Common Gas Heater FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to use gas heaters?

Gas heaters are safe when they are correctly installed, used as instructed, and serviced regularly by a licensed gas fitter. 

Problems like blocked vents, worn-out parts, or poor ventilation can make a heater unsafe over time. 

Regular servicing ensures the heater burns gas properly, removes hidden faults, and prevents risks like carbon monoxide leaks or overheating.

2. What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that has no colour, smell, or taste. Because you cannot detect it on your own, exposure can happen without warning. 

Breathing in carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or even life-threatening poisoning. 

Regular safety checks are the best way to prevent it from building up in your home.

3. How do I know if my heater is leaking gas?

You will notice a strong rotten-egg or sulphur-like smell, hear hissing near the hose or connections, or see the flame burning an unusual colour. 

These signs point to a gas leak or improper combustion. Turn the heater off immediately, open windows for ventilation, avoid switching electrical items on or off, and contact us right away.

4. Can I leave my gas heater on while sleeping?

It’s not advisable. Gas heaters should always be turned off before you go to bed. 

While they have safety features, leaving them running unattended increases the risk of gas leaks, overheating, or carbon monoxide exposure. 

Switching the heater off gives you peace of mind and keeps your home safer.

5. Can I use a gas heater in a bedroom?

Most gas heaters are not approved for bedroom use due to ventilation requirements. 

Bedrooms are usually smaller, and running a gas heater in a confined space can lead to poor air quality or unsafe gas buildup. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and speak with our team if you’re unsure which rooms your heater is suitable for.

6. Why does my gas heater smell like kerosene?

A kerosene-like smell often happens when dust, lint, or residue inside the heater burns off, especially after long periods of non-use. 

However, if the smell is strong, lasts a long time, or happens frequently, it could be a sign of poor combustion or a more serious issue inside the unit. 

In that case, stop using the heater and arrange a professional inspection to prevent potential hazards.

7. How often should a gas heater be serviced?

Gas heaters should be serviced every one to two years to make sure they stay safe, efficient, and free from faults. 

Over time, dust, wear, and small internal issues can build up and affect how the heater burns gas. 

A regular service helps prevent breakdowns, reduces the chance of carbon monoxide leaks, and keeps the heater running at its best for longer.

8. How much does a gas heater service cost?

We keep pricing simple by charging a flat rate per job rather than by the hour. This means you get a clear, upfront cost with no unexpected add-ons. 

Your quote will be based on your heater’s brand, model and overall condition, and we will confirm the final price before any work begins.

Here are the current offers available:

• $0 call-out fee, so you do not pay anything for us to attend your property.
• $120 + GST for the second heater serviced at the same premises. This is ideal if you have more than one unit.
• Seniors and pensioner discounts to help reduce overall service costs.
• $99 for a 3m gas hose, supplied and installed, which is helpful if your hose is worn or due for replacement.
• $60 + GST for a carbon monoxide alarm, supplied and installed to help improve safety in your home.
• $100 cashback when you trade in your old hot water heater and upgrade to a new system.

To get a quote or book a service, call (02) 9137 8549, or you can submit our online form.

9. What is included in a gas heater service?

Our full gas heater service follows a process that ensures your heater is safe, clean and working at its best. Here is what you can expect when you contact us:

• We book your service at a time that works for you. You can choose an on-site service or drop the heater off, whichever is easier.
• You receive both an SMS and an email confirmation, so you know your appointment is confirmed.
• On the day of your booking, our technician gives you a 30-minute courtesy call before arriving.
• After arrival, we identify your heater, and check related appliances if you need it.
• We start with a safety inspection to ensure the area is safe and to check for issues with the heater, gas hoses, or bayonet points.
• The heater is then taken outside to the work van for a full professional service. This includes dismantling the unit, removing dust, cleaning filters, injectors and burner chambers, and inspecting internal components for any faults.
• Once everything is cleaned and checked, we reinstall the heater and complete a set of final tests to ensure the heater is safe and working properly.

