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As winters become cooler and cooler, we’re all depending on our heaters more than ever. This is why it’s even more inconvenient and frustrating when something goes wrong. If you own a gas-based heater, we’re here to provide a simple guide to choosing the right repair team.
Whether you own ducted gas, a gas log fire or a space heater, selecting the right service professional will make a major difference, both in your pocket and in the ongoing performance of the system itself!
Let’s not waste any time and jump straight into it.
In Australia, this work must always fall to the hands of a licensed gasfitter or plumber who has been qualified to handle gas appliances. As a leading provider of gas heating repair services in Melbourne, we’re going to focus this blog on the rules and regulations in the State of Victoria.
The next important thing to note is that the service technician must be an approved gasfitter for Type A appliances. As noted by Australian Gas Networks, type A appliances include everything from “cookers to space heaters, central heaters, water heaters, catering equipment and leisure appliances.”
All gasfitters must also be approved and registered with the Victorian Building Authority, or the ‘VBA’ as it is commonly known. This certification gives tangible proof that they have undergone the necessary training, and can repair your heater in a safe manner.
First things first, we should outline the standard industry recommendation, which is as follows; every gas heater should be serviced at least once every 2 years. So, even if you haven’t noticed any particular issues, it’s a smart idea to get your setup checked by a professional within this time period.
Before going any further, we must also provide a quick disclaimer about older open-flue space heaters. In case you’re unaware, the dangers and health risks of these systems have been well documented in the media.
If you currently own a heater (like the one shown in the image below), contact a professional and arrange a safety inspection straight away.
For now, we’ve also broken down some common issues for various different gas based systems, including ducted, log fires, and space heaters.
Alarming Utility Bills: Ducted gas heaters can be expensive to run, but they are even more so when there’s an underlying issue.
Reduced Airflow: Noticeably weaker airflow from the vents, which could indicate blockages or issues with the blower motor.
Inconsistent Temperatures: Rooms are not heating evenly, or the thermostat setting does not match the actual room temperature.
Strange Noises: Unusual sounds like banging, rattling, or whining from the unit or ductwork.
Unpleasant Odours: Smells of gas, burning, or mustiness coming from the vents.
Pilot Light Issues: Difficulty igniting the pilot light, or it frequently goes out, signalling potential issues with the gas supply or ignition system.
Yellow or Flickering Flame: A flame that is yellow instead of blue, or flickers, which can indicate incomplete combustion or a dirty burner.
Odd Noises: Sounds like hissing, banging, or clicking from the heater, which can point to mechanical problems or gas flow issues.
Visible Soot or Debris: Buildup of soot, dust, or debris around the heater, indicating poor combustion or the need for cleaning and maintenance.
Heat Output Problems: Reduced heat output or difficulty maintaining the desired temperature, suggesting a problem with the heater’s components or fuel supply.
Whether you’ve recognised an issue or simply want to play it safe, the next logical step is to find a reliable repair team. So, how can you go about this? We’ve compiled a list of 5 tips and tricks to help you to secure the best possible service team.
Proper accreditation is a non negotiable, especially when we consider the potential dangers of gas related issues. Put simply, these systems must be handled by a gasfitter with the relevant training, knowledge, and equipment. A reputable repair technician will also follow the correct safety standards and procedures.
As noted above, look for a service technician who is a qualified Type A gasfitter and registered with the VBA. Next, check their website for any accreditations listed by other organisations (such as EnergySafe Victoria).
This may sound like a basic step, but it really helps to prevent any shoddy workmanship or safety-related issues.
Following right on from our point above, the next step is to keep an eye out for experience and an established track record. This can be found on their website, flyers, or social media channels, as well as through projects conducted over the years (e.g. photos or videos of past gas heater repair work).
The obvious benefit of industry experience lies in their ability to quickly identify the root cause of the issue, and then either provide a solution or recommend a system upgrade/replacement. This, of course, also depends on their familiarity with the brand of heater you own–so also look out for whether they list your brand on their website.
Another way to gauge a company’s track record is through customer testimonials and reviews. If there’s a clear indication that they’ve carried out successful gas heater repairs in the past, this ultimately sets you up for a better result.
Solid communication between a customer and a service provider is important for any project, but especially so in the case of heating and cooling. Whether the heater is located at your home or place of work, you want to know where you stand, when repairs can be performed, what the issue is, what the potential solutions are, and finally, how much it’s likely to cost. A good repair team will be able to give you clarity across all of these areas.
Channels of communication also help to develop a certain level of trust between you and the repair team. This can be really beneficial for when you need to organise follow up maintenance or repair works down the line!
With high cost-of-living pressures across Melbourne and the State of Victoria, service costs and bills are at the top of a lot of people’s minds. Of course, everyone also wants to get value for money.
Regardless of where you sit, look out for heating and cooling companies who offer competitive prices and quotes. Another great approach is to search for deals, such as senior or multiple appliance discounts, which can really help to ease the financial burden.
Finally, we have upfront quotes, which are integral for almost every form of heating and cooling based service. These give you a clear picture of where you sit, as well as allow you to budget adequately for any upcoming repairs.
Honesty and integrity have always been the backbone of our approach at Maroondah Air Services. With a commitment to high-quality workmanship, our skilled team uses their extensive expertise to diagnose and fix issues efficiently.
Whether your system is heating properly or bills have skyrocketed, it’s always a good idea to call in the experts. Once on site, we’ll conduct detailed checks to find the root cause, then let you know what repairs are required. Our service also includes a comprehensive check that also looks for any potential carbon monoxide leaks.
All of these services come with upfront quotes and clear communication from start to finish. To us, integrity is the backbone of quality customer service, and this holds true whenever we’re carrying our ducted gas heating repairs in Melbourne.
Verify that the service team offers a warranty on repairs and has liability insurance. This both offers additional peace of mind, as well as covers any future issues without incurring extra costs associated with accidental damages or injuries during the repair process.
Make sure the technician follows strict safety protocols and complies with standards like those set out by Energy Safe Victoria. This includes thorough safety checks for gas leaks and proper ventilation, preventing risks of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards.
Choose a repair team with quick response times and schedule that best aligns with your needs, especially during the cooler months when a malfunctioning heater can pose health risks. Some companies will offer emergency services for more urgent matters.
Ongoing maintenance programs, which include regular check-ups, cleaning, and servicing, are another thing to look out for, especially if you’re satisfied with their repair work! These programs help prevent breakdowns and extend your gas heater’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly whenever you may need it.
Select a service provider with great customer service, support, and follow-up communication. This way, they’ll be ready to make sure your heater functions properly after repairs and be available for any future maintenance or repair works.
Do you have a malfunctioning gas heater in Melbourne? Don’t wait around for it to get any worse! At Maroondah Air Services, we take great pride in being your all-in-one source for gas heating repairs in Melbourne. From ducted gas to gas log fires, we have the accreditation, experience, and equipment to resolve a wide range of issues.
Reach out to us right now for a quote!
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