Regular heat pump maintenance and heat pump repair work will make sure your unit operates reliably at maximum efficiency for as long as possible.
Heat pumps usually last between 15 and 20 years if cared for properly. While it’s best to call in an expert for servicing and major repairs, you don’t need to be a HVAC specialist to do basic maintenance tasks that can keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently for years.
All it takes to get the most out of your unit is a few simple heat pump maintenance tasks and making sure your heat pump is checked by a professional technician.
In this article, we take a closer look at why heat pump maintenance matters, what you can do yourself, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
Heat pumps work hard. A residential heat pump typically runs for several hours a day. During extreme hot or cold weather, it could be operating almost non-stop. That adds up to thousands of hours of operation every year.
This constant operation can sometimes lead to wear and tear on important components and mechanical parts. Worn-out parts can lead to performance issues.
But with a little know-how, you can avoid these types of problems and keep your unit in top condition for years.
You can handle many heat pump maintenance tasks at home, and most of them only take a few minutes.
Check out our heat pump maintenance checklist below:
The air filters are one of the most important things to check. Check your air filters once every three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
If you have a ducted air-source heat pump, the filters will typically be just behind the vent covers or inside the indoor air handler. The filters in geothermal systems are usually also in the indoor air handler. In ductless air-source systems, the filters sit behind the front panel of each wall-mounted unit.
You can check the thermostat system settings by switching between heating and cooling modes to make sure the system responds properly. If nothing happens once you’ve started the system, or if it takes more than a few minutes to respond, you might have an issue.
It’s best to take a ‘set and forget’ attitude to your heat pump and avoid making large, sudden changes to the temperature. This can activate the backup heating system, which will burn more energy.
In most cases, using the “AUTO” setting on a heat pump fan is the most energy-efficient option. You can also use a programmable thermostat.
Proper airflow helps keep your heat pump working efficiently. This doesn’t mean keeping your windows open, though! If furniture or curtains are blocking the indoor supply vents, then air can’t flow into the rooms of the house properly, and your system will have to work harder than it should.
When the outdoor coils of a heat pump are blocked by dirt, leaves, or other debris, they can’t efficiently disperse and absorb heat.
Clear away any debris that’s blocking the coils. As a general guide, your heat pump should have at least two to three feet of clearance, but you should always check the manufacturer’s installation manual for the exact measurements. Ideally, you should inspect the outdoor coils at least once every one to two months.
Inspect the outside casing of the unit carefully to be sure there are no signs of physical damage. Look for dented plates and panels, bent fan fins, and loose or missing screws. Make sure the unit is steady on its base. Any type of unsteadiness could mean the unit has been damaged during a storm. If the unit makes any unusual noises or vibrates excessively, this could be an indication that something isn’t right.
In cooling mode, heat pumps pull moisture from hot air to cool it. The excess water is removed via the condensate drain line. If water isn’t dripping out of it, you might have a blockage. You can try flushing the system out yourself, but in most cases it’s best to call a professional.
You should have a licensed, reputable HVAC professional perform a thorough service on your heat pump at least It’s
Basic maintenance is easy enough to deal with on your own, but heat pumps can also need expert attention from time to time. During a professional service, a technician will check that the thermostat is set correctly, inspect for leaks, look over the wiring and insulation, and fix any worn or damaged seals.
At the end of the service, your technician should provide you with a detailed report of what was inspected, if any problems were found, and what repair work was done.
Some heat pump manufacturers may require proof of regular servicing to keep your warranty valid. This can help protect you from unexpected repair costs, so it’s worth checking your warranty terms and keeping records of any maintenance or service visits.
Home heat pump maintenance involves simple, regular tasks that don’t take much time and don’t require specialized equipment or in-depth HVAC skills. Professional servicing involves a deeper inspection of the system by a qualified technician.
A professional technician can identify potential issues and deal with them before they become major problems. Servicing ensures that worn-out parts, refrigerant leaks, or electrical issues are dealt with before they cause the system to malfunction or break down.
Having your heat pump serviced isn’t something you should skip. Studies show that professional servicing and maintenance on HVAC systems like heat pumps can reduce the likelihood of breakdowns by 75% and improve efficiency by up to 35%.
If the temperatures in your home are too hot or too cold, then something could be wrong with your heat pump. Compressor problems, low refrigerant levels, or coolant leaks can all impact the functionality of your heat pump.
If your electricity costs suddenly go up, then it could mean you have an issue with your heat pump. Heat pumps that aren’t operating efficiently use more energy as they have to work harder to maintain even temperatures.
