How Often Should Gas Appliances Be Checked? Your No-Nonsense Guide

If you’ve got gas appliances at home—like a heater, stove, or hot water system—knowing when they need a check isn’t just about ticking another box. It can actually save you a ton of hassle, money, and keep your family safe. Most folks think they can “set and forget,” but gas appliances are sneaky. They can look fine but hide leaks or dangerous build-ups that you’d never notice without a proper inspection.

Here’s the no-nonsense truth: all gas appliances should be professionally checked at least once a year. Yep, every single year. Even if they’re working just fine. Why? Leaks often hide behind walls, and faulty burners can quietly fill your house with carbon monoxide without any weird smells to tip you off. That’s not just theory—emergency services in Australia respond to thousands of preventable gas incidents every year, usually from simple neglect.

• The real risk: gas leaks and hidden dangers
• How often should you schedule a check?
• Signs your gas appliance needs attention now
• Choosing the right person for the job
• Simple upkeep tips that pay off big

The real risk: gas leaks and hidden dangers

Here’s what a lot of people don’t realize: gas leaks are way more common than you’d think. The real danger isn’t always a fire; it's the stuff you can’t see or smell. Faulty gas appliances can quietly leak carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that’s totally invisible and has no smell. It’s honestly scary—CO poisoning sends about 400 people to Aussie hospitals every year, and that's just the stuff that gets reported. The scary part? One in five homes checked by gas fitters have had some sort of leak or dodgy connection lurking behind the scenes.

It’s not just old stoves or ancient heaters. Even newer gear can go bad if it isn’t checked regularly. And don’t count on your nose—natural gas is only smelly because suppliers add something called mercaptan. CO leaks? Zero warning. Kids, older folks, and pets feel the effects first: headaches, tiredness, or even nausea, and it’s easy to brush off as a virus until it gets serious.

• Loose pipes and fittings can leak gas slowly for months.
• Blocked vents or flues trap harmful gases inside, especially in sealed-up homes during winter.
• Burner problems cause low-grade leaks or faulty combustion, filling the house with bad air.

And here’s a quick look at why staying on top of your gas appliance check makes sense:

If you hear a hissing sound, notice a rotten egg smell, or see yellow flames (not blue!), that's a sign to call a pro immediately. Don't mess around—these are the sorts of hidden dangers that highlight why your yearly safety inspection is worth every cent.

How often should you schedule a check?

If you’re hoping to play it safe, stick with once a year for a professional gas appliance check. Annual inspections catch leaks, worn parts, and even small faults you wouldn’t know are there. It’s not just some random advice—Australian gas safety standards and most big appliance makers actually require this to keep warranties and insurance valid.

Some situations call for tighter schedules. Maybe you have an older system (over 10 years), kids at home, or someone with breathing troubles. In those cases, some repair pros recommend a look every six months—especially during heavy use periods like winter. Airbnb hosts or landlords? You should always check before new tenants move in and follow up yearly.

If you use your appliances a lot—like daily hot showers, oven cooking all week, or gas heating every night—don’t stretch the interval. Extra use means extra wear and tear. Here’s a quick look at what pros and regulators usually suggest:

Here’s a simple tip: mark your calendar for the same month every year, or set a phone reminder. If you’re renting, double check with your landlord—by law, they’re usually on the hook. And if you hear odd noises, smell gas, or spot a dodgy flame, don’t wait—call a gas appliance repair pro ASAP. You can’t afford to mess around with safety.

Signs your gas appliance needs attention now

Ignoring the early warning signs on your gas appliance can cost you way more than a repair bill. Most gas leaks or malfunctions aren’t obvious at first, but there are some signals that should have you reaching for the phone right away.

