Gas heater servicing in Melbourne

Why servicing matters: carbon monoxide

A faulty gas heater can release carbon monoxide (CO), a gas you can't see or smell, into the home. Energy Safe Victoria warns it can make you very sick or even kill you and your family. A CO alarm helps, but Energy Safe says it's never a substitute for regular servicing.

How often, and by whom

Energy Safe Victoria and Better Health both recommend having every gas heater serviced at least once every two years, by a licensed gasfitter (for rentals, the two-yearly gas safety check is a legal requirement). For servicing and repairs of a domestic space heater, that means a Type A gasfitter, and the service should include a test for carbon monoxide spillage.

Gasfitters are registered or licensed with the Building and Plumbing Commission; check the person on its register. See how to check a tradie's licence.

Signs something's wrong

Watch for changes in how the heater runs, such as a flame that's changed from its usual colour. If you notice a change, stop using it and have a gasfitter inspect it and test for CO before it's used again.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is easy to mistake for flu or food poisoning. Better Health lists tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and chest pain. If you suspect it: open windows and doors, turn the heater off and go outside into fresh air. See your GP, and call 000 if someone is very unwell or unconscious.

Exhaust fans and open-flued heaters

Running a kitchen rangehood or bathroom exhaust fan while a gas heater is on can create negative pressure in the room and draw carbon monoxide into the living space. Energy Safe advises not using them at the same time as the heater.

Better Health says old unflued gas heaters may not meet current emission standards: replace any unflued heater more than 10 years old, and never use one in a bathroom, bedroom or caravan.

Renting?

Rental providers must have a gas safety check done every two years by a gasfitter licensed or registered in Type A appliance servicing. A heater that isn't working, or a gas leak, is an urgent repair: see rental repairs.

From 1 March 2027, when a rental's fixed heater fails and can't be repaired, the replacement must be an energy-efficient fixed electric system. See rental energy standards.

Replacing an old heater

If the heater is old or keeps needing repairs, ask the gasfitter whether servicing is still worth it. Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts are available on approved high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioners, including when one replaces a non-ducted gas heater. See air conditioning.

What to ask when booking

• The heater's type (wall furnace, space heater, ducted), brand and age
• Whether the service includes a carbon monoxide spillage test
• The service fee, and how parts and repairs are priced
• Whether they'll check the flue, and any nearby exhaust fans
• A written record of what was tested and found

Before booking a gasfitter

• Serviced at least every two years
• A Type A gasfitter, licence checked
• Carbon monoxide spillage test included
• Exhaust fans off while the heater runs
• Stop using it if the flame changes colour

Ready to book? Start a job request or browse plumbing and gas jobs. Smell gas? See the gas leak steps in hot water. Availability depends on real postings, and registration must be enabled to submit.