Many Sydneysiders are disbelieved by the fact that the winter in Sydney is sometimes much emphasised. As a result, our thermostats are cranked up and this becomes how we keep warm indoors. However, have we ever realised that dirty gas heaters can lead to health problems?! Coal gas or natural gas combustion in homes, factories, and vehicles are the main sources of carbon monoxide emission. For the most part, current gas heaters are safe devices, but should the service be neglected, then there is a chance for CO (carbon monoxide) emission, which leads to an unhealthy situation. How to service a gas heater regularly prevents leaking CO and makes you and your family warmly safe from winter.

The importance of regular gas heater servicing
Maybe, the image of yourself settling in a cosy chair with a cup of hot cocoa and the pleasant sound of the heater letting off its heat will come to mind. Blissful, right? However, that beautiful view might hide the danger lurking within, if you don't know how to use the gas heater. Here's why regular servicing is crucial:

Prevents CO leaks: With time, burners are responsible for the process of deposition of dust, debris, and the pieces that get worn out which can lead to a decline in the efficiency of your gas heater. While CO emissions are odourless and can therefore silently accumulate against your wall, their presence may cause health issues. An experienced gas fitter will usually detect any possible troubles while conducting a service and your burner will keep burning properly, producing no residues.

Extends heater lifespan: Think of a car – regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly for longer. The same applies to gas heaters! Servicing helps identify minor issues before they snowball into major repairs, saving you money in the long run.

Maintains optimal efficiency: A well-maintained gas heater operates at peak efficiency, meaning it uses less gas to produce the same amount of heat. This translates to lower energy bills – a win for your wallet and the environment.

How does gas heater servicing prevent CO leaks?
So, how exactly does servicing your gas heater prevent CO leaks? During a typical service, a licenced gas fitter will perform a thorough inspection, including:

Flue inspection: The flue is the passage that vents out combustion gases. Blockages or damage to the flue can trap CO inside your home. A gas fitter will check the flue for obstructions and ensure it's functioning properly.

Gas pressure testing: Nowadays, the most important factor that affects the burning process is the right gas pressure. The adjustment gas pressure will be tested before adjusting it to minimise the risk of CO2 production.

Visual inspection: The visual observation with the trained eye can spot all the possible issues including loose fittings, corrosion or damaged components that might be potential CO leak sources.

This reduces the possibility that CO in the leaks is diagnosed and hence it minimises the chances of your home being affected.

Warning signs of a gas leak or potential CO poisoning
Even with regular servicing which is the most effective prevention, stay alert for the warning signs that may indicate a gas leak or potential CO poisoning. Here's what to watch out for:

Symptoms in people: CO inhalation can lead to different symptoms, like headaches, nausea, inability to focus, tiredness, or even vomiting. These flu-like symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed for instance flu, therefore it is crucial to be careful. Beyond 0.5% CO concentration, people get exhausted and eventually end up dying.

Signs on the gas heater: For instance, a gas system would give off an unusual smell. It adds a scent as a safety precaution even though the gas is odourless. The light flame could also indicate problems.

If you suspect a CO leak, here's what to do immediately:

Don't panic, but act quickly: Switch the gas heater off at the point of use and additionally; open all windows and doors for ventilation.
Evacuate the premises: Take all family members outside and keep their heads below the surface until the danger has subsided.

Call emergency services: Dial the emergency hotline and deliver that specified CO leaking.

Call a qualified gas fitter: Once the location is confirmed as safe, get a licenced gas fitter to test your gas heater in search of and, if found, to fix the leakage source.

Tips for choosing a gas heater service company in Sydney
After we have highlighted the importance of regular service, then we follow it up with a need to know what is the best method to find a reliable gas fitter in the Sydney region. Here are some tips to help you choose the right professional:

Licencing: Confirm the local fitter of the gas has to be qualified by the NSW Fair Trading authority. It would be a good practice for them to have a licence number that you can request by all means.

Experience: Instead of going for an inexperienced company, a reputable gas heater service company with excellence in servicing your specific type of gas heater would be more appropriate.

Customer reviews: Ask an online assistance whereby you should read reviews or testimonies from previous customers to get an idea about the service quality offered by the company.

Upfront pricing: See to it that you get a definite price estimate of the service earlier than you book. Beware of companies that offer suspiciously low prices – quality.

After considering all the information about gas heaters and how we can continually use them in our space, we are expecting a less problematic experience on our end.

Items