When your gas heater is not working, it can be a big problem. This is especially true in the cold months of Canberra.
That said, in this article, we will talk about the usual reasons why gas heaters malfunction. We will help you understand the cause as well as how to fix them.
Understanding How a Gas Heater Works
In terms of emergencies, knowing how your gas heater works can help you understand the cause. So, let’s break down how it works and the main parts that make it run.
A gas heater uses natural gas to make heat. When you turn on your heater, the gas starts to flow. It goes into a special area called the combustion chamber, where the pilot light lights it up. This makes heat, which is then spread around your home, usually by a fan.
Here are the main parts of a gas heater and what they do:
- Thermostat. The thermostat acts like the system’s boss. It controls the temperature and tells the heater when to start or stop based on what temperature you want.
- Gas Valve. It is the part that controls how much gas goes into your heater. When the thermostat says it’s time for heat, the gas valve opens to let the gas go into the combustion chamber.
- Pilot Light or Ignition System. It lights the gas in the combustion chamber to make heat. Older heaters have a pilot light that’s always on. Newer ones have an electronic system that lights the gas.
- Heat Exchanger: It is the part that gets hot when the gas burns in the combustion chamber. Its job is to give that heat to the air that will be spread around your home.
- Blower: Once the air is hot, the blower sends it around your home through the ducts.
Knowing how your gas heater works and what the main parts do can help when you’re trying to figure out why it’s not working. It can also help when you’re talking to a professional about fixing it.
Common Reasons Why Your Gas Heater Is Not Working
A. Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is like the boss of your gas heater. If it is not working right, your heater might not work either. Thermostat problems can be as simple as wrong settings, issues with the wires, or even a dead battery.
You can fix thermostat problems by checking the settings or changing the battery. If that doesn’t help, you might need to get a professional to look at the wires or replace the thermostat.
B. Pilot Light Problems
The pilot light is really important in your gas heater. It is the small flame that lights the gas and makes heat. If the pilot light goes out or does not work, your heater will not make any heat.
You can fix pilot light problems by relighting the pilot light using the instructions from the manufacturer. If the pilot light keeps going out, it could be a problem with a part called the thermocouple, and you might need to get a professional to fix it.
C. Gas Supply Complications
If there are problems with your gas supply, your heater might stop working. This could happen if there’s a problem with your gas line or if your gas supply has been turned off.
To fix gas supply problems, first, check that your gas supply is on. If it is and your heater still doesn’t work, it’s best to get a professional because dealing with gas can be dangerous.
D. Blocked or Faulty Filters
Blocked or broken filters can also make your gas heater stop working. If the filter is blocked, it can stop air from flowing properly and make your heater work too hard, which could make it overheat or break down.
You can fix filter problems by checking your filters regularly and cleaning or changing them as needed. This will help your heater work better and more efficiently.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, it’s best to call a professional to fix your gas heater. Here are some signs that you need professional help:
- Frequent Breakdowns: If your heater keeps having problems or breaking down, it’s a sign that there’s a big problem that needs a professional.
- Weird Noises: If your heater is making weird noises like banging, whistling, or groaning, it could mean there’s a serious problem.
- Gas Smell: If you smell gas around your heater, turn it off right away and call a professional. This could mean there’s a gas leak, which is dangerous.
- No Heat: If your heater isn’t making any heat even though it’s turned on and has gas, it’s time to call a professional.
It’s really important to take care of your gas heater regularly. It helps stop problems before they start and keeps your heater working well. It’s a good idea to get a professional to check your heater once a year, especially before it gets cold.
Safety should always come first when dealing with a gas heater. Don’t try to fix a problem if you’re not sure how. And remember, dealing with gas can be dangerous, so it’s better to call a professional if you’re not sure what to do.
Call Landmark Air in Canberra Today!
We hope you now know a lot about gas heaters and why they might stop working. To make sure your heater works right and keeps your home warm, it’s a good idea to have a professional look at it regularly.
At Landmark Air Canberra, our expert team can help with any gas heater problem. We’ll figure out what’s wrong, tell you how much it will cost to fix, and get your heater working again quickly. Our team is good at fixing all kinds of gas heaters so you can trust us with yours.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – get in touch with Landmark Air in Canberra today and keep your home nice and warm!
