Top 5 Signs Your Gas Heater Needs Servicing

Every winter I take dozens of frantic calls from Melbourne families whose heaters give up on the first cold snap. Nearly every time, the unit had been whispering warnings for weeks. Spot these five signs early and you’ll save money, stay warm and avoid an emergency gas heater repair in the middle of July.

1. Unusual Smells or Odours

If you catch a persistent gas or burning dust smell, shut the heater off and call us. Odours can signal incomplete combustion or dust build-up—both clear reasons to book professional gas heater servicing before the issue escalates.

2. Poor or Inconsistent Airflow

When warm air dribbles out of the vents—or some rooms feel Arctic while others roast—blocked filters, failing fans or duct leaks could be to blame. A quick service restores steady airflow and helps the system run efficiently.

3. Strange Noises

Banging, rattling or high-pitched whines aren’t “just what heaters do.” They point to loose panels, worn bearings or cracked heat exchangers. Catching these early turns an inexpensive tune-up into a life-extending fix.

4. Trouble Igniting or Staying Lit

If the pilot keeps going out or the unit struggles to ignite, ignition sensors or gas valves may be failing. I once replaced a thermocouple for a Coburg customer in under an hour—he’d been relighting the pilot every evening for a month!

5. Rising Energy Bills

A sudden spike on your gas bill usually means the heater is working harder than it should. Cleaning burners, calibrating thermostats and checking duct integrity during a service gas heater appointment quickly pays for itself.

Stay Warm—Book Ahead

Don’t wait for frost to remind you. book a gas heating service near me, and lock in a date, and I’ll make sure your heater is safe, efficient and winter-ready. Proactive servicing beats a midnight breakdown every time.