Quick Answer
Service ducted heating in March-April (before June peak). Check filters, inspect ductwork, test thermostat, and book a professional service if your system is 5+ years old. Pre-winter servicing avoids emergency call-out fees ($300-500+) and ensures your system runs at full efficiency when Melbourne temperatures drop.
What You’ll Need
- Replacement air filters (check your system model — Bunnings, Mitre 10, Reece)
- Vacuum with hose attachment (inspecting ducts)
- Torch or LED headlamp (inspecting ducts)
- Thermostat batteries if wireless — check system manual
About This Problem in Melbourne
Melbourne’s winter (June–August) puts peak stress on ducted heating systems. Pre-winter servicing ensures your system runs efficiently when you need it most. SE Melbourne suburbs like Berwick, Pakenham, and Cranbourne experience cold snaps that can push overnight temperatures below 5°C — a failing heater at that point means an expensive emergency call-out.
Step-by-Step Pre-Winter Service
- Schedule service in March–April. Before winter rush and before peak pricing hits in June–July. Most HVAC companies in SE Melbourne book out fast once cold weather hits.
- Replace or clean the air filter. Check it monthly during heating season. Dirty filters reduce efficiency 15-20% and make the system work harder.
- Test your thermostat. Set it to 21°C and verify warm air flows from all vents within 5 minutes. Replace thermostat batteries if wireless.
- Visually inspect accessible ductwork. Use a torch in the ceiling cavity to look for disconnected ducts, obvious leaks, or blockages. Don’t enter the roof space if you’re not comfortable working at height.
- Clear supply and return vents. Vacuum dust from all floor and ceiling vents. Ensure furniture isn’t blocking any vents.
- Book a professional service if the system is 5+ years old. An HVAC technician will clean the heat exchanger, check gas pressure, lubricate moving parts, and certify safety—jobs that can’t be done DIY.
- Note any unusual smells or sounds during first use. A burnt dust smell on first ignition is normal. Ongoing burning smells, banging, or grinding noises need professional attention.
- Check the pilot light or ignition (if accessible). On older systems, a pilot light that won’t stay lit indicates a thermocouple issue requiring a licensed gas fitter.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| System won’t turn on | Thermostat battery, tripped breaker, or gas supply | Replace batteries, check switchboard, verify gas supply |
| Burning smell on startup | Dust on heat exchanger from summer | Normal for first use — clears after 10-15 minutes |
| Persistent burning smell | Foreign object in system or electrical issue | Turn off immediately. Call HVAC technician. |
| System runs but no heat | Ignition failure or gas pressure issue | Call licensed gas fitter |
| Uneven heating between rooms | Damper or duct issue | Check vents open; book system balance service |
When to Call a Professional
Always call a licensed HVAC technician for: gas component inspection (heat exchanger, burner, gas valve), duct cleaning beyond accessible areas, electrical fault diagnosis, and systems over 10 years old showing reduced efficiency. In Victoria, gas appliance servicing must be done by a licensed gasfitter. Service cost: $150-250 for a standard annual service.
Safety Notes
Tips & Gotchas
- Service in March–April — before winter rush and before peak pricing in June–July.
- Check filter every 1-3 months during heating season. Dirty filters reduce efficiency 15-20%.
- Annual professional service extends system lifespan by 5-10 years.
- Keep service receipts — many systems have warranty tied to maintenance records.
- Don’t use the wrong filter size. Check the system manual—using oversized/undersized filters bypasses the filter and damages the system.
- Never block supply or return vents. Blocked vents reduce heating effectiveness and can overheat the furnace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service ducted heating?
Annually, ideally in March–April before winter. Older systems (10+ years) benefit from twice-yearly servicing.
What does a ducted heating service cost?
Standard service: $150-250. Including repairs or duct cleaning: $300-600+. Emergency call-outs: $300-500+.
Can I replace the filter myself?
Yes — a simple DIY job. Buy the correct filter size, turn off the system, slide out the old filter, insert the new one with arrows pointing toward the unit.
What’s normal heating efficiency?
Modern systems: 85-95% efficiency. Older systems: 70-80%. Annual servicing improves efficiency by 5-10%. Replace if efficiency drops below 70%.
Local Resources (SE Melbourne)
- Bunnings (Southland, Frankston) — HVAC filters, replacement parts, basic tools
- Mitre 10 — Furnace filters, ductwork tape, supplies
- Reece Plumbing — Heating equipment, supplies, technician referrals
- Victorian Building Authority — Verify HVAC technician licensing
