As the cooler months approach in Australia, it is time to prepare your home for winter comfort. One of the most important steps in that process is ensuring your heating system is ready to perform at its best. Whether you rely on a gas ducted heater or a split system, regular maintenance is essential for efficiency, safety, and peace of mind. Waiting until the cold sets in to find out your heater isn’t working properly can be inconvenient, costly, and even dangerous. This month, we look at five key signs that indicate your heating system may need heater maintenance servicing before winter hits—and why addressing these early could save you money, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home warm all season long.
1. Strange Noises or Smells Coming from Your Heater
Heaters, especially older ones, can develop odd sounds or smells over time. If your heating system starts making unusual noises such as banging, clunking, whirring, or screeching, it could be a sign of mechanical issues. These sounds might indicate worn-out bearings, loose components, or a failing blower motor.
Likewise, if you notice unusual odours when your heater is running—such as a musty, burning, or gas-like smell—it could mean dust build-up, overheating parts, or even a potential gas leak and or carbon monoxide leakage in the case of ducted gas heaters.
Any of these issues warrant immediate attention from a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring them could lead to further damage or a complete breakdown, especially when you need the system most.
2. Uneven Heating or Weak Airflow
If some rooms in your home are significantly warmer or colder than others, or if the airflow feels weak even when the system is on high mode, your heater may not be distributing warm air effectively. This can be caused by clogged air filters, blocked ducts, or problems with the fan or motor. Weak airflow means your heater is working harder to try and maintain the set temperature, which can result in higher energy bills and added strain on the unit. A service technician can diagnose the problem and restore balanced, efficient airflow before winter arrives.
3. Your Energy Bills Have Increased Unexpectedly
If you have noticed a spike in your energy bills that doesn’t correspond with your usage, your heating system may be to blame. Over time, wear and tear on components, clogged filters, or outdated parts can cause your system to lose efficiency. Even small issues, like a slightly misaligned fan or dirty heat exchanger, can cause your heater to work harder and use more energy. This results in higher operating costs and puts your system at risk of premature failure.
Having your heater serviced before winter ensures all parts are running optimally. A well-maintained system uses less energy, which not only reduces your power bills but also lightens your carbon footprint— which is a win-win for your wallet and the environment.
4. The Thermostat Isn’t Working Properly
Your thermostat is the command centre of your heating system. If it’s not reading the temperature accurately or if there are delays in the system responding to your settings, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat. A faulty thermostat can lead to overheating, underheating, or the system cycling on and off frequently. This not only creates an uncomfortable indoor environment but also adds unnecessary wear on the heater itself. During a service, an HVAC technician will test your thermostat to ensure it is calibrated correctly and communicating effectively with your heating system.
5. It Has Been More Than a Year Since Your Last Service
Even if your heater seems to be running fine, if it hasn’t been serviced in over a year, it is time to book a check-up. Regular servicing is essential for maintaining efficiency, extending the life of the unit, and identifying minor issues before they become major problems.
For Australian homes, it’s especially important to service heaters annually due to the dust, allergens, and seasonal temperature fluctuations that can affect performance. Gas heaters, in particular, require annual inspection to check for carbon monoxide leaks and ensure safe operation.
A typical heater service includes cleaning filters and internal components, checking electrical connections, testing thermostat accuracy, inspecting the heat exchanger, and ensuring safe gas pressure levels. Skipping this yearly tune-up can result in system inefficiency, reduced heating capacity, or unexpected breakdowns in the middle of winter.
Do You Need Heater Maintenance Servicing?
Look no further than Professionair for your heater maintenance servicing needs. As the winter months approach, it is important to invest in servicing for your heater ahead of time. Don’t wait until the temperature drops, contact Professionair’s licensed heating specialists to schedule a service for your heating system.
Contact us by calling 04 300 48 300 or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you.
