The Annual Heating Tune-Up Checklist Every Melbourne Home Should Follow

Why Every Melbourne Home Needs an Annual Heating Tune-Up

Melbourne winters might not be snowy, but they’re definitely cold, damp and bone-chilling – with temperatures often hovering in the single digits overnight. That’s when your gas ducted heating, split system or ducted reverse-cycle becomes the hero of the house.

An annual heating tune-up is more than a quick look-over. Done properly, it helps to:

• Keep your family safe by checking for carbon monoxide and gas issues

• Prevent mid-winter breakdowns when you rely on your heater the most

• Improve efficiency, so you’re not wasting money on energy bills

• Extend the life of your system and protect warranties

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

1. Easy DIY checks Melbourne homeowners can safely do themselves

2. Professional checks that the licensed team at Boutique Heating & Cooling take care of for you

Boutique Heating & Cooling is based in South East Melbourne and specialises in gas ducted heating, evaporative cooling, split systems, ducted air conditioning and hot water service replacements, so you’re in safe hands from the first cold night to the last.

Before You Start – Important Heating Safety Reminders

Before you touch anything on your heater, a quick safety reminder:

• Do not remove panels or covers from your gas heater or indoor unit

• Do not adjust gas valves, burners or pilot lights yourself

• Do not attempt electrical repairs or open any wiring compartments

• Do not ignore strange smells (like gas or burning) or soot around the heater

All of the above must be handled by a licensed gasfitter or qualified technician. Your role as a homeowner is to keep things tidy and pay attention to how your system is running – not to pull it apart.

If you ever smell gas, feel unwell around the heater, or see obvious damage:

• Turn the heater off

• Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows

• Call a licensed heating technician as soon as possible

Easy Homeowner Checks – Your 10-Minute Pre-Season Heating Checklist

These are simple, safe checks you can do before winter hits to make sure your system is ready. No tools, no technical knowledge required.

1. Walk Around and Check Vents & Returns

• Make sure floor, wall or ceiling vents aren’t covered by rugs, furniture, curtains or toy boxes

• Gently dust or wipe vent covers so air can flow freely

• Check the return air grille (usually a larger vent) isn’t blocked by furniture or clutter

Blocked vents force your system to work harder and can lead to uneven heating and higher running costs.

2. Clear Space Around Your Indoor Heater & Outdoor Unit

For ducted systems, gas heaters and split systems:

• Keep at least a small clear area around the indoor unit – no boxes, clothes or storage piled up nearby

• If you have an outdoor unit (for split or ducted reverse-cycle systems), clear leaves, cobwebs and debris from around it

• Don’t open panels – just ensure the unit can “breathe” and isn’t choked by plants or clutter

3. Turn the Heater On Before it Gets Cold

Don’t wait for the first freezing night to find out there’s a problem.

• Turn your system on and let it run for 10–15 minutes

• Check that warm air is coming from vents

• Watch the controller or thermostat – does it respond when you change the temperature?

• Take note of any error codes or flashing lights

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to book a service now than in the middle of winter.

4. Listen, Look & Smell for Early Warning Signs

While your heater is running, pay attention to:

• Noises: rattling, banging, squealing or a very loud fan

• Visual signs: discoloured vents, soot marks, damaged panels, error codes

• Smells: burning, a strong gas smell, or musty odours from vents

These can be early signs of wear, dust build-up, or more serious issues. If in doubt, turn the system off and book a professional check.

5. Check Accessible Filters (Where Safe)

Many systems have filters you can safely access:

• Split systems usually have a front panel you can open to slide out washable filters

• Ducted systems typically have a return air grille with filter material

If you can reach the filter safely and your user manual says it’s homeowner-serviceable:

• Gently vacuum or wash according to instructions

• Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back

If you’re unsure or the filter is hard to reach, leave it for the technician during your annual tune-up.

6. Do a Comfort Check Around the Home

Walk through your home while the heater is running:

• Are some rooms significantly colder than others?

• Do you feel drafts from windows or gaps under doors?

• Does the system cycle on and off too quickly or run constantly?

These clues help your technician understand whether there are airflow or zoning issues, or if simple draught-proofing could make your home more comfortable.

Heating Tasks Homeowners Should Not Do

It’s tempting to jump on YouTube and “have a go”, but there are certain tasks that should always stay with a licensed professional:

• Opening gas heater panels or combustion chambers

• Adjusting or cleaning burners, heat exchangers or gas valves

• Performing carbon monoxide testing without proper equipment

• Rewiring, bypassing safeties or modifying controls

• Pulling apart ductwork or sealing joints with the wrong materials

DIY on gas or electrical components can be dangerous and may void warranties or insurance. That’s where your professional tune-up comes in.

The Professional Heating Tune-Up Checklist – What Boutique Heating & Cooling Handles

During an annual heating service, a qualified technician from Boutique Heating & Cooling will carry out detailed safety and performance checks that go far beyond visual inspection.

1. Safety & Carbon Monoxide Checks

• Test for carbon monoxide leaks around the heater and in living spaces

• Confirm the heater has adequate ventilation and the room is suitable for the appliance type

• Inspect flues and exhaust paths to ensure combustion gases are safely vented

• Check for gas leaks and confirm everything meets current Victorian safety standards

This is a critical part of protecting your family’s health and should never be skipped.

2. System Health & Performance Testing

Your technician will check how efficiently and reliably your system is operating, including:

• Inspecting burners, heat exchanger and ignition systems

• Checking gas pressure and flame patterns on gas heaters

• Testing fan motors and other moving parts

• Measuring airflow and temperature rise to ensure the system is actually delivering the warmth it should

The aim is to pick up minor issues early, before they become expensive breakdowns.

