We think unflued LPG cabinet heaters are unhealthy, expensive and a fire risk.
So what's good about them? Not much other than they're portable, cheapish to buy and can chuck out quite a bit of heat. Once they were cheap to run, but no longer. Current LPG prices make them the most expensive type of home heating.
When LPG burns it consumes oxygen from the air and replaces it with carbon dioxide and water vapour. With an unflued heater the carbon dioxide and water vapour end up in your house, so the house gets warmer and damper. When the heater is switched off the air cools and the water in it condenses on windows and other cool surfaces.
This is bad news because damp houses are unhealthy to live in.
Then there's the fire risk. These heaters have an exposed flame. That means if anything gets too close - furniture, toys, children's nightwear - a fire can quickly start.
We say
- We think these heaters should be banned. Their drawbacks outweigh any benefits.
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Do these comments relate to the unflued gas heaters that are connected to the reticulated natural gas in our homes?
Hi Chilly
Except for running costs, our comments apply to unflued heaters running on reticulated gas. The fire risk is greater than a fixed gas heater, and they contribute to dampness in the house.
Regards
Hamish Wilson
Research and Testing Manager
I agree with your comments about unflued gas heaters, but I have used one successfully for some years now for a couple of reasons. First they can put out a huge amount of heat very quickly for rapid warm up, and second, they certainly do cost to run, but you pay as you go, rather than having to buy your fuel on credit like electricity.
I always make sure I use it with adequate ventilation, and the condensation mostly ends up on the windows, being the coldest part of the room. My window frames are designed with channels and drain holes for condensation which I keep clean and clear, so that takes care of that.
While I agree with your points against them, which are completely valid, I feel the matter is not entirely one sided. If they were banned I would be reduced to plug in electric heaters only, as I cannot afford the capital outlay involved in installing a heat pump or modern solid fuel burner. Just my 2 cents worth.