Space Heater Maintenance: The Importance of Cleaning Your Filters

Space heaters are a popular way to keep specific rooms in your home warm during Melbourne’s colder months—especially when you want to avoid heating the entire house. But while they’re convenient and cost-effective, they also require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently. One of the most important maintenance tasks? Cleaning the filter.

Just like ducted systems, space heaters draw in air from your room, heat it, and push it back out. This process relies on clean airflow, and a clogged or dusty filter can significantly hinder performance, drive up energy costs, and even create a safety risk.

What Does the Filter in a Space Heater Do?

The filter in a gas space heater captures dust, lint, and airborne particles before they reach the internal heating components. This not only helps to improve indoor air quality, but also prevents the build-up of debris on key components such as burners and fans, which could otherwise lead to overheating or fire hazards.

If left uncleaned, a filter can become a major problem. Here’s what happens when a filter gets too dirty:

• Restricted airflow, making the heater work harder and longer
  
• Reduced heat output, leading to colder rooms and uneven heating
  
• Higher gas usage, increasing your energy bills unnecessarily
  
• Overheating or system shutdown, as the heater can no longer safely operate
  
• Increased wear and tear, leading to costly repairs or early replacement

How Often Should You Clean Your Space Heater Filter?

The answer depends on how often you use the heater and the environment it’s in. As a general rule:

• Check the filter every 1–2 months during winter
  
• Clean it at least once a season
  
• Increase frequency if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area
  
  

Some space heaters have disposable filters, while others are reusable. Be sure to check your model’s manual for cleaning guidelines.

How to Clean a Space Heater Filter

Before you start, always turn off the heater and allow it to cool completely. Then:

1. Locate the filter—typically found behind a cover on the front or side of the heater.
   
2. Remove the filter carefully.
   
3. If it’s reusable, vacuum any dust or debris off, then rinse it with warm, soapy water.
   
4. Allow it to dry completely before reinserting it into the heater.
   
5. If it’s disposable, replace it with a filter of the same size and rating.

If the filter looks damaged, extremely dirty, or discoloured, it’s time for a replacement—regardless of whether it’s reusable.

Why Professional Servicing Is Still Essential

While filter cleaning is something you can do yourself, we recommend scheduling a professional service annually to ensure:

• Your heater is operating safely
  
• Burners and ignition systems are clean and functioning properly
  
• There are no gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks
  
• The unit is performing at optimal efficiency
  
  

At Pro-Action Plumbing, we provide full space heater servicing, including safety checks and carbon monoxide testing, throughout Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Whether you’re in Croydon, Doncaster, Lilydale, or Ringwood, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning the filter in your space heater is a simple task that makes a big difference. It keeps your heater efficient, reduces your energy costs, improves air quality, and helps prevent safety issues. Combined with professional servicing, it’s one of the best ways to ensure your heater performs reliably when you need it most.

Book your heater service with Pro-Action Plumbing today and enjoy a safer, warmer winter.