Closed glass-fronted flame effect heaters can have their front glass shattered and must be maintained regularly. Installation, maintenance and servicing information for closed glass-fronted heater can be found below.

This information uses 'flame effect heater' to refer to gas heaters and fires where the gas flame is used to create the look of a traditional solid fuel heater or fire, with logs or coals. 

Installation

All gas appliances have to meet the requirements of the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010, which requires they meet the installation standard, AS/NZS 5601.1. This includes setting appliances up in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

Flame effect heaters must be installed by a licensed gasfitter. Gasfitting certification is required for all new gas installations and alterations to existing installations in your home. Make sure your gasfitter gives you certification to confirm the work was completed safely and in accordance with the Regulations.

Maintenance and servicing

Some recent incidents with some types of fully-enclosed glass fronted flame effect heaters that have resulted in the shattering of glass, usually into a living area of a home

We advise consumers to have their flame effect heater maintained, at least on an annual basis. The manufacturer's instructions may give specific advice relevant to your particular appliance.

The manufacturer's instructions may identify some minor work that you may do yourself. Otherwise, maintenance and any servicing that is required should be undertaken by a gasfitter or a service technician competent to work on the particular appliance. If you are unsure you should have a gasfitter or service technician do the work. Remember, some appliance suppliers may specify that any work has to be done by their nominated agents.

If you notice any of the following signs, you should not use the heater or installation and you should have it serviced immediately:

• a smell of gas in the building generally, or from the appliance
• difficulty in establishing a flame or unusual delays in flame ignition
• an unusual flame pattern or if the flame has not fully established over whole extent of the burner
• blockage of burner ports or evidence of corrosion around burner ports
• any alteration in the position of the artificial logs or burner bed
• soot appearing progressively on the inside of the glass panels.

Headaches, nausea, general tiredness or flu-like symptoms coinciding with the operation of the appliance. 

Advice regarding specific makes of flame effect heaters

Living Flame

Phone: 09 622 1148

Email: info@livingflame.co.nz

Fully enclosed direct vent 800 gas fires.  You should contact the manufacturer if you have one of these fires and it has not been serviced, or retrofitted, by the manufacturer since December 2006.  If you observe any of the warning signs you should not use the heater until it is serviced. 

MG3000 and related models including Kent Estate

The manufacturer, Glen Dimplex Australasia, advises that consumers have their heaters maintained on an annual basis.  If any changes in operation of the appliance occur, it should not be used until serviced by a licensed gasfitter. 

Superior Ambience

This appliance no longer has manufacturer support.  If any of the warning signs are observed, do not use the heater.