When the Melbourne chill eases and the jumpers go back in the cupboard, your heating and hot water gear deserves a proper spring clean. A small amount of attention now can keep energy use in check, improve indoor air quality, and reduce the chance of mid-season breakdowns next winter.
Why post-winter servicing matters
Winter is the hardest time of year on heaters and hot water systems. Filters catch more dust, ducts trap more debris, burners run longer, and storage tanks work overtime. By spring, efficiency is often down and minor faults are waiting to become bigger problems.
A post-winter heating maintenance and hot water service restores performance, picks up safety issues early, and sets you up for a smoother, cheaper year. It is also the ideal time to plan your annual service while technicians are less stretched and parts are easier to source.
The combined checklist at a glance
A single to-do list that covers ducted heating, split systems, and hot water units keeps you organised. Work through the DIY items first, then book a professional if you notice anything off. The sections below outline detailed steps for each system so you can handle the basics with confidence and know when expert help is the right call.
Ducted heating checklist
Start with cleanliness, then check airflow and safety. Ducted heating service tasks you can do yourself are simple but effective.
- Return air grille and filter: Vacuum the grille and clean or replace the filter. A clogged filter makes the blower work harder and raises energy bills. If your system uses a disposable filter, fit a like-for-like replacement. If it is washable, rinse gently and let it dry fully before reinstalling.
- Supply registers: Walk room to room and clear vents of lint, pet hair, and furniture. Good airflow is essential to heating efficiency and a more even temperature.
- Thermostat: Check your schedule. Bump temperatures down a degree or two for spring and summer operation to reduce standby runs.
- Outdoor unit or roof space: Clear leaf litter around external components and ensure access panels are unobstructed.
- Quick visual safety check: Look for damaged duct runs, kinks, or disconnected joins. Listen for rattles and squeals that may signal a worn belt or motor bearing. If you spot signs of vermin in the roof space, organise pest control before the next heating maintenance visit.
Book a professional ducted heating service if: ignition is inconsistent, the flame looks yellow rather than steady blue, there are repeated lockouts, or you smell gas. A licensed technician will test combustion, check heat exchangers for cracks, measure carbon monoxide, confirm duct integrity, and verify electrical safety.
Split system (reverse-cycle) checklist
Split systems collect dust on both indoor and outdoor coils, which lowers efficiency. A careful clean can lift performance and improve air quality.
- Indoor filters: Pop the front cover, remove the mesh filters, and vacuum them. Wash with lukewarm water, dry, and refit. Do not use harsh detergents.
- Coil face: If you can see dust on the aluminium fins, gently brush with a soft paintbrush. Avoid bending the fins.
- Drainage: Pour a small amount of water into the condensate tray and confirm it drains freely through the hose to outside. A blocked drain can cause leaks on your wall.
- Remote and settings: Replace batteries and set a spring mode. Use fan or dehumidify on mild days for better air quality without heavy energy use.
- Outdoor unit: Clear leaves and cobwebs, and keep at least 30 cm of breathing space around the grille.
Book a split system service if: there is a sour smell on start-up, the coil is iced over, airflow is weak even after a filter clean, or the unit struggles to reach setpoint. A professional split system service includes coil chemical cleaning, fan barrel cleaning, drain flush, refrigerant checks, and electrical testing to keep energy bills under control.
Hot water unit checklist
Hot water systems may be gas storage, electric storage, or instantaneous. Each benefits from periodic attention that prevents failures and improves safety.
- Visual check: Inspect for leaks, corrosion, scorch marks, or rust streaks around connections.
- Pressure relief valve: Carefully lift the PTR valve lever for a second to ensure it operates and then returns fully closed. Catch the discharge with a bucket if possible.
- Anode (storage tanks): If your tank is over three years old, note the age and plan an anode check at the next hot water service. A worn anode invites internal corrosion.
- Thermostat setting: For storage units, confirm the control sits at a safe, compliant setting to prevent scalding and reduce standby losses.
- Clearances: Keep the area around the unit tidy and free of weeds or boxes that can restrict airflow.
Book a hot water service if: recovery time has slowed, water temperature fluctuates, you hear popping from the tank, or the pilot will not stay lit. A licensed technician will check burner condition, flue operation, gas pressures or element resistance, thermostat calibration, anode wear, and valve health.
Air quality benefits of cleaning filters and ducts
Indoor air quality takes a hit during winter as homes stay closed and systems run longer. Filters trap dust, pollen, and fine particles, which is good for lungs but bad for airflow when they are full. Cleaning filters in ducted heating and split systems improves airflow and reduces strain on the blower and fan motors.
It also cuts the recirculation of settled dust, which helps with allergy symptoms and day-to-day comfort. If your home has pets or a smoker, or if you live in an area with high pollen, schedule filter cleaning more often and include extra duct inspections during your annual service.
How preventative maintenance saves money
Preventative maintenance is not busywork. It is a practical way to protect your gear and your budget. Clean filters and coils restore heat transfer, which shortens run times and lowers energy bills. Tight electrical connections reduce heat build-up and extend component life.
Fresh lubricants and correctly tensioned belts prevent premature motor wear. Replacing a ten-dollar capacitor during a routine heating maintenance visit is cheaper than replacing a seized fan motor in the middle of July. For hot water systems, replacing a sacrificial anode on time can add years to a tank’s life and avert a costly emergency replacement.
Final takeaway
Spring is the best time to reset your home’s comfort systems. Clean filters, clear drains, and basic checks are a strong start, but the real gains come from a professional post-winter service that tests safety, restores efficiency, and prevents breakdowns.
Book a combined visit for your ducted heating service, split system service, and hot water service, then set a reminder for the same time next year. You will breathe cleaner air, avoid bill shock, and head into the next season with confidence.