There are lots of ways to stay toasty warm in winter, but nothing’s quite as good as gas ducted heating. Powered by environmentally friendly natural gas or LPG, a gas ducted heater can deliver instant warmth to every corner of your home. If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, a quality heater can significantly increase the value of your home, and the ongoing running costs are extremely low. Gas ducted heating is a popular solution for homes of all types – the only catch is that you need to make sure your system is serviced regularly.
Faulty gas plumbing can pose serious risks to your family’s safety. For that reason alone, you can’t afford to put off booking your regular maintenance appointments. In this article we’re going to discuss how often you should have your gas ducted heater serviced and the benefits of regular maintenance.
Gas Ducted Heating Service Intervals
How often does gas ducted heating need to be serviced? The answer depends on the make and model of your heater as well as how much it gets used. Generally speaking though, you should have your gas ducted heater serviced every 12 to 24 months. A yearly maintenance schedule gives your technician the chance to test components and make small repairs as needed. It’s best to book your maintenance appointment before winter starts to ensure the system is ready for action!
Gas ducted heaters are simple systems with only a few components. That means the maintenance process is simple and won’t take your technician long to complete. Most maintenance appointments will include:
- Cleaning dust and dirt from filters and other components
- Testing gas pressures
- Checking the heat exchanger
- Testing the thermostat
- Inspecting motors for signs of problems
- Inspecting plumbing for gas leaks
- Performing a carbon monoxide test to detect small leaks
When to Book Gas Ducted Heating Repairs
Gas ducted heaters are just like the other appliances in your home – they need regular servicing to ensure they’re ready for use. Booking a yearly maintenance appointment should prevent most problems from building up, but you might experience other issues. If you notice any of these problems then talk to your service technician and book an appointment:
- Pilot light flame has changed from blue to brown, yellow or red
- Pilot light flame goes out frequently
- The heating unit makes hissing, popping, banging or whistling noises
- The heater frequently turns off on its own
- If you can smell gas leaks
- If you have persistent health problems such as weakness, headaches and nausea
Gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous. If you notice the smell of natural gas or LPG (these typically smell like rotten eggs), leave your house immediately and contact a professional gasfitter. If it’s safe to do so you can switch off your gas supply and open all the windows in your house to help vent the gas. Anyone experiencing persistent health symptoms of a gas leak should call an ambulance and seek immediate treatment.
The 4 Benefits of Maintaining Your Heater
Gas ducted heating can be a major expense in your home. It’s an investment in your comfort, and regular maintenance is the best way to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Sticking to a yearly maintenance schedule means you’ll always have warm air when you need it, and it comes with a few other key benefits:
- Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of your gas ducted heating. Booking a yearly service appointment means your technician has the chance to find small problems before they turn into major repairs, extending the life of the unit and preventing malfunctions.
- You can reduce your energy bills by having your gas ducted heater serviced and cleaned each year. Your technician will clean out any buildups of dust. This means the fans and motors won’t need to work as hard, and that can drastically lower your power and gas bills.
- Servicing your gas ducted heater will protect your family from the harmful effects of gas leaks. As we said above, gas leaks can do serious damage to your health and safety. The carbon monoxide test performed during your maintenance appointment is all it takes to keep your family safe and healthy.
- Sticking to your servicing schedule maintains your warranty. Most manufacturers require you to book yearly maintenance appointments to keep your warranty intact. You can speak to your gas ducted heating technician about your unit’s maintenance requirements and let them design a regular servicing plan that suits your needs.