10. How long does a portable gas heater service take?

Most portable heater services take between 30 and 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the model, how long it has been since the last service, and whether our technician finds any issues that need extra attention. Well-maintained units are generally quicker to service.

11. What warranty is included with your portable gas heater service?

Yes. All portable gas heater services come with strong warranty coverage for your peace of mind. Here is what you receive:

• Service warranty: 6 months or until the end of the year, whichever gives you the longer cover.
• Parts warranty: 12 months on any parts we supply and install.
• Lifetime labour warranty: If an issue is caused by our labour, we fix it at no cost.

These warranties ensure you are fully protected long after the service is completed.

12. How often do gas hoses need to be replaced?

Gas hoses need replacing every five years. However, if you notice signs of wear, you should have them replaced immediately.  Faulty hoses are one of the most common causes of leaks, so keeping them in good condition is very important.

13. When should gas bayonet points be replaced?

Gas bayonet points should be replaced if they become loose, worn out, leaking, or physically damaged. We recommend replacing them if they are more than 10 years old. 

Old or faulty bayonet points can cause gas leaks or connection issues, making regular inspection important for safety.

14. Why won’t my indoor gas heater turn on?

If your heater is not turning on, start by checking that both the power and gas supply are switched on at the main. 

Some models also require clean air filters to operate properly, so make sure the rear filter is not clogged with dust. A blocked filter can stop the heater from igniting.

If you have attempted to start the heater three times without success, the safety system could be preventing it from turning on. This usually indicates the heater needs a professional service to clean internal parts.

15. Why does my portable gas heater turn off after a few minutes?

When a heater shuts off shortly after starting, it is often due to a problem with the thermocouple. 

The thermocouple is a safety sensor that works with the pilot flame to make sure the heater is burning safely. If it is dirty, bent, worn out, or covered in dust, the heater will shut down to prevent unsafe operation.

In most cases, a full service and cleaning will fix the issue by restoring proper airflow and resetting the safety components.

16. Why does my portable gas heater smell like dust?

If the heater has not been used for a while, dust can settle inside the unit. When you turn it on, this dust burns off and creates a dusty smell. While this is usually harmless, the smell should not last long. If the dust smell continues every time you use the heater, it is a sign that the unit needs a thorough cleaning or professional service.

17. How do I fix a flashing filter light?

A flashing filter light means the heater is not getting enough airflow because the filter is dirty or blocked. 

Remove the filter and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it is clean and dry, reinstall and reset it using the steps in your user manual. 

If the light keeps flashing, the filter or sensor needs professional attention.

18. What do Rinnai Error Codes 11, 12, 13, 18, and 62 mean?

• Error Code 11: The heater isn’t igniting because there’s no gas supply.
• Error Code 12: The heater is experiencing incomplete combustion, usually due to low gas flow.
• Error Code 13: There’s a combustion issue because the heater isn’t getting enough oxygen.
• Error Code 18: A thermocouple problem is preventing the heater from sensing the flame correctly.
• Error Code 62: The fan motor is not working properly, often due to dust buildup, restricted airflow, or internal motor problems.

19. What should I do if my Rinnai heater displays an error code?

Start with a few simple checks before booking a call-out. 

• Make sure both the gas and electrical supplies are turned on
• Vacuum the rear filters and front grills to remove any dust that could be blocking airflow. 
• Try restarting the heater up to three times in a row. 

If the error code still appears after these steps, the unit needs servicing. 

20. Can I use my natural gas heater on a propane (LPG) gas inlet?

No. A natural gas heater cannot be used on a propane LPG inlet. Every heater is designed and calibrated for one specific gas type, and using the wrong gas can be dangerous. To check what your heater runs on, look for the gas type listed on the sticker at the back of the unit.

21. How do I turn off the child lock on my gas room heater?

• Press both arrow buttons at the same time and hold for 2 seconds.
• When the child lock is on, all controls except the OFF button are disabled.
• If the heater was turned off while the lock was active, it won’t turn back on until the lock is deactivated.