Why organise a gas heater service?

A gas heater seems, on the surface, to be a relatively simple appliance - gas goes in one end and heat comes out the other. Just like any other appliance, a regular service can ensure it operates efficiently and consistently. In saying this however, as a gas heater is gas fuelled (which can be very dangerous if not used correctly), servicing your gas heater keeps the unit both safe and economical. Feel free to contact our gas fitters if you are facing any issue with your heater.

Routine gas heater servicing can prevent fires as well as the build-up of dangerous pollution in your home from the fumes emitted when natural gas and LPG burn.

Generally, gas heaters need to go back to the manufacturer if there are problems. Therefore, Pure Plumbing do not service gas heaters.

How often should I arrange a gas heater service?

Our gas fitters recommend yearly professional servicing, just before winter, to ensure the heater is safe and running efficiently all through the cold months of winter.

Regularly cleaning the heater yourself by vacuuming ducts or grills will allow the heated air to flow freely through the room. Important - only clean the gas heater when it is off and has cooled!

Signs your gas heater needs a service

The following are some signs and symptoms to look out for when turning on and using your gas heater. If you have any worries, turn your gas heater off immediately and contact a professional.

• Yellow, red or brown sooty flame (except gas fireplaces and log fires, which produce yellow flames to imitate fire)
• The pilot light goes out frequently
• The pilot light sounds like popcorn popping and banging when you light the heater
• Heat damage begins to occur on the heater itself, to the walls around the unit or items located near the heater
• Soot stains occur on or around the heater
• The heater gets really hot and doesn't respond to attempts to turn it down

Gas heaters have a useful (and long!) expected lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. If your heater is older than or approaching this age, it may be advisable to replace the unit for safety reasons.

Carbon monoxide poisoning danger from gas heaters

Gas produces the hazardous pollutant carbon monoxide when it burns. Most gas heaters safely get rid of this byproduct through a flue, however depending on the ventilation in the room, servicing and whether the heater is working correctly, these dangerous gases can build up inside the home, placing residents at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you or anyone in your home begins to experience unexplained shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion or chest pains when the heater is on, open windows and doors and go outside for fresh air. These symptoms could be a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning. Consult your healthcare professional and call a gas fitter to check the heater.

Carbon monoxide is not easily detected as it has no smell or taste and cannot be seen, but it can build up and deprive the body of oxygen causing the above symptoms. This is why it is so important to have your gas heater serviced regularly by a licenced gas fitter.

Gas heater servicing tips from the experts

• Make sure your gas heater has a full service, hoses and connections inspected, and the flue checked at least once every year by a licenced gas fitter.
• Always ensure the room you are heating has some ventilation. Let fresh air circulate around the room either from an air vent or a door or window left ajar. We realise it sounds counterproductive to let possibly cold air into a room you're trying to warm, however it doesn't have to be a big draft of air, just enough to allow a constant supply of fresh oxygenated air into the room.

Your gas fitting specialists in Sydney

If you have any further questions regarding servicing and/or installing a gas heater in your home or office, give Pure Plumbing a call on 02 9191 7374 or complete an online job booking form today. We can help with all your gas fitting needs in Sydney, so get in contact now!

Resources :

Energy Safe Victoria (Heating your home with gas): https://www.esv.vic.gov.au/safety-education/heating-your-home-with-gas/
NSW Government (Unflued gas heaters): https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/unflued-gas-heaters.aspx
NSW Government - Fair Trading (Gas safety): https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/product-and-service-safety/gas-safety
NSW Government - Health (Health and Safety Warning for gas heater users: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20180625_01.aspx
Health Direct (Winter health hazards at home): https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/winter-health-hazards-at-home