How Often Does Ducted Heating Need Servicing?

Winter is getting ever closer, which means that many homeowners across the country start thinking more about bringing the heat indoors than getting rid of it. With various ways to heat your home, ducted heating is one option that offers energy efficiency and maximum convenience for the winter months.

If you want to keep your ducted gas heating working at its best and with maximum efficiency – and, why wouldn’t you? – regular servicing is essential. With proper care, gas ducted heaters can last for many decades, an economical and energy-efficient solution for whole-house heating. Regular servicing means your house stays warm, safe and comfortable all winter.

But just how often should you have your ducted gas heating serviced, and who should be doing it for you? That is what we’re here to look at today!

Also known as central heating, ducted heating warms up your whole house from just one system installed in a centralised location, such as in the roof.

It works by drawing in air, heating it using a natural gas-powered central unit and distributing it through a series of ducts installed in the roof space or under the floor. Warm air flows through outlets in each room, so you can control the temperature with a thermostat for comfortable, even heat throughout your house.

Gas ducted heating is popular in cooler climates because it can heat large spaces with higher efficiency. When installed correctly with proper insulation and zoning, this type of heating system is an energy-efficient and economical way to stay warm without the need for multiple heaters.

So, if heating and cooling experts recommend regular servicing and professional maintenance of your ducted gas heating, exactly how regular is regular?

At least once a year is best, and try to arrange it before winter sets in. Regular maintenance ensures your ducted heating runs safely, efficiently and gives you all the benefits you need when you need them most.

Over time, dust and debris can build up in the ducts, filters and fan. This accumulation reduces the system’s airflow and increases energy consumption, which leads to higher running costs. Annual servicing by a qualified gas fitter or air conditioning technician can identify worn parts, check for gas leaks and fine-tune your system for better performance.

Keeping your heating system in top condition doesn’t just save you money on your energy bills, it also reduces the risk of breakdowns. With proper care, your ducted gas heating can provide warm, efficient comfort for many decades.

Even the best ducted heating systems can show signs they need a bit of attention. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to book a service:

• Weak or uneven airflow from the outlets.
• Higher than usual energy bills without a change in usage.
• Strange smells or unusual noises when the system is running.
• A yellow pilot flame instead of blue on a gas heater.
• Rooms are not reaching the set temperature.
• The system is constantly switching on and off.
• Excess dust around vents or in the air.

Spotting these signs early keeps your gas ducted heating running safely, efficiently and economically all winter.

Servicing keeps your ducted heating system running at peak efficiency, which can result in noticeable energy bill savings. And given that heating and cooling account for around 40% of household energy use, this is certainly one area worth getting under control.

When dust builds up or parts wear out, your ducted gas heating system must work harder to heat your house. This means higher energy consumption and more money spent on fuel or electricity. A well-maintained system, however, runs more efficiently, burns fuel cleanly and delivers warmth throughout your house. Regular checks also prevent costly repairs by catching minor issues early. Over time, this can save you a lot of money and extend the life of your central unit.

Servicing may seem like an extra expense upfront, but it’s one of the most economical ways to protect your home’s heating investment.

When it comes to servicing or upgrading ducted heating systems, especially those with add-on cooling or reverse cycle functionality, always use a qualified and fully licensed air con technician.

Major heating and cooling systems of all kinds, whether it’s a central heating system or an unflued gas heater, are complicated beasts. Therefore, they need expert knowledge to run efficiently and safely. A licensed technician can check your unit for wear and tear, make sure all components are working correctly and improve airflow and energy efficiency. Trying to inspect or repair a heating and cooling system yourself can cost you big time and void your warranty. Which is the last thing you want to happen.

Whether you’re experiencing a drop in performance or planning a system upgrade, using a qualified technician will keep your home comfortable and your system running at its best.

Can You Add Cooling To A Ducted Heating System?

Yes, ducted heating can be used with cooling, so you only have one system to manage year-round comfort.

Many gas ducted heating systems can be retrofitted with add-on cooling, which uses the same ductwork to deliver cool air in summer. It’s a convenient and space-saving solution for homeowners who want a complete heating and cooling system without installing multiple units. Alternatively, some consider upgrading to a reverse cycle ducted system, which provides heating and cooling in one energy-efficient unit.

While the upfront cost may be higher than a standalone gas heater, combining systems can lower overall energy consumption and reduce running costs. It’s a smart modern home solution that offers comfort every season.

How Long Do Ducted Heating Systems Last?

A well-installed and serviced ducted heating system can last for a good 15-25 years. The lifespan depends on factors like:

• The quality of the central unit.
• How often you have the system serviced.
• Whether the system is used for heating only or combined with cooling.

Features like zone control and good home insulation also play a part in helping the system run more efficiently and reducing wear and tear.

Over time, even the most reliable system will need parts replaced, especially if it’s working hard to heat a large space. Keeping the ducts clean, the fan running smoothly, and the thermostat accurate will help your gas ducted heating run efficiently and extend its life, giving you more value for money in the long run.

Keep Your Ducted Heating Running Smoothly Year After Year

Servicing your ducted heating system is key to getting the very best out of it this winter. Whether you have just gas ducted heating or a system that includes add-on cooling, looking after your system ensures it stays safe, energy efficient, and cost-effective for the long haul.

A well-maintained heating system uses less energy, heats your home quickly and helps keep your energy bills under control. It also extends the life of your central unit and reduces the chance of breakdowns in the middle of winter. Always use a qualified gas fitter for any servicing or repairs, and you’ll have a warm, reliable and economical home solution for many winters to come.

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