Unapproved Vent-Free Fireplaces Sold in Ontario

The offices of the Ontario Fire Marshal and the Halton Hills Fire Department have become aware of unapproved vent-free fireplaces that were being sold at Liquidation World stores. These heating appliances, which are typically fueled by natural gas, operate without a chimney, flue or a vent.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) have stated that these units, which were manufactured by ProCom and sold at local Liquidation World stores, are not approved for sale or installation in Canada. There is no Canadian standard that applies to this product type. Appliances of this type require sufficient combustion air to ensure complete combustion of the fuel and no production of carbon monoxide (CO). Modern construction trends and the shift to energy efficiency, has meant the production of more tightly constructed homes, therefore there is a possibility of this appliance posing a significant CO risk.

Representatives of Liquidation World stores have stated that these appliances were supplied by their head office and that as far as they were concerned the appliances could be sold throughout Ontario. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority has, issued a provincial offence order to Liquidation World stores head office to discontinue the sale of these appliances. However, these appliances have been available for sale for some time and many may have already been sold.

If you have already purchased such a unit, you are advised to return the unapproved product to your local Liquidation World store and inquire as to how you may be reimbursed.

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