When they’re operating properly, heat pumps should emit a low hum and a slight whirring sound. Any loud buzzing, rattling, grinding, whistling, hissing, or other odd noises are signs that something isn’t right with your unit.
A heat pump shouldn’t have a distinctive odor. An obvious sweet, chemical-type smell coming from your unit usually means you have a refrigerant leak. A burning smell can mean a component has overheated or an electrical issue. Sour, musty smells can be signs of mildew or bacteria in the system.
In normal operation, heat pumps cycle on and off. When a heat pump is running constantly, this can indicate that the thermostat is malfunctioning.
It should take your heat pump 10 to 20 minutes to switch between cycles. When a heat pump switches off almost as soon as it has started, this is a sign that it might need repair work.
Normally, an outdoor heat pump unit will accumulate some ice during the winter defrost cycles. A thick layer of ice, however, can mean there’s a problem with the airflow through the unit or that you have a refrigerant leak.
Heat pumps do produce some condensation, so a little water around the unit is fine. But if there is a lot of water leaking from your unit and pooling around it, then it can mean that the condensate drain line is blocked.
Minor heat pump repairs usually cost between $75 to $300.
More involved repairs can cost between $150 to $1500.
Major repairs can be as high as $3000.
Servicing fees range from $70 to $200 for a single visit.
Please note that these figures are meant for a general guide only. We advise you to get in touch with either the manufacturer of your unit or a local HVAC company in your area for a precise quote regarding any heat pump repair services.
Common minor repairs include replacing a broken capacitor or a malfunctioning thermostat. Fixing or replacing a fan motor is more complicated. Examples of major heat pump repair work include replacing a compressor or fixing a refrigerant leak.
Yes, some heat pumps are more expensive to repair than others. Heat pump repair costs vary depending on what system you have, what’s wrong with your system, and what parts are needed to fix the problem.
There are three main types of heat pumps found in residential US homes:
Geothermal heat pumps: These units use underground temperatures to provide efficient heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pump maintenance is relatively simple, but repairs can be expensive because geothermal heat pumps rely on buried ground loops, which are difficult to access and require specialized equipment to diagnose and fix.
Ductless heat pumps: These compact systems heat and cool individual rooms directly without using ductwork. Ductless heat pump maintenance can involve multiple indoor units, which can drive up repair costs.
Air source heat pumps: Air source heat pumps are the most common types of heat pumps in the US. Air source heat pump maintenance requires a little more work because the units are placed outdoors and exposed to the elements. But repair costs for these units are relatively low in comparison to other types of heat pumps.
Research shows that heat pumps are cheaper to run than furnaces. But how do the overall costs break down when comparing a heat pump versus a furnace? For a deeper look at upfront pricing, installation costs, and what can influence the final price, read our guide on how much it costs to install a heat pump.
The most common type of heat pump throughout the US is the air-source heat pump. An air-source heat pump uses up to 50% less energy than an electric furnace. Geothermal pumps and ductless systems can reduce your energy costs by up to 60%. If you have oil heating, then switching to a heat pump can save you about $300 a year.
In terms of upkeep, heat pump maintenance costs can be a little higher than for a furnace, but the savings you make on your energy bills compensate for this. And with a heat pump, you don’t have to worry about gas leaks, carbon monoxide, or fires!
Heat pump maintenance involves simple tasks like checking your thermostat, inspecting the air filters, keeping the ducts clear, and making sure there’s no debris around the outdoor unit.
Check your air filters once every three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have an outdoor unit, regularly take a look to see if there is any damage to the casing or any unusual noises, ice buildups, or water leaks.
Heat pumps should be serviced at least twice a year by a licensed, reputable HVAC professional: once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. This helps keep your system running efficiently year-round and reduces the risk of unexpected issues.
Basic maintenance tasks like changing air filters are fine to do on your own. Major problems like refrigerant, electrical, or compressor issues should be dealt with by a professional.
Any changes in your heat pump's performance, water leaks, or any unusual noises or smells can mean there are problems with your unit. Sudden spikes in electricity bills can also mean that your heat pump is malfunctioning. If you think there’s an issue, call in a professional technician.
If you’re looking to cut your heating and cooling costs, then a heat pump can be a smart investment. Heat pumps have financial benefits for homeowners and are much better for the environment than traditional heating or cooling systems. And if you’re concerned about performance during winter, you can also learn more about whether heat pumps work in cold climates.
Making the choice to install a heat pump is a big decision. But for many homeowners, it can be well worth it. Speak to the team at Switch Together for expert advice on whether switching to a heat pump is right for you.