Gas Heater Safety Tips for Home Posted on September 30, 2024 For many American households, gas heaters are a popular choice for home heating thanks to their efficiency, reliability, and affordability. According to the Energy Information Administration, 47% of homes in the US use natural gas for heating, making it the most common type of heater, compared to 36% for electrical heating. Among the different types of heaters, gas heaters are highly efficient and are especially common in colder states where heating demand is higher. However, gas heaters also pose safety risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards, which makes understanding their safe operation essential. In this guide, we discuss safe practices for your gas heater. What is a Gas Heater? A gas heater is a type of heating appliance that uses natural gas, propane, or other liquid fossil fuels to produce heat. There are several types of gas heaters used in homes: Central gas furnaces: Heats an entire home by distributing heated air through ducts. Gas fireplaces: Decorative and functional, these heaters are installed in living rooms or other large spaces. Gas space heaters: Small, often portable units used to heat specific rooms. Gas wall heaters: Mounted on walls to provide localized heating. Vented gas room heaters: Direct-vent models expel combustion gasses outside through a wall, while top vent models vent up above the roofline.Ventless heaters: Extremely efficient heaters that do not require outside venting.These should not be used as a primary heat source. Each type of gas heater requires specific safety precautions and considerations for proper installation and use. To know more about each type, see our Guide to the Different Gas Heaters. Are Gas Heaters Safe for Household Use? When properly installed and maintained, gas heaters are generally safe for use in homes. However, their safety depends on several factors, such as installation, ventilation, maintenance, and of course, user awareness. When compared by gas heater type, central furnaces and direct-vent systems are generally considered to be safer than ventless or portable units because they vent combustion gasses outside. Nonetheless, all types of gas heaters can be used safely when guidelines are followed. What are the Potential Risks of Gas Heaters? Gas heaters can pose several dangers if not properly installed, maintained, or used. These include: Carbon monoxide poisoning: Incomplete combustion of gas can release carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Faulty or unvented heaters are the most common sources of CO. Fire hazards: Poor installation, proximity to flammable materials, or overheating can lead to fires. Gas leaks: Natural gas or propane leaks can result in explosions if exposed to an open flame or spark. Burns: Many gas heaters have exposed flames or hot surfaces that can cause burns if touched. Suffocation: Ventless gas heaters consume oxygen in a room, which can result in oxygen depletion in enclosed spaces. Gas Heater Incident Statistics Although gas heaters are generally safe when properly installed and maintained, accidents still occur. The National Fire Protection Association reports that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S., accounting for 13% of residential fires between 2016 and 2020. Of these, space heaters, including gas heaters, caused 81% of deaths in fires related to heating equipment. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning leads to over 400 deaths, 50,000 emergency room visits, and thousands of hospitalizations annually in the US. Where Are Gas Heaters Banned? Some municipalities in the U.S. have regulations regarding the use of certain types of gas heaters. Ventless gas heaters, for instance, are banned in six states (Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Montana, Minnesota, and New York) due to concerns about indoor air quality and the risk of oxygen depletion. It’s essential to check local regulations before installing a gas heater in your home. 10 Tips for Safe Gas Heater Use 1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. These alarms provide an early warning in the event of CO buildup. Since 2001, the US Consumer Products Safety Commission has recommended the installation of CO alarms for all homes with a gas appliance. 2. Ensure Proper Ventilation Vent your gas heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Direct-vent and vented models should expel gases outside, while ventless models require ample ventilation to avoid air contamination. We carry a wide range of gas heater accessories such as vent enclosures and outlet registers to ensure safe ventilation. 3. Regular Maintenance Schedule annual inspections for your gas heating system, including checking the burner, heat exchanger, and ventilation system for any issues. These professional inspections should include checking for cracks, blockages, or corrosion that could lead to dangerous emissions. 4. Use the Correct Fuel Always use the type of gas specified by the manufacturer (natural gas or propane). Using the wrong fuel type can cause incomplete combustion, resulting in excess carbon monoxide production. While this may be a no-brainer for most, some households may have multiple gas heaters. If they happen to be portable, make sure you don’t mix them up, and that you always check the fuel source for each one before using. 5. Keep Combustible Materials Away Maintain a safe distance between the gas heater and flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, and papers. Follow manufacturer-recommended clearance distances. 6. Never Use Outdoor Heaters Indoors Outdoor gas heaters, such as patio heaters or camp stoves, are designed to be used in open spaces and can produce hazardous gasses if used in enclosed areas. 7. Switch Off Unattended Heaters Avoid leaving gas heaters on when no one is home or when going to sleep, especially portable models that can easily tip over. According to the NFPA, space heaters accounted for one-third of home heating fires, and 9 out of 10 deaths in such incidents. 8. Install Safety Screens or Guards For gas fireplaces or heaters with open flames, install a safety screen or barrier to prevent accidental contact with the flame and avoid burns. 9. Address Gas Leaks Immediately If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate the home immediately and contact the gas company or emergency services. Do not light matches, turn on electrical switches, or use phones near the leak. 10. Replace Filters Regularly Gas furnaces and heaters with filters should have their filters replaced regularly to maintain good air quality, air flow, and efficient operation. Gas Heater Safety Features to Look For When purchasing a gas heater, it’s crucial to prioritize safety features to ensure it operates securely in your home. Here’s a list of essential safety features to look for: ✔ Carbon Monoxide Detector (Built-in or External Requirement): A detector that alerts you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, preventing potential poisoning. For external detectors, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends getting CO detectors that conform to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard 2034 or the International Approval Services (IAS) 6-96. ✔ Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): This sensor automatically shuts off the heater if oxygen levels in the room drop below a safe level, common in ventless models. ✔ Tip-Over Protection: The Department of Energy underscores the importance of this feature for portable and space heaters, as it automatically shuts off the heater if it gets knocked over. ✔ Anti-Tilt Switch: In wall-mounted heaters, this switch shuts off the unit if it becomes dislodged or tilted from its position. ✔ Overheat Protection: This feature shuts off the heater if it reaches unsafe internal temperatures, preventing overheating and potential fires. ✔ Flame Supervision Device / Flame Failure Device: This mechanism automatically turns off the gas supply if the flame goes out, preventing unburned gas from leaking. ✔ Safety Guard or Grill: A protective grill or screen covers the hot surfaces of the heater to prevent accidental contact, reducing the risk of burns. ✔ Auto Shutoff Timer: A timer function turns off the heater after a set period, ideal for nighttime use or when leaving the room. ✔ Child Lock/Control Lock: Prevents children or unauthorized users from changing the heater’s settings or turning it on accidentally. ✔ Vent Safety Shut Off (for vented models): Automatically shuts off the heater if the vent becomes blocked or if there is improper venting, ensuring combustion gasses are properly expelled. ✔ Cool-Touch Exterior: Some models feature exteriors that remain cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns from accidental contact. Gas heaters are an efficient and effective solution for home heating, but they do come with safety risks that need to be managed. With this guide, we hope you are better armed and informed on how to use your gas heater safely and effectively without worries. And if you’re in the market for a gas heater, check out our extensive list of gas heater options, from portable space heaters and outdoor models to furnaces! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