3. Electrical & Control System Checks

For both gas and reverse-cycle systems, the technician will:

• Inspect wiring connections, terminals and safety devices

• Test the thermostat or controller for accuracy and correct response

• Check any zoning controls or additional sensors if your system is zoned

• Confirm the heater starts, runs and shuts down properly

This enhances both safety and day-to-day reliability.

4. Cleaning & Fine-Tuning Internal Components

Internal cleaning is one of the biggest differences between DIY and professional servicing:

• Cleaning burners, fans, coils and internal compartments where dust builds up

• Cleaning or replacing filters where needed

• Lubricating moving parts where appropriate

• Removing debris and build-up that can affect efficiency, noise levels and reliability

A clean system doesn’t have to work as hard to deliver the same comfort.

5. Ductwork & Air Distribution Checks

For ducted systems, the technician will typically:

• Visually inspect accessible ductwork for tears, crushed sections or disconnections

• Check for air leaks that waste energy and reduce performance

• Make sure outlets and returns are delivering strong, balanced airflow

If there are issues, they’ll explain options for repairs, upgrades or rebalancing.

6. Clear Service Report & Recommendations

At the end of the tune-up, you should expect:

• A clear explanation (in normal language) of what was checked and what was found

• Advice on any urgent repairs or parts nearing the end of their life

• Suggestions for efficiency upgrades, such as better zoning, smart controls or insulation

You’ll walk away knowing your heater is safe, performing properly, and what to plan for in the future.

How Often Should I Service My Heater in Melbourne?

For many Melbourne homes, an annual service is the safest and most efficient choice – especially if:

• You rely heavily on your heater each winter

• You have young children, elderly residents or anyone with respiratory issues

• Your system is older or you’ve noticed changes in performance

For some gas appliances in Victoria (such as those in rental properties), there are legislated service intervals and specific safety obligations. Even if you’re an owner-occupier, following a yearly schedule is considered best practice to keep your heater running safely and efficiently.

If your system is brand new, check your manufacturer’s warranty – regular servicing may be required to keep that warranty valid.

Signs You Shouldn’t Wait Until Your Next Annual Tune-Up

Don’t wait for your next scheduled service if you notice any of the following:

• Smell of gas or ongoing headaches, dizziness or nausea near the heater

• Heater failing to start, frequently switching off, or tripping power

• Cold spots or very uneven heating around the home

• Sudden spike in your gas or electricity bill

• Strange noises, banging, squealing or grinding

• Soot, scorch marks or discolouration around the heater or vents

Turn the heater off and contact a licensed technician immediately if you suspect a safety issue.

When’s the Best Time to Book Your Heating Tune-Up in Melbourne?

The ideal time to book your annual service is:

• Late summer or autumn – before the cold really kicks in

• Before the peak winter rush, when appointment times are harder to get

This timing gives you:

• More flexible booking options

• Time to fix any issues, order parts or plan upgrades

• Peace of mind that your heater will be ready for those first icy mornings

Boutique Heating & Cooling is based in South East Melbourne, servicing surrounding suburbs with installation, maintenance and repairs – so you don’t have to wait until your heater fails to get it looked at.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Boutique Heating & Cooling Tune-Up

Here’s what a typical service visit looks like:

• A friendly technician arrives within the agreed time window

• They explain what will be checked and answer any questions up front

• The technician will need access to your indoor unit, outdoor unit (if applicable), vents and controller

• Drop sheets or similar are used where needed to keep your home tidy

• Any extra work or parts are discussed with you before going ahead

• You receive a clear rundown at the end of the visit, including any recommendations

You’re left with a heater that’s ready for winter and a much better understanding of how it’s performing.

FAQs – Annual Heating Service for Melbourne Homes

How often should I service my heater?

Most Melbourne homeowners will benefit from a full heating service every 12 months, especially if the heater is heavily used or getting older. Some manufacturers and safety guidelines recommend regular servicing at least every two years as a minimum – yearly is a smart way to stay ahead.

Do I really need a tune-up if my heater seems fine?

Yes. Many issues (like carbon monoxide risks, small gas leaks or worn parts) don’t show obvious symptoms until they become bigger problems. Regular servicing allows a technician to catch problems early, keep efficiency high and keep your family safe.

Is carbon monoxide testing part of a professional service?

With a professional heating service, carbon monoxide testing should be included, particularly for gas heaters. This is a key safety check and a major reason to book a licensed technician rather than relying on DIY.

Will a tune-up reduce my energy bills?

Often, yes. A clean, well-adjusted system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home. That means:

• Less wasted energy

• More consistent comfort

• Lower risk of costly breakdowns

It won’t magically fix poor insulation or draughty windows, but it ensures your heater is doing its job as efficiently as it can.

How far in advance should I book a service?

In autumn, you’ll usually have more flexibility with dates. In winter, demand jumps – especially after the first cold snap. As a rule of thumb, try to book a few weeks ahead, especially if you prefer certain days or times.

Stay Warm, Safe and Winter-Ready

An annual heating tune-up doesn’t have to be complicated:

• You handle the simple, safe checks – clearing vents, testing the controller, listening and looking for anything unusual.

• Boutique Heating & Cooling handles the safety-critical and technical work – carbon monoxide testing, gas checks, internal cleaning, performance testing and detailed reporting.

By making a yearly service part of your routine, you’ll:

• Stay safer

• Enjoy more consistent comfort

• Help keep energy bills under control

• Extend the life of your heating system

When you’re ready to get your system winter-ready, book your annual tune-up with Boutique Heating & Cooling, your local experts in South East Melbourne.