When should you take a Gas Heater Service?

If your gas heater is not functioning properly, you must do an immediate check-up. Any malfunctioning appliance may result in sudden failure, increase running costs, and affect your health. With the gas heater service, you can remain assured that all appliance components are working optimally.

Servicing a gas involves testing and checking parts like the thermostat, heat exchanger, gas pressure, flue and burner. It may also include a toxic carbon monoxide check that may emit from the heater when not serviced. So, how will you know if your gas heater needs servicing? Below are the signs you need to look out for. 

Detect early problems

As your gas furnace gets older, it may require more servicing and maintenance. You may detect early signs of problems like difficulty in turning on the heater and keeping it running. Also, if you need multiple attempts to start the appliance, you must consider servicing. The problem could occur from deposited dirt filters and coils. Or, it could be dirty flame sensors causing it to work intermittently. 

Gas leakage

Gas leakage is an obvious sign to contact gas heater service. You can detect gas leaks if the pilot light goes out when it is lit. Or, you find yellowish or brownish stains around appliances. Also, be mindful of yellow burner flames and smoke, soot or back-draft inside the home. 

If it is a carbon monoxide (CO) leak, it is a matter of greater concern as CO is a colorless and odorless gas and can only be detected through an alarm. Hence, you should call service without delay if your CO alarm goes off. 

Pungent smell

A gas heater usually produces a pungent smell post-installation. However, with time the appliance loses its smell. If you find that the smell lingers on for a long time, your gas heater needs to be serviced. For example, detecting strong odors from the exhaust or the smell of aldehydes can indicate poor combustion. 

Uneven heating

If you are experiencing uneven heating of the entire space, you need a gas heater service. Ehen your appliance works correctly, you will not get cold and hot patches around your house or office. It must provide even heating. However, it is worth stating that the temperature in different parts of the property may vary. 

For example, the basement is likely to be cooler than the upstairs. But, when you find a significant difference in temperature within the same region, it could be a warning sign.   

Water leakage

If you see water next to your heater, it could be a sign of leakage. Water leakage can occur due to condensation. There may be damage in the condensation line or a clog in the condensation drain that resulted in the leakage. Also, there could be issues in the internal draining system or the humidifier resulting in water leakage. 

Strange sounds

When your gas heater functions optimally, you can only hear a consistent whirring. So, when you hear strange noises like groans, hums or rattles, there could be issues in your gas heater. Hence, you need to detect the cause of the noise to prevent severe damage. 

High energy bills

A sudden increase in your energy bills may indicate that your gas heater is not working correctly and needs servicing. As you check it, the cause of inefficiency is detected, which could help you save a lot on energy costs. 

You can’t take the matter of gas safety lightly. Even when your appliance seems to be working fine, it’s best to get it professionally serviced to ensure its durability. Also, when you check regularly, you pick up any deterioration before it causes any harm.