Posted by Orin Trask
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This tool calculates your recommended inspection frequency based on New Zealand regulations and industry best practices.
When it comes to gas appliances, timing isn’t just a suggestion - it’s a safety rule and a legal requirement in New Zealand. Getting the right check schedule can prevent leaks, carbon‑monoxide poisoning, and costly repairs. Below we break down exactly how often each common appliance should be inspected, what the law says, and how you can spot trouble before the fitter even arrives.
Gas appliance is a device that uses natural gas or LPG to produce heat or energy for cooking, heating water, space heating, or powering other household functions. Typical examples include boilers, hot‑water heaters, gas stoves, gas fires, and outdoor heaters.
Gas burns cleanly only when the fuel‑air mixture, combustion chamber, and exhaust pathways are in good shape. Over time, wear, corrosion, and dust can throw that balance off, leading to incomplete combustion. The result? Reduced efficiency, higher bills, and a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide (CO). Regular checks keep the system operating safely and efficiently.
Under the Gas Act 1992 and the Building Code (G12 - Combustible Gas), any gas installation must be serviced by a licensed gasfitter. The law mandates a safety check at least once every five years for all fixed‑installation gas appliances. However, the <Gas Safe Register guidelines advise annual inspections for high‑risk units such as boilers and gas fires.
| Appliance | Legal Minimum | Industry Best Practice | Key Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler (hot‑water or central heating) | Every 5years | Annually | Fluctuating pressure, strange noises, yellow flame, water leakage |
| Hot‑water cylinder with gas burner | Every 5years | Every 2years | Longer heating times, rusty water, pilot light issues |
| Gas stove or oven | Every 5years | Every 3years | Uneven flames, sputtering, odor when igniting |
| Gas fire (wood‑burning alternative) | Every 5years | Annually | Discolored flames, excess soot, loud clicking |
| Outdoor gas heater | Every 5years | Every 2years | Weak flame, rust on gas pipe, gas smell after use |
| Gas‑powered clothes dryer | Every 5years | Every 3years | Dryer takes longer, frequent shut‑offs, odour |
A licensed gasfitter will run through a checklist that touches on at least six core components:
These steps protect you from hidden hazards and keep the appliance running at peak efficiency, which can shave 5‑15% off your gas bill.
Even with a perfect schedule, you might notice something off. Here’s a short cheat‑sheet you can keep on the fridge:
You don’t need a licence for routine care, but a few simple steps can keep the fitter’s job easier:
Not every plumber can work on gas. Look for these credentials:
When you call, ask for a written quote that includes the inspection, any cleaning, and a report of findings. That record is crucial if you later need to claim insurance or prove compliance to a landlord.
Average fees in Wellington for a standard gas appliance inspection range from NZ$120 to NZ$200 per unit. Boiler checks tend to be on the higher end because they involve more components. If you schedule multiple appliances in one visit, many fitters will offer a bundle discount - often 10‑15% off the total.
Once the fitter hands you the report, follow these steps:
Yes. New Zealand law requires a licensed gasfitter to perform a safety check at least once every five years for all fixed gas appliances. Skipping this can void insurance and breach the Building Code.
You can use a soap‑water solution on visible joints to spot bubbling, but any suspected leak should be handled by a licensed gasfitter. DIY repairs are illegal and dangerous.
All gasfitters are licensed tradespeople, but only those with a specific gas‑fit licence can work on gas pipework and appliances. Plumbers may handle water fittings but not gas unless they hold the extra certification.
Press the test button - the alarm should sound immediately. Replace the detector every five years or when the low‑battery chirp starts.
Breaching the Gas Act can lead to fines up to NZ$10,000 and can invalidate homeowner’s insurance. It also poses serious safety risks.
Yes, most fitters will service several appliances in a single visit and often give a discount. Just confirm the total time needed - a full‑size boiler takes longer than a single stove.
Sticking to a sensible inspection schedule isn’t just about ticking a legal box - it’s about keeping your home safe, your bills low, and your peace of mind high. Mark your calendar, keep a record, and call a licensed gasfitter before the next deadline creeps up.