Based locally in Mernda, Melbourne Gas & Air Conditioning Group provides comprehensive gas appliance servicing and repairs for homeowners across Doreen, South Morang, Epping, and Eltham. Regular maintenance is critical not just for efficiency, but for the safety of your family. Our licensed dual-trade technicians specialize in the servicing of all major gas units.
Is Your Old Gas Heater Hiding a Deadly Secret?
In the leafy suburbs of Eltham and Research, many homes still rely on 20-year-old gas wall furnaces or decorative log fires. While these units add charm, they also pose a significant risk if neglected: Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
CO is odourless, colourless, and tasteless. Every winter in Melbourne, faulty heaters send families to the hospital. At Melbourne Gas & Air Conditioning Group, we don’t just “clean the dust”—we perform rigorous safety diagnostics to ensure your home in Epping or South Morang is safe.
The 3 Signs Your Heater Needs Immediate Servicing
1. The “Yellow Flame” Warning
Your gas heater (unless it’s a decorative log fire) should burn with a crisp blue flame.
- The Danger: A lazy yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion. This means your heater is producing high levels of soot and Carbon Monoxide.
- The Fix: Our technicians strip the unit, clean the injectors, and adjust the aeration to restore a clean burn.
2. Soot Marks on Walls (Common in Epping)
If you see dark stains on the wall above your heater or around the ceiling vent, this is “ghosting.” It means exhaust fumes are leaking into your room instead of going up the flue.
- The Fix: We test the flue integrity. In older Epping homes, flue pipes often rust out or get blocked by birds’ nests.
3. The “Pilot Light” Dance
Does your pilot light pop, bang, or refuse to stay lit? This is a safety mechanism kicking in.
- The Fix: Never force it to stay on. Call us to replace the thermocouple and service the unit.
For Landlords: Rental Compliance is Mandatory
If you own an investment property in Mernda or Doreen, Victorian law requires a Gas Safety Check every 2 years.
- Our Service: We provide the digital compliance trail you need. We check the gas line pressure, service the appliances, and issue the VBA Compliance Certificate to keep you legal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I service my gas heater? A: Energy Safe Victoria recommends servicing every 2 years. If your unit is over 10 years old (common in Eltham), we recommend annual CO testing before winter.
Q: My heater smells when I turn it on. Is that bad? A: A “dusty” smell for the first 10 minutes of the season is normal. A “rotten egg” smell is a gas leak—turn it off and call us immediately. A “burning plastic” smell could be an electrical fault inside the fan.
Q: Do you service Brivis and Braemar units? A: Yes. We are authorized service agents for major brands and carry common spare parts in our vans, saving you a second call-out fee.
