One of the most common questions we receive before a booking is: how much is this going to cost? It is a fair question and the frustrating answer from most gas fitting companies is a non-answer, it depends, call for a quote, prices vary.
This article gives you the real numbers. Not ballpark ranges designed to give us wiggle room. Actual indicative pricing for the most common gas heater services in Melbourne, based on what we charge every day.
Why Gas Heater Service Pricing Varies
Before the numbers, a brief explanation of why gas heater service costs vary between providers and between jobs.
The type of heater
A wall furnace service and a ducted gas heating system service are different jobs. A wall furnace service typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. A ducted heating system service takes 60 to 90 minutes. The additional time and the additional scope of checks, filter inspection, duct integrity, zone controller calibration, makes ducted system servicing more expensive than wall furnace servicing.
The age and condition of the heater
A heater that has been regularly serviced and is in good condition takes less time to service than one that has not been attended in five years and is heavily soiled. In extreme cases, a very dirty or poorly maintained heater may require additional time that affects the final price.
Whether additional repairs are required
A routine annual service is priced as a service. If we identify a fault during the service, a failing thermocouple, a blocked pilot jet, a cracked heat exchanger, the repair work is priced separately and quoted upfront before we start. You never receive a repair invoice without approving the price first.
The provider
Not all gas fitters charge the same rates. Be wary of very low prices: a $79 gas heater service is almost certainly not including a proper CO combustion test, a heat exchanger inspection and a written service record. These are not optional extras. They are the most important parts of the job.
Gas Heater Service Costs in Melbourne: The Real Numbers
Standard Wall Furnace or Space Heater Service
This covers a single gas heater: a Rinnai Energysaver, Vulcan wall furnace, Pyrox panel heater or similar wall-mounted or freestanding gas heater.
Indicative price range: $150 to $220
Included in this price
- Full burner clean and inspection
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Flue check
- Gas pressure test and leak check
- Pilot light and ignition inspection and test
- Thermocouple inspection and test
- Thermostat calibration
- Carbon monoxide combustion test
- Written service record
Ducted Gas Heating System Service
This covers a ducted gas heating main unit: Braemar, Brivis, Rinnai, Bonaire or similar.
Indicative price range: $200 to $280
Included in this price
- Return air filter inspection and clean
- Burner clean and inspection
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Flue and combustion air pathway inspection
- Gas pressure test
- Ignition system inspection and test
- Fan motor inspection
- Capacitor check
- Zone controller calibration check
- Carbon monoxide combustion test
- Written service record
Second Heater Serviced in the Same Visit
When we are already at your property and you have a second gas heater to service, the second heater is serviced at a discounted rate. Ask about our second heater pricing when you book.
Gas Heater Repair Costs in Melbourne
Service and repair are different. A service is preventive maintenance. A repair is fault resolution. Here are the most common repairs and their indicative costs.
| Repair Type | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Thermocouple replacement | $150 to $210 |
| Pilot assembly clean and service | $130 to $190 |
| Ignition module replacement | $200 to $300 |
| Fan motor capacitor replacement | $180 to $250 |
| Flexible gas hose replacement | $99 to $180 |
| Pressure relief valve replacement (hot water) | $180 to $250 |
| Gas valve replacement | By quote after diagnosis |
| PCB replacement | By quote after diagnosis |
These prices include labour. Parts are included where specified.
All repairs are quoted at a fixed price before we start. You never approve a repair without knowing the full cost.
What You Should Expect to Get for Your Money
This is where the real comparison matters. Not all gas heater services are equal. Here is what a proper gas heater service should always include regardless of who you book it with.
A carbon monoxide combustion test: non-negotiable
A CO test uses calibrated combustion analysis equipment to measure the CO concentration in the flue gases from your heater. It is the single most important safety check in a gas heater service and it cannot be done with a basic domestic CO alarm or a visual inspection. If the service you are quoted does not explicitly include a CO test, ask why.
A gas pressure test
A gas pressure test checks that the gas system has no leaks. It involves pressurising the system and monitoring for pressure loss. This takes only a few minutes with the right equipment and identifies micro-leaks that are undetectable by smell. If a service does not include a pressure test, it is not a complete safety inspection.
A written service record
You should receive a written document after every service confirming what was done, what was found and the results of all safety tests. This is your maintenance record, your warranty evidence and your rental compliance documentation if required.
Honest advice on the heater's condition
A good gas fitter will tell you honestly if your heater is approaching the end of its serviceable life, if a component is showing early signs of failure or if there is a fault that requires repair. You should not be pressured into unnecessary repairs, but you should be informed when your heater requires attention.
How to Avoid Overpaying or Underpaying
Avoid the cheapest option without understanding what it includes
A $79 gas heater service almost certainly means a visual inspection and a tick of a box. CO testing requires calibrated equipment and takes time. A thorough burner clean takes time. If the price seems too good to be true for what is described, it probably is.
Avoid hourly rate pricing
An hourly rate plus call-out fee creates incentives to take longer. A fixed-price quote means you know exactly what you are paying before anyone lifts a spanner.
Ask what is included
Before booking, ask specifically whether the service includes a CO combustion test, a gas pressure test and a written report. These are the three minimum standards for a professional gas heater service.
Compare like for like
Compare fixed-price, all-inclusive quotes against each other. Do not compare an all-inclusive quote against a base price that excludes CO testing and the written report.
Gas Experts Melbourne Pricing Commitment
Every Gas Experts Melbourne service is quoted at a fixed price before we start. What we quote is what you pay. No call-out fee when you book online. Pensioner discount of 10% for pension and concession card holders.
Every service includes
- CO combustion test no exceptions
- Gas pressure test no exceptions
- Written service record no exceptions
