Carbon Monoxide Testing & Gas Heater Safety Checks – Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove & Barwon Heads
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas produced whenever gas is burned. If your gas heater isn’t burning fuel correctly or its flue and ventilation are compromised, CO can build up in living spaces — posing a serious health risk. Regular professional testing is the only reliable way to ensure your home is safe.
At Tomlinson Plumbing, we specialise in carbon monoxide testing and gas heater services & safety checks across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Torquay and Surf Coast, including Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. Michael is appropriately licensed in Type A Gas Appliance Servicing and can carry out thorough inspections and testing to the Australian Standards, so you can enjoy worry-free warmth all year round.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Spillage?
Faulty combustion and blocked flues are among the most common causes of carbon monoxide build-up. If your gas heater isn’t ventilating properly or your appliances haven’t been serviced, the by-products of combustion — including CO — may not exit safely outdoors.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can be subtle, including headaches, nausea, fatigue and dizziness — which is why regular professional testing is essential.
Why Regular Testing Matters
Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it can’t be seen or smelt, and symptoms are easy to mistake for everyday illness until levels become dangerous.
Energy Safe Victoria recommends having all gas heaters and other fuel-burning appliances serviced and tested for carbon monoxide at least every two years.
Regular testing helps:
Detect CO presence before symptoms begin
Confirm your heater and flue are operating safely
Provide peace of mind for you and your family
Keep your system compliant with Australian safety standards
Our Testing & Safety Check Process
When you book a service and safety check with us, we work to a 40-point legislated checklist called an Appendix E, which includes:
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Inspecting your gas heater components (whether that's a gas log fire, ducted heater, wall furnace or space heater)
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Checking combustion performance and looking for signs of incomplete burning
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Testing for carbon monoxide spillage with calibrated instruments
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Providing clear reporting and expert recommendations
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Addressing any safety issues we find (repairs quoted separately)
We’re fully licensed to perform gas appliance safety checks — including the critical Type A Gas Appliance Servicing license required under Victorian regulations — so you know the job is done right.
Signs You Should Book a Test Now
Book a safety check if you notice:
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Yellow or flickering flames instead of a steady blue flame
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Soot or staining around your heater or flue
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Feeling unwell when your heater is on
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An older heater that hasn’t been serviced recently
Even if you don’t see these signs, proactive testing every two years is the safest approach, no matter how old your gas heater is.
Frequently Asked Questions – Carbon Monoxide Testing
Q. How often should carbon monoxide testing be done?
In Victoria, gas heaters and other fuel-burning appliances should be professionally serviced and tested for carbon monoxide at least every two years. If your heater is older, used heavily, or hasn’t been checked in a while, it’s smart to book sooner.
Q. Is carbon monoxide testing really necessary if my heater seems fine?
Yes. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, so dangerous leaks can go unnoticed. Many heaters that appear to be working “normally” can still be producing unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Professional testing is the only reliable way to know your home is safe.
Q. Do I need carbon monoxide testing if I have smoke alarms or CO alarms?
Yes. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are great early-warning devices, but they don’t replace professional testing. A licensed gas fitter can detect problems with combustion, flue performance and ventilation before levels become dangerous or alarms are triggered.
Q. How long does carbon monoxide testing take?
A carbon monoxide test is undertaken as part of a full service and safety check, not on it's own. Most heater services and safety checks take about an hour per heater, depending on the type of system. We’ll explain what we’re checking and let you know straight away if anything needs attention.
Q. What happens if my heater fails a carbon monoxide test?
If unsafe levels are detected, we’ll clearly explain the issue and the safest next steps. In some cases, the heater may need adjustment or repair. If there’s an immediate risk, we’ll advise you to stop using the appliance until it’s made safe — your family’s safety always comes first.
Stay Safe This Winter — Call Today
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Our experienced gas fitters will ensure your heaters are operating safely and efficiently — with comprehensive carbon monoxide testing you can trust.
Call Tomlinson Plumbing on 5261 2422 or contact us online to book your carbon monoxide safety check.
We also service and repair older gas wall furnaces across Geelong, The Bellarine & the Surf Coast.
