As Melbourne heads into the colder months, the last thing you want is your heating system giving up on you halfway through July. The good news? A bit of basic maintenance goes a long way — and most of it you can do yourself.
Here’s what to check before winter really bites, and when it’s worth calling in the team.
1. Clean or replace your filters
This is the single biggest thing you can do for your system’s performance. A clogged filter makes your unit work harder, costs more to run, and shortens its lifespan.
Split systems and ducted units: pull out the filters and give them a rinse under the tap. Let them dry completely before putting them back in.
Most filters should be cleaned every 4–6 weeks during heavy use. If yours look damaged or are past saving, replace them — it’s a cheap fix.
2. Check your vents and registers
Walk through your home and make sure nothing’s blocking your vents — furniture, curtains, and rugs are common culprits. Blocked vents reduce airflow and put extra pressure on the whole system.
Give them a wipe down with a damp cloth while you’re at it. Dust build-up around vents can affect air quality and efficiency, especially if anyone in the house has allergies.
3. Test your system before you actually need it
Don’t wait for the first cold snap to find out your heater isn’t working. Fire it up on a mild day, run it through its settings, and check:
- Is it heating evenly?
- Any unusual smells?
- Any strange noises like rattling, clicking, or grinding?
If something doesn’t seem right, it’s much easier to get it sorted now than in the middle of a cold snap when everyone else is also calling for help.
4. Check your thermostat settings
A lot of people run their heating harder than they need to. Setting your thermostat between 18–20°C is the sweet spot for comfort without blowing your energy bill. Every degree above that can add around 10% to your running costs.
If your thermostat is old or not holding temperature well, it might be time for an upgrade. Smart thermostats can make a real difference — they learn your routine, let you control things remotely, and take the guesswork out of keeping your home comfortable.
5. Inspect the outdoor unit
If you have a split system, head outside and check the outdoor unit. Clear away any leaves, debris, or overgrown plants — the unit needs good airflow to work properly. Don’t hose it down yourself, but a visual check and tidy-up around it is easy to do and makes a difference.
When to call in the professionals
DIY maintenance keeps things ticking along, but there are times when you need a qualified technician:
- The system isn’t heating properly even with clean filters
- You’re noticing ice build-up, water leaks, or refrigerant smells
- The unit is making unusual noises or tripping the circuit breaker
- It’s been more than 2–3 years since a proper service
Our team services and installs heating and cooling systems across Melbourne — whether it’s a tune-up, a repair, or a full replacement.
Thinking about upgrading?
If your current system is ageing or your bills are climbing, winter is actually a great time to look at a more energy-efficient option.
Ducted reverse cycle systems heat and cool your whole home from a single unit — much more efficient than a mix of portable heaters and old wall units.
Heat pump hot water systems are worth a mention too. If you’re running an old electric hot water system, switching to a heat pump can cut your hot water bill by up to 75%. They work by extracting heat from the air — even in winter — so you’re not paying to generate heat from scratch.
We install and supply energy-efficient heating, cooling, and hot water systems, and can help you figure out what makes sense for your home and budget.
A well-maintained system = lower bills, fewer breakdowns
It doesn’t take much to keep your heating running well through winter. Clean filters, clear vents, and a quick test run now could save you a callout fee later — and keep your energy bills from getting out of hand.