Is Your Gas Heater Ready for Winter? | O’Shea Plumbing Melbourne

15 May 2025

Is Your Gas Heater Ready for Winter? Key Signs It’s Time for a Service

As Melbourne temperatures begin to dip, most households are reaching for the thermostat and firing up their gas heaters. But before you settle in for a cosy season, it’s essential to ensure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual gas heater service isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your family’s health and your home’s energy efficiency.

In this blog, we explore the key warning signs that it’s time to book a service, what’s involved in professional ducted heating service, and why calling an experienced plumber Melbourne homeowners trust, like the team at O’Shea Plumbing, can make all the difference.

Why Servicing Your Gas Heater Matters

Gas heaters are popular across Melbourne for their powerful, consistent warmth. But like any appliance, they need regular attention. Over time, dust build-up, worn-out parts, and undetected faults can compromise both performance and safety. A neglected gas heater can:

• Release dangerous carbon monoxide
• Burn more energy than necessary
• Fail during peak usage in winter
• Cost more to run due to inefficiency

Having a professional assess your system before the colder months hit ensures your heater is operating as it should—and gives you peace of mind all season long.

6 Warning Signs Your Gas Heater Needs Servicing

1. Warm and Cold Zones in Your Home

Notice some areas of your home are toasty while others remain noticeably colder? This could mean your heating system isn’t circulating warm air evenly. This could point to blocked vents, duct issues, or problems with the heater unit itself.

2. Unusual Smells

A burning smell when you first switch your heater on can be caused by dust, but if odours persist or you detect a gas-like scent, it’s critical to turn off your system and call a licensed plumber immediately. This could signal a gas leak or ventilation issue.

3. Discoloured Pilot Light

A healthy pilot flame is steady and blue. If it turns yellow or flickers, this could indicate incomplete combustion – an issue that may result in carbon monoxide production and should be addressed urgently.

4. Strange Noises

Rattling, whirring, or banging sounds aren’t normal. They could suggest loose components, motor problems, or ductwork issues. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive ducted heating repairs down the line.

5. Spike in Energy Bills

If your winter energy bill is climbing despite no change in usage, your heater might be overworking to achieve the desired temperature. A routine service can restore efficiency and lower your running costs.

6. Frequent Cycling or Difficulty Starting

If your system frequently turns on and off, or struggles to start, it may be due to a faulty thermostat or blocked filters. These issues can be easily resolved during a ducted heating service.

What’s Involved in a Professional Gas Heater Service?

At O’Shea Plumbing, we offer comprehensive gas heater services in Melbourne tailored to all major makes and models. Our licensed technicians and expert plumbers go beyond surface checks, inspecting every element of your heating system to ensure safe and efficient operation.

A typical service includes:

• Testing for carbon monoxide leaks
• Inspecting and cleaning burners, fans, and filters
• Checking ductwork for blockages or damage
• Assessing the pilot light and ignition
• Verifying flue and ventilation function
• Reviewing thermostat calibration and heater controls

For ducted systems, we also perform a full ducted heating service to identify any airflow issues, insulation problems, or signs of wear in the duct network.

DIY Maintenance Tips to Support Your Heating System

While professional servicing should always be handled by a qualified gas plumber, there are a few things homeowners can do to help maintain performance in between visits:

• Clean air vents regularly to prevent dust build-up
• Check your thermostat batteries each season
• Keep the area around the heater clear of obstructions
• Note any changes in performance or smell and report them early

Being proactive helps prevent small issues from becoming costly ducted heating repairs later in the season.

Choose O’Shea Plumbing for Reliable Heating Services

With over 40 years of experience, O’Shea Plumbing is the trusted name in gas heater service Melbourne homeowners rely on. Our licensed and highly trained team offers prompt professional support across the city and suburbs. Whether you need a seasonal check-up, urgent ducted heating repairs, or advice on replacing an outdated system, we’re here to help.

We’re not just heating specialists, we’re full-service plumbers, including hot water repairs and drain repairs, with a reputation for honest advice, fair pricing, and long-term solutions. We know Melbourne winters can be harsh, which is why we treat every job with the urgency and care it deserves.

Don’t Wait Until It Breaks—Book Your Service Today

Avoid the discomfort and risk of a failing heater during the coldest months. If your system hasn’t been checked in over a year—or you’ve noticed any of the warning signs listed above—it’s time to act. Contact or call the trusted team at O’Shea Plumbing today and ensure your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient this winter.