If you service your heater regularly and use it correctly, it will be safe and economical to use.
Some older heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and should be replaced.