Energy Smart Homes - Home Heating

Search all WA Government Sites

Print this page

Heaters that directly burn fuel (gas, wood or kerosene) may also affect air quality inside your home. Depending on the type of fuel burnt, carbon dioxide, water vapour and a range of other chemicals are produced.

Although carbon dioxide is not poisonous, if the level is very high it may cause drowsiness and headaches. If the heater is poorly maintained or incorrectly operated, carbon monoxide may be produced and this is very poisonous. This gas can also be produced when there is very poor ventilation or the flue is blocked or damaged. Another sign of a faulty heater or incorrect operation is the excessive formation of soot.

Gas and kerosene heaters also produce nitrogen oxides in small quantities that are not normally dangerous. In high concentrations however, nitrogen oxides may cause eye, nose or throat irritation in susceptible people. Flued heaters (built-in and central) exhaust these gases outside and have little effect on internal air quality, but do contribute small amounts to external air pollution. Nitrogen oxides for example are the main cause of photochemical smog.

Portable gas and kerosene heaters, on the other hand, are not flued and so exhaust these gases inside. If the room is poorly ventilated the excess water vapour produced by the heater may condense on walls and ceilings. This could cause mould to grow. In extreme cases where ventilation is very poor, exhaust gases can also affect your health.

If you purchase a new portable gas heater, it will have an oxygen depletion sensor, a flame failure device and an automatic cut-off switch for safety purposes. It's important that the heater is well maintained so that all these features work properly. Most portable gas and kerosene heaters are labelled with details of the minimum size of room in which they can be used.

Woodheaters create smoke that contains a 'cocktail' of chemical compounds. Some of these are gases, while others, such as smoke and soot, are particles. All woodheaters - slow combustion stoves, potbellies and open fireplaces - release some of these chemicals into the air inside.

When operating a woodheater, ensure there is adequate ventilation, that the chimney is open, and that the wood is dry and free of paint and other contaminates. For more information about pollution arising from wood burning heaters, contact the Department of Environment.