Ducted Heating Service & Repairs Essendon
ExtrordinAir Heating and Cooling has been servicing, repairing and replacing gas ducted heating systems across Essendon, Essendon West, Essendon Fields and the north-western suburbs since 2003.
Many Essendon homes were built in the 1950s through 1970s, with original ducted gas heating systems installed during construction or added later. These older brick veneer and weatherboard homes often have under floor ductwork with floor registers, while more recent installations tend to use ceiling mounted units. We understand the quirks of heating systems in this area, including common issues with older ductwork, access challenges in period homes, and the dust and pollen buildup that comes with Essendon’s established tree lined streets.
We specialise in all gas ducted heating brands including Brivis, Bonaire, Braemar, Vulcan, Pyrox and older Omega and Stadt units. We also look after gas wall furnaces (balanced flue and console models) throughout the same area.
Fully licensed (ARCtick AU29403) and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (BPC 43459), every service includes a full safety check and carbon monoxide test as standard.
How Ducted Gas Heating Works
A ducted gas heating system draws cold air from your home through a return air grille, passes it over a gas fired heat exchanger, and distributes the warmed air through insulated ductwork to outlets in each room. The process is controlled by a thermostat that monitors room temperature and signals the heater to cycle on or off as needed.
When the thermostat calls for heat, a gas valve opens and the burner ignites. The heat exchanger warms up and a fan pushes air across it, sending heated air through your ducts. Combustion gases are safely vented outside through a flue, which is why regular inspection of the heat exchanger and flue is essential for safe operation.
Most Essendon homes with ducted gas heating have either a roof mounted unit with ceiling outlets or an under floor unit with floor registers. The location affects how dust and debris accumulate, which is why our service approach varies depending on your system configuration.
When Does Your Ducted Gas Heater Need Professional Servicing?
Common signs we see every winter in Essendon homes:
- Heater blows cold air or only lukewarm air
- Pilot light keeps going out or won’t light at all
- Strange smells (especially burning dust at the start of winter)
- Loud banging, humming or rattling from the unit or ducts
- Error codes or constant lock-outs (eg Brivis 30–60 codes, Bonaire 01–08)
- High gas bills with no change in usage
- Soot around registers or a yellow flame instead of blue
If you notice any of these, turn the system off and give us a call the same day.
What’s Included in a Professional Ducted Heating Service?
Our comprehensive ducted gas heating service covers every component that affects safety, efficiency, and reliability. We recommend servicing your gas heater every 12 to 24 months, with annual servicing ideal for older units or homes with heavy tree coverage like many properties in Essendon and Essendon North.
Burner and Heat Exchanger Inspection
- Full visual inspection of heat exchanger for cracks, corrosion, or damage
- Clean burners and remove any dust or debris buildup
- Check flame colour and pattern (should be blue, not yellow)
- Inspect and clean flue for blockages or deterioration
Ignition System
- Test and clean pilot assembly (older units) or hot surface igniter (modern units)
- Check flame sensor operation and clean if required
- Verify ignition sequence and timing
Gas Supply and Controls
- Test and adjust gas pressure to manufacturer specifications
- Inspect gas valve operation
- Test all safety limit switches and controls
- Check thermostat calibration and operation
Airflow and Distribution
- Inspect inducer motor and main fan operation
- Clean or replace return air filter
- Check ductwork connections for leaks or disconnections
- Inspect outlets and registers for blockages
Safety Testing
- Carbon monoxide testing at multiple points inside your home
- Combustion analysis to verify safe and efficient operation
- Full written safety report provided on completion
- Recommendations for any repairs or safety concerns identified
A standard gas heater service takes 60 to 90 minutes and costs from $330 including GST for most Essendon homes. Pricing may vary for double storey properties, larger commercial grade heaters, or units with many outlets. If you have a gas wall furnace needing servicing, please contact us for a quote.
