Table Of Contents
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
If the Table of Contents has already caused anxiety, talk to our team of experienced plumbing professionals now. With over 20 years of experience Tropical Coast Plumbing provide the best plumbing service and expert advice in QLD. Plumber in Mackay, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Townsville.
Cleaning A Rinnai Gas Heater Filter
To keep your temperature comfortable during winter, it's necessary to have a heating system. There are various types of heating systems on the market. An excellent example is a gas heating system. Rinnai has one of the most extensive selections of gas heaters available to its customers.
They are highly efficient and can last for an extended period. But, in their long service life, you may encounter issues with your Rinnai heater because of insufficient maintenance or improper usage besides wear and tear on the device over time.
Sometimes, you'll have to call a professional to repair your gas heater. However, an air filter is something you can clean yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide on cleaning your Rinnai gas air filter.
How Does A Heater Air Filter Work?
The primary purpose of a gas air filter is to protect the blower fan from hair, dirt, and other harmful particles that can be absorbed into the heating system. It also increases the quality of air flowing in your house by purifying it.
If your gas air filter becomes clogged, it will flash red. The flashing light indicates that you must clean the filter to enhance airflow. You should note that Rinnai gas heaters do not have pilot lights.
Cleaning Your Rinnai Gas Heater Filter
Dirty air filters affect your Rinnai gas heater conversion rates. Before cleaning your heater, you should not wait for the flashing light error codes to turn on. Also, don't use your Rinnai gas heater with the filter warning on, as it will cause it to overheat. To repair the Rinnai heater's filter flashing light, follow these easy steps to clean your air filters.
Step One: Turn off the heater
You must turn off your Rinnai gas heater before cleaning the air filter. Hit the power button to turn off the device and pull the cord from its outlet.
Step Two: Locate the filter
The next step is to find the filter cover. To achieve this, look at the rear of the gas heater and take off the back panel. Once you've done this, you'll have access to the control panel. You'll have to use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Check about four inches behind the control panel, and you'll find your Rinnai gas heater filter.
Step Three: Pull out the filter
This is the hardest part, so it would be best if you were cautious not to destroy your Rinnai gas heater. Take a step towards the filter, hold it with your hands or another object, and gently pull it out.
Step Four: Clean the filter
The next step is the most crucial in the process: cleaning. It's straightforward to accomplish. Take a vacuum cleaner, turn it on, and then blow it onto the blockage in the filter. The vacuum should be able to clean all the debris.
Step Five: Put everything back
It's time to put everything back in. The first step is to carefully place the filter back into its place. After that, screw the control panel on before switching the device on. After turning the device on, there shouldn't be any flashing red light in your Rinnai heater.
Rinnai Gas Heater Maintenance Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your gas heater works effectively and efficiently.
- Never use solvents to clean any part.
- Never use spray aerosols around the heater.
- Never store flammable materials near the heater.
- Never place any items on or against your Rinnai gas heater.
- Always unplug your heater before cleaning.
- You can use a soft, damp microfibre cloth to clean any part.
Rinnai Australia recommends that inspection and maintenance be carried out every two years. For instance, a damaged power cord or element must be serviced by Rinnai or anyone licensed by Rinnai. Check for contact information on your owner's operation and installation manual to find out more.
Rinnai Error Codes To Look Out For
The Rinnai gas heater comes with a self-diagnostic electronic device to monitor your appliance when starting it up and when in operation. In case of a malfunction, your heater will shut off, indicated by a pair of flashing digits on the digital display.
Each flashing digit is based on the Rinnai model. If you have either the Rinnai Avenger 25, Dynamo 15, Enduro 13, or Blaze 21, here are some error codes concerning the air filter:
- Error code 10: The probable cause is oxygen shortage. You'll have to clean your air filter, ventilate the room or call the service team if it's persistent.
- Error code 14: This could be filter blockage or overheating. Clean the air filter or call the service team if it persists.
You can troubleshoot using the installation instructions manual for other popular portable gas heaters such as:
- Rinnai Avenger 25plus
- Rinnai Granada
- Rinnai Dynamo
- Rinnai Cosyglow
- Rinnai Energysaver plus
- Rinnai Titan
- Rinnai Econoheat
How To Replace Your Air Filter
You may need to completely replace your air filter entirely if cleaning it is insufficient. Here are steps to follow to replace an air filter.
Step One: Find your filter
With your heater turned off, locate the filter cover. Look at the back of the gas heater and remove the back panel to do this. You'll have access to the control panel once you've completed this. To remove the screws, you'll need a screwdriver. You can find your Rinnai heater filter four inches (10cm) beneath the control panel.
Step Two: Find a suitable replacement
The frame of the old filter should reflect the dimension based on the unit's dimension and model. Check your heater's installation manual and user manual to determine the type, size, dimensions, and thickness of the filter you need for your heater.
Step Three: Remove the old filter
If you've got a damaged filter, toss it and get a new one. Clean and replace the filter if it's reusable. Your old filter should have signs showing the direction that air travels to precisely assist in the filter's placement.
