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Servicing Your Gas Heater Safely
Gas heaters are among the most common ways to heat a home. But did you know that if you want to keep warm and safe this winter, you need to get your gas heater serviced? It is advisable to learn why regular gas heater servicing is so essential and how often you should have your heater thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional.
Whether you want to know the difference between a heater and a furnace or need assistance figuring out why your central air conditioner isn’t functioning, you can rely on trained professionals to offer you the information you want. Regular maintenance for your gas heater is essential and we explain why in this article.
Frequency At Which You Should Service Your Gas Heater
Experts suggest that you should service gas heaters at least once a year. You should inquire around for recommendations on competent HVAC contractors if you want to ensure that your heater is serviced appropriately and that further problems are avoided. The most critical components of your heater, such as the heat exchanger, carbon monoxide detector, burner, regulator, and gas pressure regulator, will all be examined during a normal check-up.
Gas Heater Maintenance For Safety And Saving Money
Maintaining the performance and safety of a gas heater and extending the life of the appliance may be achieved by regular inspections and cleanings by an approved gas heater service professional. You might be thinking of doing this yourself but keep in mind the following points:
Reliable Technician
Certified specialists should only service your gas heater and hot water equipment. This often refers to a manufacturing technician or a professional gas fitter. Don’t try to repair a gas appliance on your own or allow an inexperienced individual to do so. This could result in injuries and costlier damages.
Recurrence of Servicing
Manufacturers suggest that gas heater and hot water servicing be performed on their gas equipment every one to two years. Regarding appliance maintenance, you should always consult your owner’s handbook for the suggested routine for your specific appliance type. Before starting the heating season, a “tune-up” is essential.
Operation of the Burner
During routine gas heater maintenance and hot water servicing, the burner should be cleaned and tested for good performance. Dirty burners may lead to inefficient combustion and a buildup of soot within the device.
Keeping Your Heater Clean
Servicing for gas heaters, hot water heaters, and cleaning of water filters and fans involves the removal of lint and dust that might clog these components. Overheating and poor burner combustion are two possible outcomes. You may be able to clean your gas heater or hot water yourself, depending on the brand and model. Consult your owner’s handbook to learn if this is possible and how to do this task.
Improve Gas Heater Combustion Efficiency
Combustion air is drawn into older furnaces and heaters from the inside of the house. It isn’t the best option because of leaks in the windows, doors, and walls. The furnace’s heat is somewhat neutralised by the chilly outside air that is brought into the living areas.
But there are better methods to get there. By taking combustion air from outside your house, modern heaters and furnaces are less susceptible to drafts and leaks in the air envelope. Direct vent and balanced flue types are available.
Hoses and Connections
A thorough inspection of all hoses and connections is required before use. It is essential to regularly examine the hoses on portable heaters since they may get damaged or degrade over time. Check for damage to the bayonet connections as well.
Replace any defective hoses or connections before using your gas appliance. Repairs and maintenance of gas heaters and hot water systems include the inspection of flue pipes. Immediately fix any holes, punctures, or loose-fitting joints. Call a qualified gas fitter if your flue needs to be cleaned or repaired.
Gas Regulators
The lifespan of gas regulators is limited. They should be checked for good functioning and replaced if required. If and when this is needed, your gas fitter will let you know.
Gas Pressure
During gas heater servicing, the correct gas pressure should be checked and adjusted as necessary. The quantity of oxygen pulled into the burner by the gas might be affected if the gas pressure is incorrect. Improper combustion may result if this occurs.
Warning Signs Your Gas Heater Needs Servicing
Heating experts recommend that every home’s heating system be maintained regularly to ensure that it is safe and efficient. If you begin to uncover any of the following symptoms in your heating system, it may be time to have it diagnosed by a professional. If you see any of the warning indications listed below in your gas heating system, you should consult with professionals as fast as possible to have your system serviced.
- Nearby walls show signs of heat damage.
- The flame colour is yellow, crimson, or brown.
- The unit or the surrounding area is covered with a thick layer of grime.
- There is a persistent problem with the heating system.
- The pilot light is always out.
- There is a burning odour coming from your heating system.
- As the heater is turned on, the pilot light begins to flicker.
Read Your Gas Heater’s Manual
Between services, there are a few repairs you can do yourself to keep it running smoothly, catch any problems early, and possibly even extend its lifespan. As long as you can readily reach outlets like central heating ductwork and your guide gives you the go-ahead, you may vacuum them yourself to avoid overheating. You should check air filters and fans for lint accumulation.
