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Gas appliances and equipment


What to look for when buying a gas appliance

The right appliances

To protect your investment and safety, choose gas appliances that have been certified by the Australian Gas Association (AGA), SAI Global, IAPMO or Global-Mark. Look for the certification label that indicates the appliance meets certain safety standards in its design and manufacture.Appliance retailers are required to only sell appliances that comply with the relevant safety standards, and have been labeled or ‘badged’ to indicate acceptance under current standards.

The right gas

Check the identification plate to find out - if the appliance is suitable for the available gas. If in doubt, check with the appliance retailer, your gas supplier or your licensed gasfitter.

Natural Gas and LP Gas are not the same, and operating an appliance on the wrong type of gas can be hazardous.

If you buy a second-hand appliance, always check the identification plate to ensure it is a certified natural gas or LP Gas appliance, and have it serviced by a licensed gasfitter when installed.

Never connect an LP Gas appliance to a natural gas supply unless it has been converted to run on natural gas – not all LP Gas appliances can be converted to run on natural gas. Conversion of gas appliances at your home from one gas to another must be done by a licensed gasfitter who is endorsed for gas conversion work.


Common appliance problems

Gas appliances need regular servicing because:

  • A burner in a water heater or space heater can become blocked with dust or lint and then soot up the heat exchanger and flue passageways,
  • Air filters, air passageways and fans can become blocked or limited by lint and dust, leading to overheating and burner problems, and
  • Safety controls can wear out and fail.

As appliances age, these problems can become critical.

Annual service for water heaters and space or central heaters is recommended, especially after the first few years. Annual servicing is essential for older appliances in confined spaces, e.g. instantaneous gas water heaters in laundries or hall cupboards (these appliances should be removed from toilets or bathrooms).Always follow the manufacturer’s service plan. Make sure the service person is qualified (a licensed gasfitter or factory trained registered gasfitter). Keep a note on the appliance of the service date.