With winter on the way and cooler temperatures beginning to set in, for many Adelaide families, the go-to method to keep our homes cosy and warm in the cooler months is to bring out the trusty gas heater, being a reliable way to heat our homes.
But, like any other household appliance, gas heaters can deteriorate over time if not properly maintained, leading to untimely breakdowns and potentially costly repairs.
While you may not use your gas heater all year round, it’s still important to have it serviced regularly, regardless of how often it gets used.
Here’s why.
Unused gas heaters accumulate dust and grime
When left unused for an extended period, gas heaters can collect dust and grime. And with Adelaide’s scorching summers being especially long, this will most likely be the case in your home.
After months of not being used, turning on your gas heater will likely cause the built-up dust and grime to burn, leaving an unpleasant burning smell circulating throughout your home. While the smell may only last for a few minutes, it can still cause discomfort for you and your family, so it’s always good to have your gas heater serviced before the cooler weather sets in.
Not only that, but dust, grime, and dirt accumulation can also affect the lifespan of your gas heater. But with regular servicing and maintenance by a qualified technician, you can extend the life of your appliance.

Regular servicing makes gas heaters safer
If not serviced regularly, your gas heater may leak potentially life-threatening gases, such as carbon monoxide.
Being difficult to detect, given that it does not have an odour or a colour, carbon monoxide can be incredibly harmful, with overexposure possibly leading to brain damage or even death.
However, regular servicing and maintenance checks will ensure that your gas heater is burning efficiently and not leaking any harmful gases into your home, ensuring the safety of you and your family.
Regular maintenance will save you money
Older gas heaters can develop cracks over time and cause gas leaks, which will affect the efficiency of your gas heater.
Also, a gas heater that has not been regularly serviced can get clogged with dirt, dust and grime from years of use, producing less heat than it should.
Regular maintenance and servicing will ensure that any damage that causes leaks can be repaired. Which means your gas heater will run more efficiently, making your home toasty warm in winter, and you’ll also save money on bills because your appliance will be running at its optimum performance levels.
How often should you have your gas heater serviced?
The frequency of servicing your gas heater will vary depending on how often you use it, although we recommend having your unit serviced every year.
It’s also worth noting that many manufacturers require annual servicing of gas heaters to keep your warranty valid.
Take care of your gas heater, and it will take care of you and your family
Gas heaters are expensive pieces of equipment, but with regular servicing and maintenance, you can extend the life of your appliance, prevent untimely breakdowns, potentially costly repair bills, and being left out in the cold.
At Patrick Thermal, we can help you keep your Adelaide gas heater maintained and ready for action, whether you have a gas log fire, space heater, or wall furnace.
If you’re interested in our preventative maintenance services and keeping your home warm, cosy, and inviting, call us on (08) 8168 1770, or email us at info@patrickthermal.com.au because, for our family, we’re committed to the comfort and safety of yours this winter.