A broken heat pump can be more than an inconvenience. It can be a source of discomfort and, in extreme cases, danger. Regular maintenance can keep your heat pump running when you need it most.
Heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat and cool your home and, in many cases, can save you money. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining that heat pump and keeping it running efficiently for years.
See how much you can save with home energy changes
What Maintenance Do Heat Pumps Need?
Your heat pump maintenance checklist includes both quick jobs you can do yourself and more technical tasks that a professional should handle.
Change or clean air filters
Changing air filters is an important, regular maintenance task for any HVAC system. How often you do so depends on how hard the filters work. In dry, dusty areas or if your heat pump uses thin reusable filters, you may need to check more frequently. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations, but you can adjust frequency as needed.
Keep exterior unit clear
Heat pumps are most efficient with plenty of air circulation. Keep the exterior unit clear of fallen leaves, snow, and other debris, and keep foliage trimmed back at least 18 inches.
Clean outdoor coils
If the outdoor coils are dirty, they won’t transfer heat as efficiently. Just like you might with your refrigerator, keeping the coils clean can help your heat pump run only as hard as it needs to. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for keeping these clean. Some sources suggest using a degreaser.
Keep registers open
Check your interior registers from time to time. If one near a thermostat was closed, it may artificially raise or lower the temperature, tricking your heat pump into working more.
Check drainage
Heat pumps are basically reversible air conditioners, and they dehumidify your house when they’re cooling it. Check drainage pans and lines for buildup and blockages.
Inspect the heat pump thoroughly
During an annual service call, an HVAC technician will do a thorough inspection of your heat pump inside and out. That includes checking mounting hardware, the health and cleanliness of belts and bearings, everything we’ve suggested you could do on your own, and more.
Check the thermostat and calibrate
One thing a professional will check is that your thermostat is doing its job and communicating correctly with your heat pump, making adjustments as needed.
Check refrigerant charge
The refrigerant is the substance (sometimes gas, sometimes liquid) that transports heat in or out of your house. An HVAC technician will check for leaks in the refrigerant loop and add refrigerant as necessary.
See how much you can save with home energy changes
Why Is Heat Pump Maintenance Important?
Heat pumps are the most efficient HVAC system available and maintaining them properly keeps them that way. Cleaning air filters and keeping the outdoor units clear of debris improves airflow and improves efficiency. A heat pump that uses less energy to heat and cool your home costs less to operate.
As well as efficiency, maintenance can improve effectiveness. Restricted air flow can reduce your heat pump’s operating capacity.
Regular maintenance and service can also keep problems from developing into bigger and more expensive ones. It could mean more years of use from your heat pump.
And, while changing and cleaning air filters help your heat pump operate efficiently, it can also keep your indoor air cleaner and healthier.
Do You Need Professional Maintenance for Your Heat Pump?
Some tasks are best left to the professionals.
A trained eye can identify problems before they’re apparent to a layperson, and refrigerant work may be regulated in your area and require special certification. Mishandling refrigerant can be dangerous for you and harmful to the environment.
Other tasks, like cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the outdoor units free of debris can easily be handled on your own. In fact, they should be done more frequently than an annual service visit.
How Much Does Heat Pump Maintenance Cost?
The cost of an annual maintenance visit will vary with your location and the size of your system. Most estimates from HVAC companies with online presences come in between $100-300, though you can find people reporting prices both higher and lower.
If regular maintenance catches a problem before it starts to affect your heat pump’s performance, it can be a big money saver. Emergency visits from an HVAC company are likely to cost much more than a routine maintenance trip, not to mention the repair’s cost.
Heat pump leases — where you don’t buy your HVAC equipment, but rent it — often come with maintenance and regular service built into the contract. If you want to avoid the upfront cost of purchase and installation and the hassle of maintenance, a heat pump lease could be a good fit.
Heat Pump Tips
Heat pumps are like reversible air conditions that cool and heat your home. Here are some tips to get the most out of yours.
- Set your thermostat wisely: Getting by with a slightly warmer home in the summer and a slightly cooler home in the winter can reduce your costs.
- Avoid setbacks: Some heat pumps are best set to one temperature and left. That’s counter to a lot of advice over the years about adjusting your thermostat when you leave home or go to bed.
- Keep air flowing freely: It bears repeating. Keeping filters clean and the outdoor unit free of debris are easy ways to keep your heat pump operating as efficiently as possible.
- Schedule maintenance before heating or cooling season: Just like you might have a furnace serviced before temperatures drop, it makes sense to schedule heat pump maintenance visits before the winter or summer when it will be working the hardest.
If you’re interested in a heat pump for your home, explore your options with Palmetto.
See what home electrification can do for you:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a heat pump?
An air-source heat pump’s average lifespan is typically around 15 years, according to most expert online sources. A geothermal heat pump can last much longer. Geothermal heat pumps can last longer. Many estimates suggest 25 years or longer. Proper maintenance can extend a heat pump’s lifespan.
How often should I change my heat pump air filter?
It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, though you should check at least every month to start. The filter may need more frequent or infrequent attention depending on your local air quality.
What is the best thermostat setting for a heat pump?
The best thermostat setting is one that balances comfort and energy use. Check out these recommended thermostat settings and how you can find your ideal setting. Some heat pumps are best left at one temperature throughout the day, contrary to common advice for furnaces and standard air conditioners.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.
Andrew BlokWriter and EditorAndrew has worked as a journalist and writer for four years, over half of those dedicated to covering solar. He currently lives in Tucson, AZ, where you might run into him walking his dog and birding while dodging the heat. He has degrees in English education and journalism.
