How Often Should A Heat Pump Be Serviced?

As a homeowner, keeping your heat pump in good condition means knowing and following the heat pump maintenance guidelines. Many homeowners may wait until they experience problems to service their pumps. However, when asking do you need to service a heat pump, the answer is yes. By taking a preventative point of view, you can avoid any significant problems with the heat pump which may lead to costly repairs.

How Often to Maintain Your Heat Pump

Just like any aspect of your heating or cooling system, a heat pump is going to benefit from having preventative maintenance on a regular basis. Heat pumps require annual maintenance so it's a good idea to schedule this service each year. However, if your heat pump is used for your primary heating and cooling system, then you should schedule maintenance twice a year instead of just once. The spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and there's less use of the pump are the ideal time to schedule maintenance.

According to the experts at energy.gov, a heat pump benefits from having this annual maintenance as well. Well-maintained pumps will run more efficiently, lowing your energy bills. This can be a variation of 10-25% less efficient when it comes to heat pumps that don't get this annual service. Routine maintenance will help prevent any damage to the compressor and the other elements of the system. It not only protects your heating and cooling systems, you're less likely to experience a failure of the system in the hot and cold months.

Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

When it comes to maintaining the heat pump, there are some steps that homeowners can take on their own. It's still recommended to have a professional HVAC technician service the system. However, these are the maintenance options for a homeowner and a list of maintenance needs for an HVAC professional.

Homeowner Maintenance Checklist

• Replace or clean the air filters every 30-60 days

• Remove any grass, leaves, or debris from around the outdoor unit

• Keep a two-foot area of clearance around the heat pump

• Keep the supply and return registered dusted regularly to keep the vents free of dirt and allow air to pass through freely

HVAC Professional Maintenance Checklist

This list is used by HVAC professionals to clean and service the pump. Ask your HVAC technician how often to schedule service although one or twice a year is usually all that's needed to maintain it appropriately.

• Inspect the system for obstructions and damage. Review the  ducts, blower, filter, and indoor coil for any dirt and debris as well.

• Clean the indoor coil and drain pan thoroughly

• Clean the drain line and flush

• Check for any leaks in the ducts. Seal any leaks that are present

• Check the system and line discharge pressure

• Measure the refrigerant change and ensure it's within  recommended limits

• Check for refrigerant leaks and repair any that are present

• Start a defrost cycle. Ensure that the system is going through the appropriate cycle.

• Inspect the electrical wiring. Replace any damaged wires and tighten or clean connections if needed

• Inspect the blower wheel. It should be balanced and clean

• Inspect the motors and bearings. Lubricate as needed

• Inspect the belts. Note any tightness or wear

• Verify that the electric controls are correct

• Test the operation of the thermostat

• Inspect the outdoor unit. Ensure that it is balanced and clean

• Verify that the temperature sensors outside are in the appropriate area

This list is fairly comprehensive and will take a few hours to complete. Since these operations listed are complex and require a significant amount of technical knowledge, it's best to leave them to a professional HVAC technician. This professional has the training and expertise to complete all of these tasks and evaluate the heat pump as a whole.

Heat Pump Service Tips

If you want to get the most out of your heat pump, being smart about the service that you use makes a big difference. These are a few tips from the experts about servicing your unit.

1. Schedule Service Early

It's best to service your pump in the fall or the spring. However, these times can be busy for HVAC professionals. It may be best to make a yearly appointment with your technician or call for an appointment at least a month ahead of time. This will allow you to book the appointment that you want and avoid having to delay service. Set a reminder on your calendar if needed.

2. Plan for the Cost

Costs of this annual service vary greatly depending on your location and the complexity of your system. However, the national average cost for service is $347. This may be higher or lower than your area. Make sure to check out a few prices to get an idea of what you should expect to pay for this service. Keep in mind that the cheapest HVAC provider is not necessarily the best though.

3. Limit Troubleshooting and Maintenance

If you're trying to save some money, then maintaining your heat pump on your own may be tempting. However, it's typically best to let a professional do this. The routine maintenance mentioned here can be done by the average homeowner. You should also keep an eye on your system and take note of any potential problems. For example, if you notice the defrost cycle coming on frequently or lasting more than 15 minutes, you may want to reach out to an HVAC technician.

4. Check Manufacturing Recommendations

Although it's best to get annual maintenance, it's also important to check the specific needs of your unit. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for your unit's specific maintenance and upkeep needs. This will ensure the best outfit from your system as there can be variations in heat pump needs.

Make sure to have this service done on a regular basis for the best results. If you have any questions specific to your unit, an HVAC technician is a great resource and can provide more specific recommendations as well.