Gas ducted heaters are generally very reliable, but every now and then they can show worrying symptoms. Recently we attended a property in Caroline Springs where the homeowner reported a strong burning smell travelling through the vents, followed by the heater tripping the power safety switch and becoming completely unresponsive to the thermostat.
The system in question was a Brivis gas ducted heater, but it is worth mentioning that similar symptoms can appear across many other brands such as Braemar, Bonaire and Vulcan. We see these types of issues regularly around Taylors Hill, Caroline Springs, Hillside and Burnside Heights.
What Could Cause This Problem?
A heater that trips the safety switch and gives off a burning smell can be caused by a number of things. Sometimes the issue is relatively minor, such as:
- a blown fuse
- a failed capacitor
- loose electrical connections
But in other cases the problem can be more serious, for example:
- a burnt-out fan motor
- damaged wiring
- a faulty control board (PCB)
This is why proper diagnostics are important. Guessing and replacing parts randomly can quickly become expensive and unnecessary.
What We Found
In this particular case the problem was quite obvious once the heater was opened. The main printed circuit board (PCB) had a large burnt charcoal mark on it, which explained both the burning smell and the power safety switch tripping.
However, replacing a damaged PCB is not always a guaranteed fix. Sometimes a control board fails because another component has already shorted or malfunctioned. Installing a new board without checking the rest of the system can result in the same problem happening again.
Because of that, we carried out a full inspection of the electrical components, wiring, and safety devices within the heater to make sure there was no underlying fault that caused the PCB to fail.
The Repair
Fortunately for the homeowner, this time the PCB itself was the only component that needed replacement.
After installing the new control board, the heater started responding to the thermostat again and the system fired up normally.
While on site we also carried out several additional checks and maintenance steps:
- tested the heater for natural gas leaks
- checked for carbon monoxide spillage into the room air
- cleaned internal components including the fan motor and burner assembly
- sealed a gap around the flue pipe that was allowing water from the roof to enter
With everything cleaned, serviced, and tested, the heater was safely back up and running the same day.
Back to Warm and Comfortable
The system was repaired, serviced and safety tested in a single visit, and the home in Caroline Springs had reliable heating again.
If your gas ducted heater is producing a burning smell, tripping the safety switch, or refusing to respond to the thermostat, it is best to have it properly checked before the issue becomes more serious.
We regularly service and repair ducted heaters in Caroline Springs, Taylors Hill, Hillside, Burnside Heights and surrounding suburbs. If you are experiencing similar problems, get in touch and we will help get it sorted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my gas ducted heater smell like something is burning?
A burning smell can be caused by several things including dust buildup, electrical component failure, or a damaged circuit board. If the smell is strong or accompanied by the heater shutting down or tripping power, the system should be inspected by a professional.
Why does my heater trip the safety switch when it starts?
When a heater trips the safety switch it usually means there is an electrical fault such as a short circuit, damaged wiring, or a failed component like a PCB or fan motor.
Can a gas ducted heater PCB be replaced?
Yes, in many cases the control board can be replaced. However, the rest of the system should always be checked to make sure another faulty component did not cause the PCB to fail in the first place.
