Keeping your gas heater in good nick isn’t just about comfort – it’s also about keeping your home safe. Here in Geelong, where the winter chill can bite hard, a reliable heater matters almost as much as a solid roof over your head.
As we head towards winter, it might be high time to get your gas heater serviced. Staying ahead of any problems now can save you from bigger, more expensive headaches when the cold really sets in. Let’s walk through five clear signs your gas heater might be crying out for attention.
If you’re unsure about how your system’s doing, it’s smarter to act early. Book a professional gas heater service in Geelong today to keep your home safe and cosy.
1. Strange smells drifting from the unit
If you catch an odd smell when your heater fires up – like a burning odour or something closer to rotten eggs – that’s your first warning sign. Even if it seems minor at first, strange smells are often the first sign of deeper problems inside the system.
A burning smell might just be dust, but it could also signal electrical issues. A rotten egg smell is more serious and can mean a gas leak.
Any unusual smell should be treated as an immediate risk. Turn the system off and call an experienced technician straight away.
2. Pilot light issues or yellow flames
A healthy gas heater should have a strong, steady blue flame. If the flame turns yellow, flickers, or the pilot light keeps going out, it’s a big red flag. A yellow flame can be a sign of incomplete combustion, meaning the gas isn’t burning properly due to a lack of oxygen. This can release carbon monoxide into your home.
If you notice anything off with the flame, get it checked right away.
3. Strange noises
A heater usually hums softly in the background, like the calm ticking of a clock. If you suddenly start hearing banging, rattling, or clanking noises, something’s up.
These sounds could mean loose parts, a cracked heat exchanger, or a worn-out fan. Left alone, small issues like these can snowball into major repairs. It’s like hearing a strange rattle under your car’s bonnet. Better to investigate soon before it breaks down and you’re left stranded in the cold.
4. Heater struggling to warm the room
If your heater’s running flat out and your home still feels like an icebox, then it might be underperforming due to blocked filters, failing thermostats, or worn components. Over time, dust and debris can clog vital parts, making it hard for the heater to push out warm air.
Not only will this leave you shivering, but it’ll also drive up your energy bills. Early servicing can help catch these issues before they cause serious damage or cost you a fortune.
5. Increased energy Bills with no clear reason
If those numbers are looking too high on your energy bill and nothing else at home has changed, your gas heater could be the hidden culprit. As systems age or develop faults, they need to burn more fuel to do the same job.
Over time, that extra gas usage chips away at your wallet. Regular servicing keeps your heater running efficiently, helping you avoid those creeping costs.
Why DIY repairs are a bad idea
An important note: Don’t try to fix the gas heater yourself!
In Australia, it’s illegal to carry out work on a gas appliance unless you’re a licensed professional. And for good reason. Gas systems are complex, and even a small mistake can lead to serious problems like gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, or fire hazards. What might seem like a simple tweak could end up putting your entire household at risk.
There’s also your warranty to think about. In most cases, attempting repairs yourself will void any manufacturer or installer warranty you have, leaving you fully out of pocket if bigger issues arise later on.
When it comes to servicing your gas heater, it’s always safer – and smarter – to leave it to the experts. They have the right tools, training, and licensing to make sure your system is repaired safely and properly the first time.
If you need gas heater servicing in Geelong, the Heat & Cool Service Group are your go-to team.
Regular servicing matters
It’s tempting to put off servicing when your heater seems to be working fine, but it’s a risky move. Hidden problems can build quietly until they become costly – or dangerous.
When you book a professional gas heater service in Geelong with The Heat & Cool Service Group, our technicians check everything thoroughly. They clean vital parts, inspect for leaks, test carbon monoxide levels, and make sure your system is safe and performing properly.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t leave it to chance – book your gas heater service today and stay warm and safe all winter.
