Gas Heater Installation and Servicing: What Australian Homeowners Need to Know

Gas heating accounts for a large share of residential energy use across southern Australia. Melbourne, Canberra, and parts of NSW and WA lean heavily on gas for space heating — and how well that system is installed and how regularly it’s serviced affects both your energy bills and your safety.

Here’s what Australian homeowners need to know about gas heater installation and servicing.

Types of gas heaters we install

• Ducted gas heating — a central gas furnace pushes heated air through the home via ductwork. The most efficient whole-home option for larger houses in Melbourne and Canberra.
• Flued space heaters (wall furnaces) — room-specific heaters that vent combustion gases outside through a flue. Safe and efficient for single rooms or open-plan living areas.
• Unflued gas heaters — these vent combustion gases into the room rather than outside. Regulated in NSW and restricted in some applications elsewhere, so we advise on compliance before installing one.
• Gas log fires — decorative and functional, with genuine heat output behind the flame.

Annual gas heater servicing – why it matters

Annual servicing is strongly recommended for gas heaters, and mandatory for some commercial applications. A proper service covers:

• Cleaning the burner assembly — carbon deposits cut efficiency and cause yellow or orange flames
• Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, which can let combustion gases including carbon monoxide into the heated air stream
• Testing flue draw, so combustion gases are exhausting the way they should
• Checking gas pressure and gas rate
• Testing the thermostat and safety controls
• Measuring carbon monoxide at the outlet

FAQs about gas heaters

How often should a gas heater be serviced?

Annually is the standard recommendation for gas space heaters and ducted systems, with every two years the bare minimum for low-use systems. If you notice yellow flames, unusual smells or reduced heat output, book a service straight away regardless of when the last one was.

Can I install a second-hand gas heater?

Yes, but it has to be inspected and commissioned by a licensed gas fitter before use. A second-hand heater with no service history is an unknown safety risk, so we inspect and service it before installation.

What’s the difference between a 5-star and a 3-star gas heater?

The star rating reflects gas efficiency. A 5-star heater turns more of the gas it burns into useful heat, so across a full heating season it uses noticeably less gas than a 3-star unit of the same capacity.