It’s the middle of winter. You turn your ducted heating on and nothing happens — or worse, it runs but the house stays cold. This is one of the most common calls we get in Sydney during June, July and August. Here’s how to diagnose what’s wrong before you call a technician.
Check these 5 things first
1. Is the thermostat set correctly?
Set it at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature. If the thermostat is battery-powered, replace the batteries — this is the most common cause of a system that won’t start.
2. Is the filter blocked?
A clogged filter restricts airflow and causes the system to overheat and shut down. Find your return air grille (usually a large louvred panel in a hallway ceiling or wall), open it, and check the filter. If it’s grey and furry, it needs cleaning. A blocked filter can reduce heating output by 30-40%.
3. Are all the zone dampers open?
If you have a zoned ducted system, check that the zones you want heated are actually turned on in the controller. A common issue is accidentally closing all zones, which causes the system to run but deliver no heat anywhere.
4. Is the outdoor unit running?
Go outside and check if the outdoor unit fan is spinning. If the indoor unit is running but the outdoor unit isn’t, there’s a fault in the refrigerant circuit — this needs a technician.
5. Does it have an error code?
Most modern ducted systems display fault codes on the controller. Note down the code (e.g. E1, F3, P8) and call us with that code — it tells us exactly what’s wrong before we arrive, saving you time and money.
When to call a technician
Call immediately if you notice: ice forming on the indoor or outdoor unit, burning smells, unusual noises (banging, grinding, squealing), water leaking from the indoor unit, or an error code on the controller.
Innovation Air Conditioning provides same-day ducted heating repairs across Sydney. Call Jim on 0416 931 871 — we’ll give you a straight answer on whether it’s a DIY fix or needs a technician.