Unapproved vent-free fireplaces sold in Ontario
March 2, 2010 - Recently the Office of the Fire Marshal along with the Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service became aware of unapproved vent-free fireplaces manufactured by ProCom that were being sold at local Liquidation World stores.
These heating appliances, which are typically fuelled by natural gas, operate without a chimney, flue or vent (see picture below).
According to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) these units are not approved for sale, installation or use in Canada, as there is no Canadian standard that applies to this product type. These appliances require sufficient combustion air to ensure complete combustion of the fuel, and no production of carbon monoxide (CO). Due to the tightly constructed homes typically found in Canada, this appliance could pose a significant CO risk.
Local Liquidation World stores have advised that these appliances were supplied by their head office and that they could be sold throughout Ontario. TSSA has issued a provincial offence order to Liquidation World’s head office to discontinue the sale of these appliances. However, this product has been available for sale in stores for a while, so many may have already been sold.
Consumers who have already purchased such a unit are advised to return this unapproved product to their local Liquidation World store and inquire as to how they may be reimbursed.
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Media Inquiries:
Communications Officer
705-324-9411 ext. 1355
bstonehouse@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca
