Both homeowners and landlords should pay close attention to heater safety, particularly if they have gas heating. Carbon monoxide poisoning remains one of the most serious risks associated with poorly maintained gas heaters.
The Building and Plumbing Commission and Energy Safe Victoria recommend servicing gas heaters at least every two years, ideally before Winter.
What Victorian Law Requires
If you’re a Victorian landlord, biennial gas safety checks are a legal requirement. Ensuring that your rental property has a compliant fixed heater is part of the state’s minimum rental standards.
For homeowners, regular servicing is strongly recommended to protect against carbon monoxide exposure and maintain safe operation.
Service gas heaters at least every 2 years
The Victorian Government and health authorities recommend that all gas heaters – including ducted heating, wall furnaces, space heaters, gas log fires and central heating systems – be serviced at least every two years by a licensed gas-fitter who can test for carbon monoxide spillage. Ensure that carbon monoxide testing is included and don’t ignore warning signs such as unusual smells, noises or flame colour changes.
Gas heater servicing, repairs and installations should only be performed by licensed gas professionals. Unlicensed work can be dangerous and may affect your insurance coverage.
Signs your heater needs attention
We advise arranging an inspection if you notice:
- a yellow flame instead of a blue flame
- unusual noises from the heater
- signs of poor performance
- an older heater that has not been serviced for several years
What a proper heater service should include
According to O’Shea, a gas heater service typically includes:
- safety and installation checks
- cleaning burners, fans and filters
- flue inspection
- burner pressure testing
- heat exchanger checks
- operational testing
- carbon monoxide testing
Safe operating practices
We also recommend:
- allowing fresh air into the home when using open-flued heaters
- avoiding the use of exhaust fans at the same time as some gas heaters
- not leaving gas heaters running overnight
- considering a carbon monoxide alarm as a back-up safety measure
- replacing very old or poorly maintained heaters where appropriate
Watch for carbon monoxide risks
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and poisonous. Symptoms can include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- shortness of breath
- unusual tiredness
If multiple household members experience these symptoms when the heater is running, stop using the appliance and arrange an urgent inspection.
Open-flued gas heaters need extra attention
Open-flued gas space heaters are a higher-risk appliance. Existing units can continue to be used, but they should be serviced at least every two years and operated with adequate ventilation. Since August 2022, non-compliant open-flued gas space heaters cannot legally be sold, supplied or installed.
Additional obligations for Victorian landlords: Mandatory gas safety checks every 2 years
For rental properties with gas installations or appliances, landlords must arrange a gas safety check at least every two years by a licensed or registered gas-fitter. This applies to heaters, cooktops, ovens and gas hot-water systems.
The safety check must include inspection and testing of gas appliances and confirmation that Type A appliances have been serviced in accordance with relevant Australian standards.
Keep records
Landlords must:
- retain records of gas safety checks
- provide the most recent gas safety check record to tenants within 7 days of a written request
- disclose the date of the last gas safety check before entering into a rental agreement
Heating is a minimum rental standard
All Victorian rental properties must have a fixed (non-portable) heater in the main living area that is in good working order. For rental agreements entered into from 29 March 2023, that heater must be energy efficient. Acceptable options include:
- reverse-cycle air conditioners / heat pumps (2-star+)
- gas space heaters (2-star+)
- ducted or hydronic systems
- solid-fuel heaters such as fireplaces or wood stoves
If an existing heater is not energy-efficient, landlords generally need to upgrade it when required under the regulations.
Heater breakdowns are urgent repairs
In a rental property, a failure of a supplied heating appliance is considered an urgent repair. Landlords must respond immediately. If they don’t, tenants may have rights to arrange repairs and seek reimbursement, subject to the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act.
Practical recommendations
Even where the law does not require it (for owner-occupied homes), we recommend that you:
- service gas heaters every 2 years, preferably before winter
- ensure flues and chimneys are inspected
- keep ventilation openings unobstructed
- consider replacing older open-flued heaters with modern reverse-cycle heating systems
- install carbon monoxide alarms where appropriate for additional peace of mind (while noting they do not replace professional servicing)
Regular inspections and maintenance are important because neglected gas heaters can create potentially dangerous situations.
The team at O’Shea provide servicing, repairs and installation for gas space heaters, ducted gas heating and other gas appliances across Melbourne.
Not Sure If You’re Compliant?
O’Shea has been looking after Melbourne homes and rental properties for over 45 years.
Whether you need a new heater installed, an existing heater tested, or just some honest advice, the team at O’Shea are available 7 days a week with no call-out fee on weekdays for jobs that proceed.
Call us on (03) 9900 1010 or book a quote online. Upfront pricing, licensed technicians, and work you can trust.