Important Safety Information – Signs of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the most critical safety component in your ducted gas heater. It separates the combustion gases from the air circulating through your home. A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your living spaces, which is why we include a heat exchanger inspection in every service.
Warning signs that may indicate a cracked heat exchanger:
- Yellow or flickering flame instead of a steady blue flame
- Soot or black marks around the heater, registers, or on walls near outlets
- Strong or unusual smell when the heater is running
- Headaches, nausea, or flu like symptoms that improve when you leave the house
- Visible cracks, rust, or corrosion on the heat exchanger (if accessible)
- The heater frequently shuts down or locks out
If you notice any of these signs, turn off your heater immediately and contact us for an inspection. A cracked heat exchanger cannot be repaired and the unit must be isolated until replaced.
Ducted Heating Brands We Service in Essendon
Our technicians service and repair all ducted gas heating brands installed in Essendon homes. We carry common parts for the most popular systems and can source components for older or discontinued models where available.
Brivis
Brivis is one of the most common ducted heating brands in Melbourne. We service all Brivis models including the Buffalo, Wombat, and StarPro series. Common issues include error codes 30 to 60 (ignition and flame sensor faults), failed PCB boards, and inducer motor failures. Brivis parts remain readily available for most models manufactured in the last 20 years. Learn more about Brivis troubleshooting here.
Braemar
Braemar gas ducted heaters including the Supernova and TQS series are known for their efficiency. We service all Braemar models and commonly replace flame sensors, gas valves, and control boards. Like Bonaire, Braemar is still in production and parts are available for current and recent models.
Bonaire
Bonaire ducted heaters are popular throughout Essendon, particularly the MB series and Integra models. We regularly repair Bonaire error codes 01 to 08, which typically indicate ignition failures, blocked flues, or safety switch activations. Bonaire is still manufactured in Australia, so parts availability is generally good.
Vulcan
Vulcan stopped manufacturing heating systems around 2000, but many Essendon homes still have working Vulcan units including the CX90, Powerhouse, and MB series. We can service these systems and perform repairs where parts are available. Some components can be cross matched with Bonaire equivalents. If your Vulcan heater is beyond economical repair, we can advise on replacement options.
Stadt
Stadt gas ducted heaters were popular in Melbourne homes through the 1980s and 1990s but have been discontinued for many years. Parts availability is limited. We can service and assess Stadt units, and if repairs are uneconomical, we can advise on replacement options including VEU rebated upgrades to reverse cycle systems.
Pyrox
Pyrox ducted heaters were manufactured by Email and later Electrolux before the brand was discontinued. Parts availability is limited, but we can still service Pyrox heaters and advise whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation.
Omega
Omega gas ducted heaters were a common choice in Melbourne homes but the brand has been discontinued for many years. Parts availability is limited and becoming harder to source. We can service and assess Omega units, and if repairs are uneconomical, we can advise on replacement options including VEU rebated upgrades to reverse cycle systems.
Common Ducted Heating Repairs We Carry Out in Essendon
After 20+ Melbourne winters we’ve seen every fault. The repairs we perform most often are:
- Faulty hot-surface igniter – Cracks with age, prevents ignition (Brivis/Bonaire/Braemar)
- Failed inducer/draught motor – Noisy or seized, causes lock-out
- Gas valve or solenoid failure – No gas reaches the burners
- Cracked heat exchanger – Dangerous carbon monoxide risk, unit must be isolated
- Control board (PCB) failure – Usually after power surges or water ingress
- Flame sensor dirty or failed – System lights then shuts down after 5–10 seconds
- Blocked or collapsed flue – Bird nests or possums in roof spaces
We will test your heating system first to find out exactly what the problem is. Small fixes such as fuses are included and can usually be fixed on the spot. For larger repairs, we will quote you for a replacement part before going ahead.
Is It Worth Repairing My Heating or Replacing It?
Some older units (especially pre-2008 non-condensing models) cost more to run and repair than a modern replacement saves in the first few years.
