Why you need ducted gas heating maintenance before the winter

With winter coming up, you may already be thinking about how you’re going to stay warm without racking up expensive heating bills.

What many people don’t think about is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you use central gas heating systems and are burning up combustible fuel like LP gas or natural gas, carbon monoxide is a byproduct of this process.

While this is normal, it’s important to make sure that the gas is leaving your system completely through your exhaust flute system or you risk serious health consequences. This isn’t possible, however, unless you have the knowledge to evaluate your system for defects and rectify them.

If this isn’t something you can undertake, here’s why gas heating system maintenance is important before we get into the heart of winter.

Eliminate the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning

Given that it is odourless, colourless, and even tasteless, carbon monoxide is a tough gas to detect in the first place.

Usually, it is through symptoms of poisoning that these issues are even identified. At this point, though, you may have already done some damage to your respiratory system. If you’re exposed to extremely high levels of carbon monoxide, it can even be fatal.

Symptoms you should watch out for include tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea, weakness, confusion or chest pain. The challenge is that these symptoms may be attributed to the common flu too.

When you get your central gas heating system assessed, it’s easy to identify leaking combustion and perform carbon monoxide testing. Professionals will help you locate points of gas leakage, the repairs you need and more importantly, fix flue gas breaches that could contaminate your home.

You can also maximise ventilation in your spaces to reduce the likelihood of gas poisoning.

Remember, here, that beyond just your heating system, you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you’re not maintaining any of your gas-related appliances.

Stay comfortable and reduce your heating bills

Another major reason to consider gas heating system maintenance is because it’s the key to staying comfortable without increasing your heating costs.

Beyond changing your air filters, you need to keep in mind that dust, dirt and debris can clog your system, restricting the airflow in your space. Moreover, your system may be running inefficiently with broken or damaged parts.

All of this can make it very difficult for you to stay warm and comfortable while keeping your bills low.

Fortunately, system maintenance for ducted gas heating systems can make a major difference. I’ve come across many people who think that this is unnecessary, only for them to turn around and ask us why their system keeps breaking down or isn’t working properly.

The truth is that when you have professionals assess your system, as well as repair it and clean it, your HVAC units can do what they’re supposed to without costing big bucks.

Signs you need gas heating maintenance services

If you’re still unsure about whether your system needs to be cleaned and repaired before winter, here are a few signs that tell you it’s time.

• Your unit hasn’t been serviced in a year or more
• Your heating bills are high and you never feel warm enough
• Some parts of your home become warmer much faster
• Your home feels stuffy and congested
• There’s a strong smell that’s unusual or unpleasant

If you’ve noticed these signs or are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined previously with no specific diagnosis, schedule gas heating system maintenance as soon as possible.

Speak to central gas heating system experts to reduce your health risks this winter

Beyond just gas poisoning, an inefficient and dirty heating system can affect your health in a number of other ways.

It’s not only about staying warm enough to be healthy, but also about the quality of the air you’re breathing in.

This year, speak to gas heating professionals like our team at Alliance Climate Control to create a healthy, warm, and comfortable space. Our trained service technicians have the tools to measure the sources and levels of harmful leaks and can restore the optimal functioning of your system.

Call us on 02 8061 5023 to find out more.