Complete Guide to Gas Heater Servicing in Perth

Perth winters might be mild compared to other cities, but when that cold snap hits, you want your gas heater working perfectly. More importantly, you want it working safely.

Gas heaters that aren't properly maintained can develop dangerous faults. Carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, and fire hazards are all preventable with regular servicing. In Australia, faulty gas appliances cause multiple deaths each year—tragedies that proper maintenance would prevent.

This guide covers everything Perth homeowners need to know about gas heater servicing: when to do it, what it involves, warning signs of problems, and how to find a qualified gas fitter.

The general rule is every 2 years for most gas heaters, but there are important exceptions:

Service annually if: - Your heater is over 10 years old - You use it heavily (daily in winter) - It's a ducted gas heating system - You notice any warning signs (covered below) - Your home has poor ventilation

Service every 2 years if: - Heater is under 10 years old - Light to moderate use - No warning signs present

Mandatory servicing: In Victoria, landlords must service gas heaters every 2 years. While WA doesn't have the same law yet, it's considered best practice and may become mandatory.

Pro tip: Schedule your service in autumn before winter hits. Gas fitters get very busy once cold weather arrives, and you might wait weeks for an appointment.

Don't wait for your scheduled service if you notice any of these signs:

Dangerous - Stop using immediately: - Yellow or orange flame instead of blue (indicates incomplete combustion) - Soot marks around the heater - Gas smell when operating - Pilot light keeps going out - Headaches, nausea, or dizziness when heater is on (possible CO leak)

Concerning - Book service soon: - Strange noises (banging, popping, rattling) - Heater takes long time to warm up - Some rooms not heating properly - Higher than normal gas bills - Visible rust or corrosion - Heater cycling on and off frequently

Carbon monoxide warning: CO is odourless and colourless. If multiple family members feel unwell when the heater is running, turn it off, open windows, leave the house, and call a gas fitter immediately. Consider installing CO detectors near gas appliances.

A thorough gas heater service takes 45-90 minutes depending on the heater type. Here's what a qualified gas fitter should check:

Safety checks: - Gas pressure and supply testing - Burner inspection and cleaning - Heat exchanger inspection for cracks - Flue and ventilation check - Carbon monoxide testing - Gas leak detection around connections - Safety valve operation

Performance checks: - Thermostat calibration - Ignition system testing - Fan and motor inspection (ducted systems) - Filter cleaning or replacement - Ductwork inspection (ducted systems)

Cleaning: - Burner cleaning - Pilot assembly cleaning - Internal dust removal - External cleaning and inspection

After the service, you should receive a compliance certificate confirming the heater is safe to operate. Keep this for your records—it's valuable if you sell your home.

Servicing costs vary based on heater type, age, and what work is needed:

Standard service costs: - Wall/floor furnace: $120-$180 - Portable gas heater: $80-$120 - Ducted gas heating: $180-$280 - Gas fireplace: $150-$220

Additional costs may include: - Replacement parts (varies widely) - Gas leak repair: $100-$300+ - Thermostat replacement: $80-$200 - Pilot assembly: $100-$200 - After-hours service: +50-100%

When replacement is better than repair: If your heater needs repairs costing more than 50% of a new unit's price, consider replacement. Modern heaters are significantly more efficient—a new heater could pay for itself in gas savings within 3-5 years.

Getting quotes: Always get 2-3 quotes for major repairs or replacements. A good gas fitter will explain options honestly and won't pressure you into unnecessary work.

Gas work is dangerous—only licensed professionals should service gas appliances. Here's how to find a good one:

Must-haves: - Gas fitting license (ask for number, verify online) - Insurance (public liability minimum $5 million) - Experience with your heater type/brand - Written quotes before starting work - Compliance certificates provided after work

Red flags: - Won't provide license number - Cash-only, no invoice - Pressure to do unnecessary work - No compliance certificate - Significantly cheaper than other quotes (cutting corners?)

Where to find licensed gas fitters: - Energy Safe WA website - Word of mouth recommendations - Your heater manufacturer's website - Local business directories (check reviews)

Questions to ask: 1. Are you licensed for gas fitting in WA? 2. Do you have experience with [your heater brand]? 3. Can you provide a written quote? 4. Will I receive a compliance certificate? 5. What's your warranty on work performed?

While servicing must be done by professionals, there are things you can safely do yourself:

Safe DIY tasks: - Clean/replace filters monthly during winter (ducted systems) - Dust external surfaces with a soft cloth - Clear vents of obstructions (furniture, curtains) - Test thermostat batteries and operation - Visual inspection for rust, cracks, or damage - Listen for unusual sounds when operating

Never DIY: - Opening the heater casing - Adjusting gas valves or burners - Attempting to fix leaks - Modifying flue or ventilation - Replacing internal parts

Filter maintenance for ducted systems: Dirty filters reduce efficiency and can strain the system. Most ducted systems have accessible filters you can vacuum or replace. Check your manual for location and replacement schedule.

Keeping records: Note the date each time you do maintenance. This history helps gas fitters diagnose problems and shows you've cared for the system (valuable when selling).

Perth homes have various gas heating systems. Here's what you might have:

Ducted gas heating: Central system that heats the whole house through ducts. Most efficient for heating multiple rooms. Common in newer Perth homes. - Service every 1-2 years - Filter maintenance monthly

Wall furnaces: Mounted on internal wall, heats one area. Popular in older Perth homes. Simple and reliable. - Service every 2 years - Check flue annually

Gas fireplaces: Decorative and functional. Modern versions are efficient and safe. Great for living rooms. - Service every 2 years - Clean glass monthly

Portable gas heaters: Unflued heaters that use bottled gas. Convenient but require good ventilation. Not recommended for bedrooms. - Service every 2 years - Ensure adequate ventilation always

Which is best for Perth? Ducted is ideal for larger homes and families. Wall furnaces suit smaller homes or targeted heating. Consider reverse cycle air conditioning for Perth's climate—it provides both heating and cooling efficiently.

Regular gas heater servicing isn't optional—it's essential for your family's safety. The small investment in professional servicing pays for itself in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Key takeaways: - Service every 2 years minimum (annually for older units) - Never ignore warning signs—especially yellow flames or gas smells - Only use licensed gas fitters - Keep compliance certificates - Do basic DIY maintenance between services

Ready to book your service? We're licensed gas fitters serving all Perth metro areas. Our comprehensive gas heater service includes safety testing, cleaning, and a compliance certificate.

- Same-week appointments available - Upfront, fixed pricing - All brands and types serviced - Fully licensed and insured

Don't wait until the cold snap hits—book your gas heater service today and stay safe this winter!