Regular maintenance and servicing will help ensure safety, and improve performance and reliability.
It is generally recommended that gas appliances are serviced regularly by a qualified service person, such as a licensed gas fitter or factory trained technician.
You should always refer to the owner’s manual of your individual appliances for the manufacturer’s recommended service frequency and guidelines around correct operation.
Top maintenance tips for gas appliances in your home
1. Look after gas cooktops and ovens
- Keep your gas oven and burners clean, avoiding any build-ups of fat or burnt food. Use hot soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth to wipe away any grime or debris. Baking soda mixed into a paste with water can be handy for removing stains
- Removable parts, such as racks, can be cleaned more easily if taken out and soaked in a sink of sudsy water
- Wipe up any spills promptly so they aren’t baked on and become hard to remove
- Inspect your oven’s door seals to make sure the appliance isn’t losing heat during use
- Check your oven temperature using an oven thermometer so you can be sure it is heating correctly
- Ensure all light bulbs built into your cooker are working and consult your owner’s manual if any require changing.
2. Keep your gas hot water flowing
- If you use continuous flow hot water and the temperature regularly fluctuates, have the system checked by a qualified service person. Gradual temperature fluctuation can be normal for gas storage hot water systems, as the hot water is used up and replaced
- Check your system for water leaks. A large amount of escaping water can be a sign you need to have your system serviced or replaced
- If your system manages temperature through a digital controller, check the settings and make sure the water temperature is set to a level that suits you
- If you’re using more hot water than your gas storage system can keep up with, try using water-saving shower heads, tracking showers with a small timer and washing clothes in cold water
- If you’re going on holidays, consider turning off your hot water system to save energy and ensure it doesn’t malfunction while you’re away.
3. Maintain your gas heater
- As your heater is likely to sit unused during the warmer months, make sure you give it a good clean when winter rolls around. Remove any dust using soapy water or a vacuum cleaner, but leave cleaning any filters and fans to a qualified service person
- Look out for any signs the heater may not be working properly, like soot stains or discoloration of the walls or heater panels itself
- Check that any hoses or fittings are tight, without leaks or corrosion
- Flued heaters should have their flue or chimney checked to ensure there are no blockages which could stop proper ventilation
- Non-flued heaters require permanent ventilation. Never seal up doorways, windows or vents during operation, and make sure to use the heater in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Gas safety & appliance service
