5 minute read • Graham Lumley • Last update November 2024
A well-maintained heat pump efficiently regulates your indoor temperature, saving energy and reducing your electric bill. Since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure they run efficiently year-round.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to maintain a heat pump so you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and enjoy reliable comfort through all seasons.
While servicing heat pumps is a job best left to the professionals, it’s straightforward enough to take care of basic heat pump inspection and preventative maintenance yourself, provided you have the right tools. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
With these items at hand, you can take care of routine heat pump cleaning and inspection, and be proactive in identifying tell-tale signs of inefficiency.
Monthly heat pump maintenance helps to protect your system against costly issues down the line. The following quick tasks ensure system efficiency and proper airflow.
A clean filter ensures adequate airflow and prevents dirt from circulating through your home. Remove the inside filter and carefully remove the dust, washing if necessary. While regular cleaning is essential, replace filters at least twice a year for optimal performance.
Exposure to the elements can lead to clogs or damage that could unnecessarily increase the cost of your heat pump’s maintenance. Start by removing visible debris like dirty leaves, then use a hose with a gentle spray to wash the outdoor coils, being careful not to damage the fins.
Check the surroundings for overgrown plants or other obstructions, keeping a two-foot clearance around the outdoor unit. Remember to look up and check for problems like overhanging branches or a leaking gutter that could drop debris onto the unit.
Check all indoor vents and return registers for blockages that could make your system work harder, and use a vacuum to clear dust from the vent covers.
A more thorough heat pump tune-up during seasonal transitions in the spring and fall will help keep your system running smoothly throughout both cooling and heating seasons. Here are the steps to follow.
Understanding how to clean heat pump coils is simpler than it seems. Start by removing dust from the indoor coil with a soft brush or vacuum, and clean outdoor coils with a gentle spray from a garden hose. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, as it may bend the fins.
Proper drainage is essential for carrying moisture away from the unit. First, concentrate on removing blockages from the drain line. Then, pour a mix of water and mild bleach through it to prevent mold growth.
Dirty fan blades create drag, which reduces energy efficiency. It’s unlikely you’ll need to replace the blades often. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed.
Adjust your thermostat settings and observe if the unit responds correctly. If you have a programmable thermostat, check the temperatures and timings that suit your needs. If your thermostat calls to action are inaccurate or result in short-cycling or excessive runtime, call a professional service technician.
Inspect the refrigerant lines for any oily residue, damage, or ice formation, which may indicate a leak or low refrigerant levels. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional HVAC technician to address the issue.
While ensuring the correct refrigerant charge is typically a task undertaken by an HVAC pro as part of a full service, heat pump refrigerant lines are relatively easy to check for proper insulation, cracks, and damage that could be causing energy waste.
Annual heat pump preventive maintenance checks involve examining the system’s deeper components to ensure continued performance. Here’s a rundown of yearly maintenance action points.
Use a vacuum attachment to gently remove dust buildup around the blower motor’s filters and fan blades. Loose and damaged parts should be tightened or replaced as needed.
Moving parts need regular maintenance to lubricate motors and bearings; otherwise, they may seize. Refer to your manual to establish which parts require lubrication, and only use the recommended products. Once applied, wipe away any excess to prevent dust buildup.
Inspect electric terminals for loose connections or signs of corrosion that can lead to poor control, higher electric bills, and short circuits when they don’t work properly. Tighten connections as needed, taking care not to overtighten.
Visually inspect belts for signs of fraying, cracking, or improper tension, and replace any that appear worn or damaged. Listen for unusual sounds from the fan motor, which can signal the need for a more detailed investigation.
Inspect ducts by checking the visible network for gaps, cracks, or leaks. Use HVAC tape or duct sealant to fill any gaps and schedule a professional inspection if you suspect duct leakage in hard-to-reach areas.
Turn on the heat pump and let it complete a heating or cooling cycle. Look for unusual noises, vibrations, or other issues. You should also verify the correct electric control to ensure that the heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling and vice versa.
Learning how to clean a heat pump and perform basic maintenance tasks yourself is a great way to save money on service calls. However, a qualified HVAC technician should only attempt full servicing and complex repairs. Here are answers to a few common questions about professional maintenance.
What are the signs a heat pump might need professional maintenance?
If you notice any of the following, call in an HVAC technician to schedule repair:
How much does professional heat pump maintenance cost?
Exact costs vary based on your area and the work needed. However, most professional heat pump repairs cost between $150 and $950.
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
For optimal performance, your heat pump should be professionally serviced at least once a year. However, if you use it year-round, consider servicing it twice yearly to keep both heating and cooling functions in peak condition.
Should I learn how to service a heat pump myself?
No. Proper servicing involves specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment to ensure continued efficiency without damaging the system. Plus, attempting to service a heat pump on your own could void the warranty.
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