Gas Heater Maintenance

Why Is Gas Heater Maintenance Important?

Gas heaters are a popular, efficient way to heat your home. They are a highly effective heating system that’s easy to install and maintain. But, because of the mechanics involved, they need maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Gas heaters need regular annual maintenance to make sure that they continue to perform well. This includes checking the gas pressure and gas supply valves in addition to inspecting the air filter and burner flame sensor.

  • Gas heaters are mechanical systems that need regular servicing, to ensure your gas heater works efficiently and to make sure your gas heater is safe. Without regularly scheduled preventative maintenance, the parts of your gas heater will deteriorate and cause major problems down the line.
  • In order to maintain proper airflow, your gas heater needs routine servicing and cleaning. A dirty heater filter can cause dust and debris to clog up the system, which in turn can cause combustion issues.
  • Regular maintenance of your gas heater that includes testing for gas leaks and carbon monoxide  & nitrogen oxide emissions. Gas leaks from your heater can lead to significant damage and can become a fire hazard in your home if it’s left unchecked without repair and servicing.
  • Gas heater maintenance should always be completed by a professional gas heater technician.

Benefits of Gas Heater Maintenance

Regular yearly maintenance can help protect your investment in your gas heating system.

There are several benefits of gas heater maintenance from improving the efficiency of your heating to detecting potential problems before they arise and maximizing the life span of your heater. If you have any questions about this post or our company, feel free to give us a call today or book in for a gas heater service near you.

Getting your gas heater serviced by one of our licensed gas fitters means you can be confident that your heating system is in prime condition for the colder winter days and nights. It ensures that any possible complications are identified and attended too before things turn to worse.

How Often Should You Perform Gas Heater Maintenance?

Gas heaters require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to perform well. Most gas heaters should be checked yearly for any signs of problems with the device, gas lines, and heating system.

 

What to expect when servicing your gas heater

Your gas heater technician will discuss any concerns and/or issues you may have with your gas heater. An overall inspection and assessment is undertaken prior to removing it from inside your home to be service outside of your residence (for portable heaters). Your gas heater specialist will dismantle the outer casing of your heater and clean the debris and dust buildup inside your burner chambers, filters and throughout your heater.

Your technician will complete a thorough inspection and test the operation of your heater wiring harness, gas pressure, fan, solenoid valves, injectors, fuses, burner chambers and PCB board.  On completion, your technician will re-assemble your heater and connect it back inside your home.  A safety check is then undertaken of your connection point and hose and finally your Paloma Rheem technician will check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions.

Bookings are required so call us today on 1300 35 10 10 for your booking to be arranged by one of our friendly staff members or schedule your service using our online booking system.

Gas heater does not stay lit

Gas heaters have a component known as a thermocouple which is located near the pilot light. The gas heater thermocouple acts as a safety mechanism and will shut off the flow of gas if your heaters pilot light goes off. This could be due to thermocouple wear and tear, which could require your thermocouple to be replaced. There could also be a buildup of debris or blockages which could also be the cause. During your gas heater service our gas heater technician will clear and remove any blockages and will advise your if your thermocouple is faulty and requires replacement.

 

Gas heater pilot light wont stay lit

Flickering and faint pilot lights may be due to gas pressure and insufficient levels of gas flow. Another cause could be that the tip of the pilot has become corroded and as a result will block the flow of gas through the supply line. During your gas heater maintenance the heater technician will check and rectify any gas pressure related issue.

 

Pilot light flame is yellow

Gas heaters have a pilot light which is usually located at the front and normally has a bluish colour flame.

If the pilot light flame is yellow, this could would indication that there is a combustion issue and could indicate that there could be carbon monoxide being emitted. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be fatal so it is essential that you immediately switch off your heater and have your gas heater repaired.

 

Gas smell coming from heater

This is extremely serious and you should shut off your heater right away. Turn off the gas supply, and avoid using anything that may spark a fire. Call us ASAP to get this problem resolved.

 

Rotten egg like smell coming from gas heater

This indicates a serious issue. Your gas heater fan motor or the circuit board may be fried causing you gas heater to overheat. Normally your gas heater will be able to detect the overheating and will shut down on its own, however, if your heater’s sensors fail, your heater may not switch off which would lead to your heater becoming a potential fire hazard. Switch off your heater immediately and call for a gas heater technician.

 

Smokey or burn like smell coming from your gas heater

If you gas heater has not been used for a while you could initially get this smell as it is usually due to the built up dust on burners burning and should go away.

 

Gas heater has a burning rubbery smell

This is usually an indicator that there are worn out parts in your gas heater. Call for a gas heater service to resolve this issue as letting the issue continue could end up being costly.

 

Gas Heater Filter Cleaning (DIY)

To ensure good operation of your heater regular gas heater maintenance is essential. Generally all gas heaters with a fan will have filters that require regular cleaning. Cleaning your gas heater filter can be done by removing the external filters and washing them with soapy water. If your filter becomes blocked, the gas heater filter indication will be displayed or the gas heater filter light will flash on and off.

 

Gas heater is leaking gas

One of the most notable signs if your heater is leaking gas is if you smell it coming from your heaters air vents. If you notice the smell of gas, shut off and disconnect your heater and open all the windows and doors in your home and call us on 1300 35 10 10 for a gas heater service near you.

 

Gas Heater Burners

During your gas heater maintenance, our gas heater technician will check for blockages in your burners. The burners will be cleaned and checked to ensure proper operation. Burners blocked with dirt can result in improper combustion, leading to soot build up inside your heater.

 

Gas Heater Hoses and Bayonet Point

Our gas heater technician will inspect your gas heater hose and bayonet point and will conduct a gas leak test and will be examined for damages and blockages. Faulty bayonet points or gas heater hoses should always be replaced. Gas heater hoses can be replaced with either a 1.5m or 3m gas heater hose.

 

Gas Regulator Lifespan

Gas regulators have a limited life span and will be inspected to ensure it is operating as expected and will advise you if a replacement is required. Your gas heater technician will be able to replace the regulator if it is faulty.

Gas Heater Safety

Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide can be released from unflued gas heaters. When breathed in, carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the bloodstream and deprives the heart, brain and vital organs of oxygen.

To prevent any exposure to harmful gasses, it is important to ensure:

  • your heater and gas supply are certified, properly installed and regularly serviced
  • the room where your Paloma Rheem heater is situated is well ventilated
  • your Paloma Rheem gas heater is turned off when you leave home or work
  • children are supervised around heaters