Keep Your Home Safe: Heater Safety Checks

Being cold and dry can be a mixed blessing in Australia. Morning breeze and sunny days outside can be marvellous, but would you rave about a cold house that you have to go back to? That is where the best warm-air friend, our heaters, comes in and blasts warm air to keep us cosy. Yet along with the convenience of keeping the house warm they provide, it is a crucial thing to remind one that the heater, along with other devices, can be hazardous if neglected. Here is why a timely professional gas heater service is essential for keeping your home safer and your family comfortably warm this winter.

Why are heater safety checks important?

Imagine this: after an entire day of hard work you slouch on the couch beside a cup of hot beverage getting a stinging headache and feeling somewhat dizzy. This could be an early indication of Carbon Dioxide poisoning from a traceless and odourless gas if the heating equipment is faulty and releases CO gas through incomplete combustion. CO poisoning is one of the life-threatening events and exposure to even low levels can cause severe long-term health issues.

But it isn’t the only danger. Faulty heaters can also lead to gas leaks, which can trigger explosions if left unchecked. Additionally, malfunctioning heaters might overheat or produce sparks, increasing the risk of fires. Regular safety checks can help identify these issues before they turn into major problems.

What does it involve?

Think of a heater safety check as a thorough health check for your trusty appliance. A qualified technician will typically inspect the following:

• Flue System: They will inspect the flue in case there are any blockages like bird nests or debris that might have obstructed clear gas flow otherwise.
• Gas Pressure: The gas pressure will be tested to ensure that it is in the operating range safe.
• Burner Assembly: The technician performs a check-up of the burner, looking out for all the wear and tear that might hinder the fire from burning strongly and evenly.
• Safety Devices: They will also do a test run of the crucial heater safety features like thermostats and flame failure shut-off valves to confirm their proper functioning.

How Often Should You Get Your Heater Serviced?

In general, an annual service of heaters is preferred, to be done ideally before winter arrives. By doing this, you ensure that your heater is always ready for any increased demands on heating during the cold seasons. Nevertheless, certain aspects may cause your vehicle to need servicing more frequently. As an example, old heaters (more than 10 years old) or those that are used for a long time may need an inspection to be done more frequently. Furthermore, should you see any danger signs (discussed below), you must call for help as the concerned party immediately.

Signs You Might Need an Emergency Heater Safety Check

Don’t wait for a yearly service if you experience any of these red flags:

• Gas Odour: This is a clear sign of a potential leak. Evacuate your home immediately and call a qualified technician to inspect the issue. Never attempt to fix a gas leak yourself.
• Unusual Noises: Loud popping or banging sounds coming from your heater can indicate a malfunctioning burner or internal component issues.
• Visible Signs of Damage: Visible cracks, rust, or other damage to the heater’s body or flue are warning signs of potential safety hazards.
• Changes in Flame Colour: A healthy gas heater flame should be blue. If the flame turns yellow or orange, it might indicate incomplete combustion, which can lead to CO production.

Tips for Choosing a Qualified Heater Service Technician

When choosing a technician for your heater safety check, consider the following:

• Licensing and Insurance: To assure that the technician is qualified he needs to hold a valid gas fitting licence from your state or territory. Also, remember to get them insured adequately since this can come in handy in instances of unintended accidents.
• Experience: Choose a technician who knows your particular kind of heater as well as experience in its servicing. As far as your questions are concerned, ask about their experience and qualifications.
• Positive customer reviews: Look up online reviews or ask your peers and relatives. One of the best indicators of a stable brand-customer relationship is the happy customers.

Let’s not make sacrificing security for comfort our priority during the cold winter season. If you carry out a schedule of heater safety checks on a routine basis and if you watch out for danger signs you will be able to run your heater efficiently and safely all through the winter. Recall that it is worth investing a little money in preventative maintenance as you will protect your home and your family from many dangers in the future. After all, no one wants to face a cold and harsh winter without the comfort of a good heating system. Therefore, do not delay — go and organise your heater safety check right away, and have a safe and cosy winter!