• Strange smells: If you notice a rotten egg smell, that’s a big red flag. Gas companies add odor so you can detect leaks. Get out and call for help, don’t ignore it.
• Yellow or orange flames instead of blue: The flame on your gas stove or heater should always be clear blue. If it’s yellow or orange, your appliance isn’t burning gas properly, and this could mean carbon monoxide.
• Pilot light keeps going out: If you’re constantly having to relight the pilot, something’s off. It could be a blocked vent or faulty thermocouple.
• Unusual noises: Clicking, banging, or whooshing sounds from any gas appliance aren’t normal. Moving parts or clogged jets might be failing.
• Soot or scorch marks: If you see stains or black marks around your appliances, exhaust, or vents, it means gas isn’t being burnt completely—this isn’t safe.
• Headaches, dizziness or nausea when using appliances: If you or someone in your house feels sick around a heater or stove, leave the area and get help fast. This can be a sign of carbon monoxide leak.
• Higher than normal gas bills: If your usage hasn’t changed, but your bill spikes, a faulty or leaking appliance could be to blame.

Quick stats: According to the Australian Gas Association, 1 in 8 households that called for a gas appliance check in 2022 did so after spotting one of these signs. The sooner you act, the less damage you’re likely to face—and you cut the risk of an emergency to almost zero.

Choosing the right person for the job

So here's the deal: not just anyone can do a proper gas appliance check. In Australia, you legally need a licensed gas fitter for any gas work—no cutting corners here. Skipping this is risky, both for safety and insurance. Insurance companies often knock back claims if you’ve let an unlicensed hand tinker with your gas appliance.

Always check for a license. It’s quick—just ask to see their gas fitter card, or check the number online through your state’s government website. This isn’t being nosy; it’s just smart. Licensed fitters are up to date with all the current safety codes, the right tools, and know-how to spot stuff you’d never catch.

If you’re not sure what makes someone legit, look for the following:

• Gas fitter license number (should be printed on their card and often their work van)
• Proof of insurance (public liability insurance is a must)
• Solid reputation—check reviews or ask your neighbors who they trust
• Experience with your specific brand or type of gas appliance—that way they're not learning on the job

Cost matters, but don’t go with the cheapest just because it’s easy. A proper gas appliance check from a licensed pro in 2025 usually costs between $100 and $180 per appliance, depending on your area and what’s involved. That’s way cheaper than fixing a big leak or dealing with a house emergency!

Here’s a quick look at what a licensed gas fitter usually brings to the table:

Take a couple extra minutes to ask questions, too. What exactly will they check? Do they use a carbon monoxide detector? How long will it take? A good fitter won’t dodge this stuff—they’ll explain it clearly. Picking the right pro means your gas appliance stays safe, and you worry less.

Simple upkeep tips that pay off big

Keeping your gas appliance running safely doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just a few easy habits can make a real difference, help you avoid breakdowns, and keep your energy bills in check.

• Check for weird smells: Natural gas is scented with a chemical that smells like rotten eggs. If you pick up that smell, turn off the appliance, air out your home, and call a licensed gas fitter right away.
• Keep vents and burners clean: Dust and grime mess with performance. Grab a vacuum and gently clear around vents or the bottom of your *gas heater* every month, and wipe down your *gas stove* after each use if you can.
• Don’t ignore flickering flames: You want steady, blue flames—not yellow or orange. Yellow flames can mean the burner is blocked or there's a venting issue. Time to get it checked.
• Know where your gas shut-off is: If things go sideways, you don’t want to be fumbling around. Learn where the shut-off valve is and how to use it—maybe even label it for everyone in the household.
• Stick to annual professional checks: Even with the best DIY care, nothing beats a pro inspection for finding leaks or carbon monoxide issues. Mark it on your calendar the same month as your car registration, so you don’t forget.

Fun fact: studies show that homes with regular gas appliance check routines have 60% fewer emergency call-outs than those that just wing it. That’s real money saved on repairs, plus priceless peace of mind.

Bottom line: a little regular attention keeps your gas appliances running safer and longer. It’s a small effort for a big payoff, both for your wallet and peace of mind.