Are portable gas heaters safe to use?

The following safety and maintenance tips apply to all LPG cabinet heaters.

Because they’re unflued, portable gas heaters need to be treated with special care.

Test connections

If you have a cabinet heater, always test the cylinder connection after attaching the gas cylinder. Here’s how: Apply soapy water to the cylinder connections and turn on the cylinder. If bubbles appear, you have a leak. Close the valve and call an LPG Service Agent or take your cylinder in to be checked.

Check safe space

Never use an unflued gas appliance in a confined space like a bedroom, bathroom, cabin or caravan. Keep your heater at least 1 metre away from anything that could catch fire. Put a safety guard up if you have young children or pets, or the area has a lot of foot traffic.

Allow fresh air

Keep a window partly open to help remove emissions and reduce condensation.

Supervise others

Children or infirm people should always be supervised around LPG heaters.

Clear obstructions

Keep grills and vents clear of obstructions and free of lint and dust.

Keep it serviced

Get your heater and cylinder checked out every year by an LPG Service Agent. The start of winter is the perfect time to ensure it’s working safely.

Store LPG carefully

Only keep a maximum of 20kg of LPG indoors – with no cylinder exceeding 10kg.

Use your nose

If you smell LPG, turn off the heater and cylinder IMMEDIATELY and contact an LPG Service Agent.

Don’t use if asthmatic

People with asthma should avoid using this type of heater.