In this case, however, due to the greater complexity, you should speak with your qualified gasfitter. Check for visible damage to your chimney, such as cracks, punctures, or rust; similarly, look for degradation in any visible hoses.
Gas Hot Water Storage Tanks
A Pressure Relief Valve is included in each of these devices. In the event of an internal tank temperature or pressure buildup, this valve will release it. Normally, the valve will shoot a small amount of water out of it. The valve and drain may be malfunctioning if there is a constant leaking of water from them. This valve should be checked by your plumber/gas fitter immediately if it is vented or regularly leaking.
Leaks From Your Gas Appliances
Take these gas safety measures if you smell gas:
- Stop the flow of gas at the main valve. If it is safe to do so, stop it at the metre for natural gas or at the cylinders for LPG users. Cold burns may occur if you come into contact with a visible gas cylinder leak.
- Don’t light a cigarette or use a lighter.
- Electrical switches and equipment, such as cell phones, should not be operated at any time during a gas leak.
- Only open doors and windows to air your house if it is safe to do so if the leak is inside.
- Until the gas has dissipated, keep people away from the impacted area.
- Repairs should be made safely, using a gas provider or gas fitter.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Gas appliances that are working correctly are entirely safe to use. Carbon monoxide may, however, be produced by faulty equipment. Hence, the need for gas appliances and heater maintenance. To avoid exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning, turn off your indoor gas appliance and wait for your gas expert to come out and inspect it.
Maintenance Of Gas Appliances
Steps to repair and maintain a gas appliance so that it can provide hot water and heat again.
- Ensure that your gas heater and hot water systems are correctly maintained and serviced with licensed gas technicians.
- Ensure that your gas and hot water heaters are serviced every year or two.
- You may find gas heater maintenance and hot water servicing instructions in your owner’s handbook.
- Keep an eye out for the obvious indicators of gas heater and hot water supply issues.
- Clean and unclog the stove’s burners.
- Filters for both air and water must be maintained.
- Hoses and connectors should be checked for leaks and repaired if necessary.
- Maintaining the flue pipes is a must.
- The lifespan of gas regulators is limited.
- Perform a gas pressure check and adjust, if necessary.
- Water temperature fluctuation needs immediate care.
- In order to provide hot water, pressure relief valves are installed on the tanks themselves.
- Keep a lookout for any likely signs of water damage on a regular basis.
- Preventing gas leaks is made easier with regular gas heater maintenance.
Safe Ways To Operate A Gas Heater
If you have a handbook, follow the appliance’s operating instructions. Open-flued gas heaters may be dangerous, so use them sparingly and look into other, more environmentally friendly options for heating.
Do’s:
- Fresh air and pollutants must be able to circulate freely in your workspace, so make sure you have enough ventilation.
- Open-flued or unflued gas heaters may allow carbon monoxide to seep back into the room if exhaust fans present in the kitchen or bathroom are operating. When you have your heater serviced, it’s a good idea to look into this option.
- When the heater is off and cool, vacuum any duct registers and cold air return vents to minimise dust buildup. The register is the central heating duct opening in each room, which can be seen when the cover grill is lifted.
- Prevent any young children from coming into contact with very hot surfaces by using a dress guard.
- Remember to keep everything at a minimum of one metre away from the heater while drying clothes indoors.
Don’ts:
- A gas heater should never be left on when you retire for the night.
- In a bathroom, bedroom, or trailer, never use an unflued gas heater. In these settings, toxic fumes may pose a major health hazard.
- Regardless of whether or not the heater has been switched off, avoid storing or using solvents, aerosols, or pressure pack cans near one since the pilot light may still be lit.
- Using a gas fire to dispose of trash, such as tissues, cotton buds, or other items might release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Barbecues and patio heaters should never be used inside.
Servicing Your Gas Heaters Professionally
Thanks to preventative maintenance, it is possible to detect and fix any emerging problem before it gets out of hand. This can help you avoid an expensive gas heater repair charge and increase the reliability of your heating system. It’s not too late if you’ve overlooked or missed out on services for many years in a row.
With complete servicing, you can restore much of the lost heat, and this may make a significant difference in your heating costs. With the oncoming winter fast approaching, it’s imperative that you keep your gas heater in top working order. This means that you’ll need to decide to have a heating specialist examine it. Don’t worry, that’s the right thing to do.
