Winter is soon approaching! Have you checked the condition of your heater yet? If you’re not sure about the condition of your gas heater, then the time is most opportune to have it inspected and provide the necessary servicing and repairs it needs. This will ensure that your gas heater will serve you seamlessly during this winter.
When you take good care of your gas heater in Sydney, giving it professional servicing and repairs whenever it needs, it will ensure keeping you and your family warm and safe this winter, as well as, increase its life expectancy.
In the absence of proper care, it can create risky situations in your home and two of the most prevalent risks are:
- Gas poisoning is a real threat to your home and is very frightening too. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, weakness and a state of confusion or drowsiness.
- Fire takes place due to heater sparks, which often occurs when clothes are left on top of it.
Here are the symptoms of a defective gas heater:
- Are you finding your walls very hot to touch? Well, this isn’t common.
- If you can find a yellow flame, it signifies that your heater is not working as intended and requires immediate servicing.
- When the pilot light ‘comes on’ when lighting or ‘goes out’ suddenly.
- Are you witnessing a strange smell? Or is the fan making more noise than normal? Both indicate that there could be a fault.
- If you find outer casing discoloured or dirt or stains then this could signal a defective or damaged flue.
When you fail to take proper care of your gas heater, it can cause a safety hazard. If you want to increase the life of your gas heater and keep your family safe and warm during cooler months, then you need to follow easy maintenance tips mentioned below:
Older Heaters Require More Care
If you have an old heater and it’s still working properly, then you don’t have to provide any repairs yet, but you need to provide annual service. Any heater that’s 10 years or older needs to be given annual servicing before winter sets in.
Minimum Service Required for Gas Heaters
At the very minimum, gas heaters need to be serviced after completion of every two years. Unlike many other jobs, don’t try to fix the gas heater on your own instead, call in certified professionals. Besides, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and keep a record of all past services.
Fishy Smells
Never overlook if you can smell gas or suspect a leak. At once, switch OFF your gas heater and call in a certified gasfitter plumber.
Ventilation
See to it that permanent ventilation openings of your heater aren’t blocked. And if you have a flueless heater, ensure the room is sufficiently ventilated. A flue is a pipe that releases exhaust gases into the outer environment.
Dangers
- If you have small children or pets then you need to make sure your heater is placed erect, so it won’t be overturned.
- Avoid storing or using a solvent or aerosol product close to your heater.
- Always place your heater away from furniture and avoid putting anything over it, especially clothes.
Check for Safe Operation
Make sure all leads are secure without any type of leaks. If you find signs of rust formation, get it inspected by a gas fireplace servicing specialist without delay.
Make it Dirt & Grime Free
Take some soapy water and clean it thoroughly because it may have accumulated dust and dirt eventually and some deceased spiders as well. While cleaning, focus on key areas, such as airways, air filters, burners, and fans. They can become obstructed, which can lead to overheating issues and problems with the burner that can generate carbon monoxide. If you don’t have any idea as to how to do it, then it’s better to call in a certified gasfitter plumber.
Refrain from Using a Heater That’s Meant for Outdoor Use
If you find that your indoor heater isn’t in good shape, as it’s filled with grime and dirt, and rust has formed in key areas, but that’s okay because a brand new outdoor gas heater is still intact in its new case. Well, let it remain in there and you can use it for your next camping tour because outdoor gas heaters must never be used inside the home.
The Importance of Buying Certified Gas Heaters
When you’re out there to buy a brand new gas heater, ensure that you’re buying a gas heater duly certified by the Australian Gas Association and that it showcases plates specifying “It satisfies current emissions standards”. It doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive product available on the market, but it’s important to invest in a certified product to guarantee you and your family’s safety and wellbeing.
Who to Call For Gas Fireplace Installation, Service & Repairs
Often manufacturers recommend service agents else, you can look for in Yellow pages. Regardless of whether you call manufacturer-recommended service agents or from yellow pages or a gas fireplace installer and servicing specialist privately, ensure they are certified gasfitters authorised to carry out gas appliance installations, servicing, and repair works.