The Victorian Government is "on track" to complete the replacement of Vulcan/Pyrox heaters in state's public housing ahead before winter, according to Housing Minister Richard Wynne.

Mr Wynne said the work to replace all 6,525 public housing heaters installed in public housing properties was set to be completed by the end of May, with more than 5,700 heaters removed already.

It comes after Vulcan/Pyrox open flue gas heaters were withdrawn from sale, following an investigation death of 62-year-old Sonia Sofianopoulos from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2017.

The coroner has recommended open flue heaters be phased out and only be used in well-ventilated spaces.

Mr Wynne said the issue affected both public housing and private residents.

“Replacing these heaters is part of being a responsible landlord," he said.

"We urge all landlords and home owners to get gas heaters serviced before winter.”

Though carbon monoxide poisoning is not always fatal, people can suffer long-term health effects from lower level but chronic exposure to the toxic gas.

In addition to replacing the Vulcan/Pyrox gas heaters, the government has inspected an additional 24,000 gas heaters and replaced a further 7,400 heaters.

Tenants were supplied with portable electric heaters last winter during the replacement program, with rental discounts to offset increased power bills.

Carbon monoxide alarms have been installed in all public housing homes where a gas heater is present, with more than 25,300 alarms keeping residents safer.

Mr Wynne thanked the public housing tenants for their patience during the process.

“This has been a big project and I thank the public housing tenants who have been patient and understanding while this crucial work has been underway to keep them safe,” he said.

“Thousands of new heaters, as well as carbon monoxide alarms, will help keep our public housing tenants warm and safe this winter.”

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