Why Service Your Heater Before Winter?

Now that we’re a couple of weeks into winter, you might ask yourself when the best time is to service your heater. Whether you have a gas ducted heating service for the whole house or a gas log fire in the living room, it is always important to check your heating appliances for damage or wear before use. An even better approach is scheduling regular servicing to prevent avoidable damage or hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks.

Heaters, fireplaces and electric blankets may pose a significant fire risk if they are not checked thoroughly.

The best time to service your electric or gas heating appliances was probably just before winter. The next-best time is now. Why? Because your heater has been lying dormant for months. And as the weather gets increasingly colder, you’re about to start using it regularly again (if you’re not already).

Booking a professional gas heater servicing once a year is the smartest way to keep your heating system in peak, proper condition.

Regular servicing and maintenance typically involves a thorough visual inspection and cleaning to remove dust and debris that negatively affect the overall performance of gas heaters.

By having your heater serviced annually (and never longer than two years), you protect the warranty, extend the unit’s lifespan, avoid costly repairs and enjoy safer, more energy-efficient warmth throughout the winter months.

In 2023, Fire and Rescue NSW reported a 12% increase in winter house fires, with figures increasing by 119 to 1063 from the year before. Though the number of preventable deaths had fallen from 17 in 2022 to 8 in 2023, the number of people injured had increased from 87 to 115. To ensure the safety of your home during winter, it is important to follow safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Below are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Always use a qualified and licensed technician to install and service your gas heating system.
• Keep fire risks to a minimum by keeping clothes racks, curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from space heaters.
• Always supervise children and pets when using heaters and fires.
• Shopping around for space heaters? Always choose one with a safety switch and timer.
• If your electric or gas heater has a timer, use it!
• Install smoke alarms throughout your home and make sure they work.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month.
• Have a written home fire escape plan handy and practice it regularly.

Just as you’d do with any other household appliances, keep your gas heater properly maintained. Annual gas heater servicing helps to minimise incomplete combustion and prevent faults like gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Aside from that, it also helps to maximise energy efficiency and lower energy bills.

Our service technicians are some of the best in the business. No job is too big or too small for our team of local experts. They operate every day of the year and are ready for your heater service when you need them.

When we service your gas ducted system, our technician will:

• Safety and combustion checks – conduct a carbon-monoxide test, verify burner pressure and gas pressure, and confirm flue and seal integrity.
• Electrical and performance tests – inspect capacitors and all electrical connections, test airflow and thermostat response, then adjust spark gaps as needed.
• Cleaning and maintenance – remove dust from the fan-motor assembly, clean the flame sensor and igniter, and vacuum the return-air grill/cavity.
• Whole-unit inspection – visually assess the heat exchanger and all the components to confirm the system runs efficiently and safely.

With a Mr Emergency service, you benefit from fully certified and licensed technicians who arrive in a van stocked with all the right parts. We are the best emergency response rate in the business, with 24/7* readiness for when you need us most.

Carbon monoxide leaks and the poisoning that comes with them are among the most important health and safety factors to consider with gas heaters. The gas is odourless and colourless and can cause illness or even death. It’s no wonder that people refer to carbon monoxide (CO) as “the silent killer”.

CO is a waste product emitted by gas heaters and other appliances that burn fuel, and can be difficult to detect. Luckily, a simple carbon monoxide test will give you the answers that you’re looking for.

Carbon monoxide can be difficult to detect because the symptoms are much like those of the common cold. They include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

Unfortunately, people are largely reactive and wait until something has happened with their gas appliances to take action for emergency gas leaks.

When the time comes to service your heater, Mr Emergency is ready to assist. Unfortunately, many people often feel inclined to wait until there is some wiggle room in the household budget to get essential servicing and repairs done. And that could potentially put the house – and the people living in it – at risk.

Thankfully, Mr Emergency provides a range of finance options** for eligible customers. You get to choose between weekly, fortnightly and monthly repayment options, depending on your chosen provider (Zip or HummLoan).

Our technicians can set you up when at your place and, once you’re approved, they can start work immediately. You can also pay with cash, cheque, direct transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).

Contact The Team That Does Gas Heater Servicing Right

Having a technician service your heater before winter doesn’t just make it as safe and efficient as possible. It also beats the rush that often happens during the winter months for qualified and experienced services.

Yes, we are a couple of weeks into winter, so consider this as worthy advice for next winter. But for now, don’t wait until it’s too late to get your heater serviced this winter.

Mr Emergency technicians operate 24/7*, every day of the year and can even be at your door within 30 minutes* for electric or gas heater repairs or a heater service.

Getting a qualified technician to your place for a heater service – from gas furnace repair to professional duct cleaning – just takes a call to the team at Mr Emergency. Contact us today.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Why Service Your Heater Before Winter?” This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.