Laboratory testing suggests that all gas heaters can produce potentially hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning typically occurs from breathing in too much carbon monoxide (CO). Symptoms are often described as “flu-like” and commonly include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Large exposures can result in loss of consciousness, arrhythmias, seizures, or death.  

It is critical that your appliance is checked and recorded by a licensed gas fitter for combustion product spillage every 2 years, (or earlier if recommended by manufacturer) after servicing or repairs, or after alterations to the building that may negatively impact the building’s ventilation, including the installation of exhaust fans.

Quite often there are minor faults that can be identified and rectified during a Standard Service schedule of your gas heater which can avoid expensive repairs. Should your gas heater require repairs our fully equipped vans carry a large range of gas spare parts to get your heater up and going again.

Laboratory testing suggests that all gas heaters can produce potentially hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning typically occurs from breathing in too much carbon monoxide (CO). Symptoms are often described as “flu-like” and commonly include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Large exposures can result in loss of consciousness, arrhythmias, seizures, or death.  

It is critical that your appliance is checked and recorded by a licensed gas fitter for combustion product spillage every 2 years, (or earlier if recommended by manufacturer) after servicing or repairs, or after alterations to the building that may negatively impact the building’s ventilation, including the installation of exhaust fans.

Gas heaters require regular servicing on a 1-2 year basis. Most manufacturers require that their heaters be serviced annually. 

Most gas heaters when serviced regularly, and as the manufacture recommends, only require a Standard Service including safety checks to maintain safe and efficient operation. Gas heaters generally only require Extended Servicing and or repairs as required.

A STANDARD gas heater service comprises of tests and checks and specific clearing to ensure important safety points are covered, possible faults are identified early to ensure the safe and  efficient operation of the heater.

An EXTENDED gas heater service includes all the points covered in the Standard Service PLUS clearing out of debris and buildup from the heater and components that may have become obstructed through extended periods of non servicing  or operation in high debris buildup prone situations. 

Repairs are carried out when components are identified as being faulty or in need of replacement to ensure the efficient and safe operation of a gas heater. The cost of replacement components are not covered in the price of a service and are to be identified and priced individually. While repairs are not not covered in a standard service schedule they may be included should extended time to fit new component/s not be required.

As there are many gas heaters in the market of differing design and accessibility we must individually approach each heater based on manufacturer requirements and by the specific internal operational components and condition of each individual gas appliance. All servicing and repairs conducted include required documented safety checks with certified electronic gas detecting equipment by fully trained and certified technicians. 

Standard gas heater service schedule:

1. Gas heater working condition.

2. Electrical supply safety tested, checked and documented.

3. External and internal condition tested, checked and documented.

4. Ignition device tested, checked and documented.

5. Remote controls tested, checked and documented.

6. Internal safety devices tested, checked and documented.

7. Internal micro and pressure switches tested, checked and documented.

8. Flame sensors tested, checked and documented.

9. Pilot injectors tested, checked and documented.

10. Pilot air mixing ports tested, checked and documented.

11. Main burners tested, checked and documented.

12. Main burner air mixing ports are tested, checked and documented.

13. Bypass flame tested, checked and documented.

14. Operational and nominal pressures tested, checked and documented.

15. Electronic control boards tested, checked and documented.

16. Fan control switches tested, checked and documented.

17. Radiants or logs inspected.

18. Circulation fan tested, checked and documented.

19. Combustion fan tested, checked and documented.

20. Fan speeds tested, checked and documented.

21. Over temperature switches tested, checked and documented.

22. Capacitors tested, checked and documented.

23. Filters inspected and cleared and documented.

24. Thermostat operation tested, checked and documented.

25. Gas solenoid’s tested, checked and documented.

26. External temperatures tested, checked and documented.

27. Glass and glass seal condition tested, checked and documented.

28. Flue external visual inspection and documented.

29. Pre and post negative pressure tested, checked and documented.

30. Combustible gases tested, checked and documented.

31. Carbon Monoxide spillage tested, checked and documented.

32. Inform owner of any identified faults.

While it is in the best interest for the property manager and owner to obtain up to date and relevant legal advice in matters pertaining to rental law, it is our view and understanding that common law dictates that landlords have a duty to guarantee the safety of their rented property and its contents. Of utmost importance is that no injury or damage is caused to the tenants, neighbours or public as a direct result of the landlord neglecting his/her responsibilities. In addition to common law there are regulations specific to rental properties in each State or Territory. 

The SA Government Using Gas Safely Carbon Monoxide web site suggests the following:

Click to SA Government Web – Link

Exerts

“Faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances present a very high risk of causing carbon monoxide poisoning of the people in your home.”

“If you have a gas appliance in your home, or you are a landlord who rents out homes with indoor gas appliances, ensure they are serviced every two years to minimise the risk of faults occurring.”