5 Reasons to Service Your Old Gas Heater

Do you have an old gas heater at home that is still in tip-top shape? Keeping it in prime working condition is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment. Like any common household appliance, old gas heaters can develop issues over time that pose significant risks to your household if you don't service them properly.

Regular servicing of gas appliances does more than stop potential gas and fire-related hazards from occurring. It also goes a long way towards improving their efficiency and longevity. By understanding the importance of gas heater maintenance, you can enjoy consistent warmth and peace of mind. Which is all we really want, right?

#1. Fewer Carbon Monoxide Safety Concerns

One of the primary safety concerns with old unflued and open flued gas heaters is the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Faulty gas space heaters can pose serious health risks by leaking high levels of this dangerous, odourless gas throughout your home. Without adequate ventilation in the room around your gas heater, carbon monoxide poisoning can become a problem.

Common poisoning symptoms can include:

• Headache: Often described as dull and persistent.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Nausea: Stomach upset and a feeling of queasiness.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness.
• Confusion: Difficulty thinking clearly or experiencing mental fog.
• Blurred vision: Vision may become blurred or impaired.
• Chest pain: Pain or tightness in the chest.

Regular servicing helps detect and repair potential leaks so your house remains safe.

With their old technology, old gas heaters can become fire hazards if not properly looked after. Dust build-up or worn-out parts can easily catch fire, putting your home at risk. To keep your family safe, it’s crucial to schedule a regular gas safety check and to keep the heater clean.

#2. Improved Energy Efficiency

Want to cut down your energy consumption and enjoy significant energy savings as a result? Regular servicing of your old gas heater can certainly help you on that front!

Well-maintained gas-powered space heaters generally operate with greater energy efficiency. What does this mean exactly? It means they use less gas to provide more heat to your room. Not only will you benefit from this through lower energy bills, but you’ll also lower your carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Over time, you’ll offset any maintenance costs with the savings on your utility bills. Win-win!

With consistent maintenance, you’ll reduce any strain on your heater which will help prevent minor issues from blowing out into major problems. This proactive approach helps maintain the efficiency of your heater and extends its useful life.

#3. Prolonged Lifespan

Regular servicing plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of your natural gas appliances. By fixing those seemingly small issues before they escalate, you can prevent major heater breakdowns that might shorten its operational life. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• A clean and fully functional burner works more efficiently and puts less strain on your heater.
• Regular cleaning of your heater reduces dust and debris build-up that can cause overheating and component failure.
• Keep any moving parts well-lubricated. This will reduce friction and minimise unnecessary wear and tear.

These routine maintenance tasks help the heater run more smoothly and extend its lifespan significantly.

Regular gas heating inspections also ensure that essential safety mechanisms like the thermostat and pressure relief valve are functioning correctly. By maintaining these safety features, you not only extend the heater’s lifespan but also ensure it operates safely and reliably.

#4. Compliance with Safety Standards

Making sure your gas heater complies with current safety standards is a must for two key reasons. Not only does it provide you with much-needed peace of mind, it also helps to keep your home safe. Older heaters, especially those using open-flued technology, may not meet the latest safety requirements.

Now these safety standards may vary between the different states and territories across Australia. Energy Safe Victoria and the Victorian Government, for example, have strict regulations in place to protect residents from the risks associated with older heating systems whether they use a flue or not. These rules apply to both private residences and public housing to protect all homes.

To keep your heater compliant with the relevant safety standards in your state or territory, schedule regular, consistent servicing with a qualified gasfitter. It will lower the risk of dangerous incidents and keep your home above board with all legal requirements.

#5. Lower Repair Cost Savings

Regular servicing of any older heating systems in your home goes a long way toward preventing costly repairs later down the line. Small issues, if left unchecked, can escalate into significant problems that require expensive fixes. By nipping these minor concerns in the bud early on, you can avoid the high costs associated with major repairs.

This forward-thinking approach not only helps you avoid the unwanted burden of unexpected mid-winter heater breakdowns, but also keeps your heating costs under control. Investing in regular maintenance is a smart way to protect both your wallet and your home.

The Importance of Professional Servicing

Now, as we’ve discussed many of these benefits of consistent heater maintenance, you may have come across one key point – hiring a licensed gasfitter for your servicing is essential.

Yes, it might be tempting to try a DIY fix. Particularly if you’re a bit of a dab hand at that sort of thing. However, only a qualified and licensed professional can guarantee that your heater complies with current safety standards. They will carry out a thorough assessment of your heater for potential risks, such as gas leaks, that could pose serious dangers to your home and family.

By booking your service with a licensed and experienced gas fitter, you’re sure to get the most out of your heater for as long as possible while also protecting your home from avoidable hazards. And that is what matters.

Bring Maximum Gas Heater Safety to Your Home

If you want to maintain a safe, efficient and cost-effective home heating system (and why wouldn’t you?), regular, consistent servicing on your old gas heater is a definite must. It will provide you with a wealth of benefits, from minimising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to maximising energy efficiency. It will also delay the need to replace your heater for just that little bit longer.

It’s important to keep your heater well-maintained and to use a qualified gasfitter for all servicing. Not only will this protect your home and health, but also provide long-term financial savings. Arrange regular gas heating maintenance to enjoy these advantages and keep your home warm and safe throughout the year.

Please note: Thank you for reading our blog “5 Reasons To Service Your Old Gas Heater”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.