Apartment owners who have not had their flue ducts replaced on time face two risks: cold homes and life-threatening situations due to carbon monoxide. The cause is the same: poor or old flue pipes. VvE Belang receives many questions on this subject.
If the flue is older than 15 years or is not in good condition, the certified installer will not want to guarantee proper operation. Possible consequence: no heating in the homes. Engaging a bungler poses another risk: that could result in a hefty fine. The problem is that the flue is usually bricked away in the wall. Many owners' associations do not know about the existence and importance of a proper flue.
Lifesaving
If anything, an even greater risk is faced by apartment owners who have not had their flue ducts replaced on time. Leaky flue ducts can lead to situations where carbon monoxide enters homes. This odorless, invisible gas claims victims every year; sometimes fatal.
A flue is a pipe that drains harmful flue gases produced when gas is burned in a central heating boiler. A proper flue pipe prevents these gases from entering the home and harming the occupants. The flue ensures that the flue gases are safely removed and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is prevented.
The Gas Boiler Law
On April 1, 2023, the "Gas Boiler Act" went into effect. Since that date, only certified installers are allowed to perform work on the installation, maintenance and repairs of gas-fired systems. In doing so, they must guarantee the proper operation and safety of the entire system: from boiler to flue. The Gas Boiler Act is designed to protect residents from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by establishing safety standards for boiler maintenance.
Maintenance companies that refuse to perform maintenance on a boiler where the condition of the flue is unknown are not acting negligently. They are bound by legal requirements and standards established to ensure the safety and quality of heating systems.
By requiring flue ducts to be in good condition, maintenance companies are helping to minimize risks to residents.
