Gas heater's on and we feel sick
What to do first if people feel unwell with a gas heater running, and who checks the heater afterwards.
Life in danger, fire, or someone hurt? Call 000 now. Then come back to this page.
Call 000Before anything else
Get everyone outside into fresh air now. Call 000 if anyone is seriously unwell.
What to do, in order
- Leave the house and get into fresh air.
- Turn off all gas appliances straight away and open windows and doors.
- Call 000 in an emergency. Otherwise call Nurse-on-Call or see a doctor, and mention the heater.
- Don't use the heater again until a qualified gasfitter has checked it.
- Warning signs: headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath or chest pain; several people or pets unwell at once; feeling better away from home.
Who to call
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Triple Zero (000) 000
Anyone is seriously unwell, collapses or is hard to wake.
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Nurse-on-Call (free health advice, 24/7) 1300 60 60 24
Health advice from a registered nurse when it is not an emergency.
When you need a plumber
Book a licensed gasfitter (Type A appliance servicing) to inspect the heater and test it for carbon monoxide spillage before it is used again. ESV recommends a gas heater service at least every two years. Renting? Tell your rental provider straight away - a heating appliance that isn't working is a legally urgent repair.
Once everyone is safe, find a plumber who can come today.
Tradie2U shows which tradies near you are free now, today or tomorrow, with their call-out fee upfront. You ask one, and they have a set time to answer. Free, no card. This guide is in the app too, with the right number for your street.
Where this comes from
Checked against the official sources below and reviewed before publishing, 28 September 2026.