You’ve turned the heater on on a freezing cold day, but the air isn’t hot, it’s cold! How do you fix this? It is most likely time for a service.
Winter in Victoria is unpredictable, so you need a reliable heating and cooling system to keep the temperature in your property stable.
This article will discuss the causes of gas heater malfunctions, the importance of regular maintenance, safety concerns, and how to prepare your heater for the colder months ahead. You want your spaces to be comfortable throughout all seasons!
If your gas heater has stopped working, having an understanding of some of the causes can help you figure out what to look for.
A closed gas valve, a dusty air filter or a thermostat can be the culprit. Make sure that the gas valve is open and the air filters are clean.
You can replace the clogged filter or reach out to a professional to fix issues like the malfunctioning blower motor or problems with the heat exchanger to bring back the warmth in your home.
This could be due to loose parts, dirt, or an outdated motor. Give it a good clean and make sure loose parts are inspected carefully for wear and tear.
That said, if the noise is persisting, an experienced technician can address adjusting the fan belt tension, lubricating moving parts, or completely replacing the motor.
Make sure that it is on heat mode and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Is the fan setting set to on? Set it to auto or flip the switch and it should blow warm air again.
If the thermostat isn’t configured properly, it will stop the heater from activating and lead to cold air circulation. You may need your thermostat recalibrated or replaced if there’s no hot air.
Gas supply problems, malfunctioning thermostats, and tripped circuit breakers are some causes.
Check the circuit breaker, reset it if needed, and keep an eye on the thermostat settings. If your heater still isn’t blowing hot air, a professional can pinpoint gas valve failures and electrical faults.
Corroded gas lines, a malfunctioning valve, or loose connections are dangerous, so call a licensed technician straight away.
Switch off the gas supply immediately, open up doors and windows for ventilation, and avoid anything that could ignite the gas.
Dirt buildup, wind gusts, or a malfunctioning thermocouple can snuff out your pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, the heater won’t produce heat. How do you relight the pilot light?
Turn off the gas valve and give it a few minutes, then switch it to the pilot position and bring a light close to the pilot opening and pressing the red button. If the light catches on, turn the valve to the on position. If you’re unsure, certified technicians can ensure a steady pilot flame. In some cases, your local gas company may be doing maintenance or dealing with an emergency.
Dirty and clogged filters capture particles in the air so that clean air circulates throughout your home, and heating systems have at least one air filter between the inlet ducts and outlet ducts.
A clogged up filter can also impact the heat exchanger (which transfers heat inside) and make it overheat, trip the limit switch and close off the heating unit. You can clean and change the heater’s filters by turning off the heating system, taking out the air filter, rinsing the filter frame in cold water, allowing it to dry, and putting it back in. However, if the filter is a disposable filter with a cardboard frame, you must replace it with a new one.
For example, the heater is too small for your home. A small furnace cannot get a read on its internal temperature, and a furnace that is too large will unexpectedly switch on and off.
Modern gas heaters, especially high-efficiency models, produce condensation as a byproduct. If the condensate lines become clogged, it can lead to water damage and system shutdowns.
What are some other reasons why your heater is dispensing cold air?
Unused gas heaters can accumulate dust if left unused for a long time. If you haven’t used your gas heater in over 6 months, the dust inside it burns and circulates around your home. Although the system has its own filters, they clog when not properly cleaned out.
Servicing makes your gas heating safer so it doesn’t leak harmful gases. Without getting a technician to check on gas safety, you run the risk of exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide becoming fatal. Maintenance also saves gas since older gas heaters develop cracks over time and leak. Gas will just go to waste.
An overheating heater can also lead to system failure or, in extreme cases, fire hazards. Overheating results from clogged filters, blocked vents, or malfunctioning components, which can be dangerous.
Leaky ducts can cause warm air to escape before it reaches the intended areas, leading to uneven heating and increased energy consumption. It is important to regularly seal and insulate ducts.
Your unit should be serviced at least every 2-3 years, and some manufacturers require annual services to keep the warranty valid. Aust Climate can support you with service, repair, and maintenance.
If you notice unusual smells, more dirt or debris than usual, or more energy being consumed, it is a good idea to book a heating and cooling technician as soon as possible. An expert will:
Neglecting your climate system can lead to unit failure, and Aust Climate technicians are fully trained and experienced in servicing and repairing gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling systems, electric heating and cooling, multi-head split systems and split systems. We also carry out carbon monoxide tests so your heater is safe to operate.
Play it safe and schedule a service. The last thing you want is your heater breaking down on a freezing night! While you wait for a service, here are some troubleshooting tips for furnaces that aren’t blowing hot air:
Inspect the thermostat’s fan settings to see if it’s set to auto, ensure the thermostat hasn’t been set to a lower setting, check the batteries and replace any that are defective, clean the furnace (if possible), make sure the gas valve is open and not obstructed, and shut the blower motor panel after cleaning or repairs.
Always call a professional if you’re not sure about what you’re doing (unless you’re trade-certified or a confident DIY’er). If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas straight away and leave the house as it could be life-threatening. To learn more, read on why ducted heating cleaning is a winter essential for Melbourne homes.
Should you shift from gas to electric heating and cooling? It depends. Although gas has been a cheaper form of energy traditionally, the Victorian government estimates homes will save up to $1000 a year if solar is installed. Electricity is also a lot safer than gas. Energy Victoria has more information on heating and cooling discounts as well as the government VUE Rebate if you are interested, and Aust Climate is happy to help you make the transition!
Booking a service for your gas heater doesn’t need to be a hassle. Aust Climate understands that every homeowner has different needs, cost considerations, and a system that is suitable for your property.
With over 25 years in business (and offering you a 6 year workmanship guarantee), we’re here to offer you year-round peace of mind with our servicing and repair options for Daikin, Mitsubishi, Bonaire, LG, and more.
From heating and cooling support for Blackburn, Balwyn, Box Hill, Camberwell, Ferntree Gully, Glen Waverley, Kilsyth, Mitcham, Bayswater, Yarra Glen, Caulfield, Wheelers Hill, Wantirna, Kew, or Hawthorn, we come to you.
Contact us by calling 03 9726 4444, emailing [email protected] or filling out our form to schedule a consultation. You can also visit our showroom in Chirnside Park, Victoria, for a closer look at our heating and cooling new season products.