Under the current Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, most Essendon homes can receive up to $5,530 in rebates when upgrading an old ducted gas heater to a high-efficiency ducted reverse-cycle system.
If you have evaporative cooling installed in your Essendon home and prefer to keep your gas heating, we can change over your main unit, and will re-use any ductwork and connections still in good condition.
If your repair quote is over $1,500–$2,000 on a 15+ year-old heater, it’s usually worth getting a free upgrade appraisal. Talk to our friendly team for a no obligation quote to install a new ducted heating system.
Essendon’s mix of heritage homes, mid century brick veneers, and newer townhouses means we encounter a wide variety of heating system installations. Period homes around Mount Alexander Road often have original floor duct systems that need careful inspection. The family homes throughout Essendon North and toward Strathmore frequently have 15 to 25 year old Brivis or Bonaire units that benefit from annual servicing. We tailor our approach based on your home and system type.
What Locals Have to Say About ExtrordinAir
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should ducted heating be serviced in Essendon homes?
Every 2 years is the legal minimum for carbon monoxide safety, but we recommend every winter (12 months) for reliability and efficiency. This is particularly important in older Essendon homes with heavy tree pollen.
How much does a ducted heating service cost in Essendon?
Our fixed-price service starts from $330 incl. GST and is applicable for most homes, with no extra charges. As pricing is subject to change and access and heater size may affect this, please double check with our staff on booking.
How much does ducted heating repair cost?
Ducted heating repair costs vary depending on the fault and parts required. Minor repairs like flame sensor cleaning or fuse replacement are often included in the service fee. Component replacements such as igniter modules range between cost $250 to $450 including labour. Larger repairs like inducer motors or control boards range from $500 to $900. We always provide a quote before proceeding with any repair work.
How do I know if my ducted heater needs replacing?
Consider replacing your ducted gas heater if it is over 20 years old, requires frequent repairs, has a cracked heat exchanger, or costs more than half the price of a new unit to repair. Rising energy bills despite regular servicing can also indicate declining efficiency. Our technicians can assess your system and provide honest advice on whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Why does my ducted heater smell at the start of winter?
Dust that has settled on the heat exchanger over summer burns off the first few times you run it. A ducted heating service removes almost all of this.
Is gas ducted heating being phased out in Victoria?
The Victorian Government is encouraging a transition away from gas heating through programs like the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, which offers rebates of up to $5,530 for replacing gas ducted heating with efficient electric reverse cycle systems. New homes in Victoria can no longer connect to gas. However, existing gas heaters can still be serviced, repaired, and replaced. If you are considering switching to electric ducted heating, we can explain your options.
Can old ducted heating be converted to reverse-cycle cooling?
Converting ducted gas heating to electric heating and cooling isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It depends on the model of your heating system and the size of the ductwork. Some may be too small to push out the volume of cool air needed. See our post on using heating ducts for air conditioning for a further explanation.
Is carbon monoxide testing included in a ducted heating service?
Yes, every gas heating service we perform includes electronic carbon monoxide testing inside your Essendon home.
What does a ducted heating service include?
A professional ducted heating service includes cleaning the burners and heat exchanger, inspecting and cleaning the flue, testing the ignition system, checking gas pressure, inspecting the fan and motor, replacing or cleaning the return air filter, testing all safety controls, and performing carbon monoxide testing throughout your home. You receive a written safety report via email after completion of the job.
ExtrordinAir Services All Locations Around Essendon & Essendon West
From our base at 32 Parer Road in Airport West, we are just minutes from Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, and Essendon Fields. We also service nearby suburbs including Strathmore, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Aberfeldie, Niddrie, Keilor East, Pascoe Vale South, and Brunswick West. Whether your home is near the Essendon Golf Club, the Maribyrnong River trails, or anywhere in between, we can have a technician to you quickly.
Ready to Book Your Ducted Heating Service or Repair?
Call our local Airport West team on 1800 384 988 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm) or complete the contact form on this page. We’ll be in touch within 24 hours.
