DIY Troubleshooting If Your Heating Unit Won’t Turn On – What You Can Check Yourself

DIY Troubleshooting If Your Heating Unit Won’t Turn On – What You Can Check Yourself Is your heating unit refusing to fire up just when you need it most? A non-responsive heating system can be frustrating—especially in colder months. Before calling in a professional, there are a few simple, legal troubleshooting steps that Victorian homeowners can do safely themselves. Here's how to get started.

✅ 1. Check the Power Supply

It may seem obvious, but power issues are a common culprit. Make sure:

• The unit is properly plugged in.

• The circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

• There’s no power outage affecting your area.

If your unit is electric, check the wall socket or any isolation switch nearby. For gas units with electrical controls, ensure the power to the control unit is active.

✅ 2. Replace Thermostat Batteries

If your system has a wireless or battery-powered thermostat, flat batteries can prevent the unit from receiving commands. Remove the cover and replace the batteries with new ones—most models require AA or AAA batteries.

✅ 3. Ensure the Thermostat Settings Are Correct

Set the thermostat to “heat” mode and increase the temperature above the current room temperature. If your thermostat is programmable, make sure the current time and programmed schedule haven’t been reset or altered.

✅ 4. Inspect the Gas Supply (Visually)

If your heater runs on natural gas or LPG, check that the gas isolation valve near the unit is open (handle in line with the pipe). Do not attempt to dismantle any gas components—this must only be handled by a licensed gas leak detection plumber and gas fitter in Victoria, as per the Gas Safety Act 1997 (VIC) and relevant AS/NZS 5601.1 standards.

✅ 5. Look for Error Codes

Some newer systems display error codes on their control panel or thermostat. Write down the code or take a photo—it can help your plumber diagnose the issue more quickly.

When You Should Call a Licensed Plumber and Gas Fitter

If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it's time to stop and call a licensed professional. Under Victorian law, only licensed plumbers and gas fitters can legally service or repair heating units connected to gas or hot water systems.

At Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, we are fully licensed (Victorian Building Authority Licence #50694) and have over 20 years of hands-on experience with heating systems, gas units, hot water services and more.

We frequently help customers across Oakleigh South, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs with fast, safe, and compliant heating repairs—keeping homes warm and families safe.

🚨 Avoid DIY Repairs on Gas Systems

Attempting to repair a faulty heating unit yourself—especially one that uses gas—can be dangerous and illegal. You risk gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and serious fire hazards. Always engage a professional for your gas heater servicing & emergency plumbing repairs.

👨‍🔧 Call the Experts at Around The Clock Plumbing Today

If your heating system still won't turn on, don’t risk further damage or safety issues. Reach out to the trusted professionals at Around The Clock Plumbing.

📞 Call us now on 1300-282-758🌐 Book online at www.atcplumbing.com.au✉️ Email: c.unwin@atcplumbing.com.au

We’re your local, licensed, and reliable plumbing team in Victoria—available when you need us most.