An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.