Step Four: Secure the new filter in place
Remove the filter from the packing to ensure that air flows through. You should move the filter to ensure the frame's arrows are aligned in the same direction as the old filter. Shut down the panel and then turn on the heater with gas.
Signs Of A Dirty Gas Heater Filter
Your filter could show various signs of needing to be replaced or cleaned. Some of these include:
Takes longer than usual to heat or cool your home
You can quickly notice that the air from your vents is warm or cool, or perhaps it's not as it used to be. A dirty air filter limits the flow of hot air in your house. This means that your Rinnai gas heater will work harder but circulate less air than it would if using a clean air filter.
A rise in electricity bill
Another indicator that the filter isn't functioning correctly is a significant increase in your monthly energy bills. When a filter becomes blocked and impedes airflow, it causes your heating system to use more energy and work harder to circulate air around your home. A simple solution to this issue is to inspect your filter frequently, then clean it or replace it if needed.
Discoloured air filter
If you happen to notice that your gas air filter has been discoloured, it's a clear sign that your gas air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. A dirty air filter reduces the efficiency, creating problems with indoor air quality by hindering airflow.
Your heater may likely wear out, break and eventually fail. The dirt and dust particles are also likely to spread across the air in your home.
Dust and dirt around vents
The accumulation of dirt and dust on or around the gas fittings and direct vent walls could result from a blocked air filter. Dust filters could block the gas supply if you notice that your home is more dusty than usual.
This will also cause physical issues such as allergies, fatigue, headaches, and more. To solve this, first, check the air filter. Changing or cleaning a dirty air filter will improve indoor air quality.
Why Rinnai Gas Heater Filters Get Dirty Often
Here are a few reasons your Rinnai heater filter needs to be cleaned more frequently.
Doors and windows
Keeping your windows and door open allows air to enter your home, along with dirt, dust, and pollen. If done often, opening and closing doors and windows can allow dirt and dust to settle in your home. A simple way of minimising this is by sealing them appropriately, as you can't really regulate windows and doors.
Pets
Animals shed their fur and shed bacteria that furnace filters collect inside them. Brush your pets frequently outside to ensure they don't shed and block your filters with fur.
Smoking
If anyone in your family smokes cigarettes in the home, your filtering system will have a tough time fighting the smoke. Smoke from cigarettes negatively affects the performance of the filters, and you might have to clean them frequently.
Why Clean The Filter In Your Furnace?
Here are some reasons cleaning your furnace's air filter is vital to keep your heating system operating at its best.
Improves air quality
The purpose of an air filter is to absorb dust, dirt, and other debris in the air around your house. A blocked air filter will still catch fine particles. However, less airflow throughout your home affects the air quality. Having a clean air filter will allow air to move faster. If you find dust and dirt around the air vents, it's time to change your air filter.
Also, with a clean or new air filter, the efficiency of your gas heater is improved. With improved airflow in the house, your heater will achieve optimal temperature, hence reducing humidity build-up within the ducts that cause mould growth.
Extends the life of the heater
With a dirty air filter, your gas heater will overwork to draw in enough air to disperse heat throughout the house. For severe issues, your heater's lifespan will be reduced. It's better to clean your air filters every week or replace them after every three months.
Saves you money on your utility bills
Clean air filters don't require the same energy from your heating system to operate as a dirty filter would. The gas furnace will use up more energy and fuel in the process since you're running the fan more times than it typically would.
For electric furnaces, the heating element operates with the fans blazing with full force to warm your home, thus wasting the energy you must pay for.
Saves you unnecessary repair costs
It's funny how not cleaning your air filter can lead you to make unnecessary calls to fix your Rinnai gas heater. For instance, your heater will shut off with a clogged air filter. Cleaning or changing the air filter will stop unnecessary service calls.
Clogged filters increase the likelihood that the motors overheat and eventually fail as they're both working too hard and deprived of airflow to reduce their temperature. To avoid all this, find the operating manual. It'll help you avoid unnecessary calls and costs on simple repairs.
Take Gas Heater Filter Warnings Seriously
It's easy to ignore Rinnai gas heater warnings and fail to perform the required maintenance. This means inspecting your filters before the warning signs and checking your heater to ensure it's working correctly. To improve the efficiency of your heating, ensure that you replace your heater's filters at least every three months.
A gas heating expert can recommend the best air filter for your heating system. Whether it's Everdure gas heaters, Rinnai, or Omega Altise, gas fitters will help you find one that's suited to your needs. This is the best way to prolong your heater's lifespan. To ensure that your gas heaters work flawlessly and to get rid of problems such as flashing warning lights, contact professional services as soon as possible.
Need an Experienced Plumber?
Tropical Coast Plumbing's team of experienced plumbers are here to offer you the best in residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Whether it be gas plumbing, emergency plumbing, blocked toilets, hot water installation or general plumbing, our plumbers know how to get the job done right.