Your Ultimate Heat Pump Maintenance and Care Guide for 2024

Heat pump maintenance is important in ensuring peak performance and year-round comfort in your home. Whether you use your heat pump for both heating and cooling or just one of these tasks, regular HVAC maintenance ensures efficiency, savings, and a longer lifespan of the system.

You can tackle many maintenance tasks yourself, such as cleaning or replacing filters and inspecting outdoor units for debris. However, some tasks, such as checking refrigerant leakage and inspecting electrical connections, are best left to pros for safety reasons.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of heat pump maintenance tasks that you can undertake yourself and those that require professional service. By following the heat pump maintenance checklist, you can ensure your unit operates efficiently and reliably for years to come.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

To learn how to maintain your heat pump, it’s important to know how it works.

Air-sourced heat pumps are mostly used in residential settings. They have two units—one indoor and one outdoor. Most of the action happens in the outdoor unit, which houses the compressor, compressor fan, and heat exchange coils.

It also has a reversing valve located near the compressor, which allows the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes. The indoor part of the heat pump is like a large metal box, with coils at the top and a blower at the bottom.

These heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. This process is facilitated by a refrigerant circulating through coils. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and then moves it indoors, where it releases it into the air.

In cooling mode, the process is reversed: the heat pump extracts heat from indoor air and releases it outside. Central heat pumps use a ducted network to distribute air around your house. There are also ductless mini-split heat pumps that deliver air directly where it is required through indoor air handlers.

Other types of heat pumps are geothermal heat pumps that take heat from the ground and water source heat pumps that extract heat from the water.

Signs You Need Heat Pump Maintenance

If you notice any of the following issues in your heat pump’s performance, it might be a sign that you need a maintenance check-up. Check out this detailed guide on heat pump issues and how to fix them.

• Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air in Cold Weather

If your heat pump is blowing cold air, several factors could be at play. One common reason is that the system’s refrigerant levels are low, which can hinder its ability to extract heat from the outside air. Additionally, dirty filters and coils can also contribute to the problem.

• Compressor Not Running

Your HVAC compressor may be failing for various reasons, such as blocked coils, clogged suction lines, dirt and debris stuck to your outdoor unit, and even faulty electrical connections.

• Heat Pump Doesn’t Switch from Heat to Cool or Vice Versa

Your heat pump’s reversing valve is responsible for switching between heating and cooling modes. If your heat pump fails to switch modes, it is most likely due to a defective reversing valve.

Related: Heat Pump for Cooling: Do Heat Pumps Actually Work in Summer Season?

• Fan Not Working

HVAC fans play a crucial role in ensuring proper air circulation throughout your home. If you’ve noticed your HVAC system’s fan failing or malfunctioning, it may be due to a faulty fan limit switch or a tripped circuit breaker.

• Weird Smells Coming from the Heat Pump

If you notice any unusual odors, it’s important to investigate further. One common cause of suspicious smells is mold growth, which can emit a musty odor. Depending on the severity of the mold problem, you can clean it yourself or require professional assistance for deep cleaning.

Related: 6 Reasons Why an Air Conditioner Smells & The Best Solutions

• Heat Pump Making Is Odd Noises

If you notice unusual sounds coming from your heat pump, it’s important to investigate further. Rattling noises typically suggest loose parts within the system. Inspect each component carefully and tighten any loose parts.

DIY Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

Homeowners can undertake simple tune-ups themselves, like cleaning filters and coils, ensuring proper air circulation, and keeping the outdoor unit dry. HVAC specialists handle more complex work during the annual visits.

1. Clean Filters & Coils

Air filters remove air pollutants and help to circulate clean air in your home. With frequent use, they tend to get clogged and, if not cleaned on time, can impact the performance of your heat pump.

To maintain optimal performance, you should clean the air filters every two weeks and replace them every 3-4 months. If you have a mini-split with multiple indoor air handlers, each one should have an internal air filter that should be cleaned or replaced routinely. For the central heat pump system, the filter is located at the blower unit and should be replaced regularly.

The coils play a crucial role in the heat transfer process. When these coils become dirty, the collected debris restricts the transfer of heat, and your unit will have a hard time heating/cooling your home. Cleaning the coils is one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods to enhance your unit’s efficiency, durability, and lifespan.

As a general rule, you should clean the coils every two months. You can use a homemade or commercial cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the coils and gently wipe away the dirt. Here’s a detailed guide on cleaning your coils.

2. Ensure Proper Air Circulation

Check your outdoor unit and ensure that no obstructions are blocking the airflow. If shrubs or plants are covering the unit, consider modifying your landscape. For example, you could trim the foliage surrounding the outside unit, leaving bushes at least 18 inches away on all sides. This will improve the overall effectiveness of your heat pump system.

Furthermore, during the winter, frequently examine your heat pump for snow or ice buildup, which can also block proper ventilation.

3. Make Sure the Outdoor Unit Stays Dry

If you see water leaking from the outdoor unit of your system as a homeowner, you need to identify the source and consider redirecting it away from the unit. Make sure that the heat pump is elevated at least 4 to 8 inches above ground level to prevent the coils from steering clear of ice or snow and to facilitate proper drainage. If the heat pump is positioned too low, consult a professional to adjust its height.

4. Clean Your Thermostat

For a programmable thermostat, start the cleaning process by removing the front cover and gently brushing away any accumulated dust using a soft brush. Q-tips or a soft cloth can also be effective for cleaning.

Internal cleaning isn’t necessary for smart thermostats. To keep them functioning well, simply use a soft cloth to lightly dust off the screen and the surrounding area.

5. Clean & Lubricate the Fan Blades

Fan blades also require lubrication to ensure smooth performance. If you hear squeaky noises, use a few drops of penetrating oil or spray lubricant on the fan spindles. You should also make sure to clean the fan blades while you’re at it, as any dirt on them will also end up on the coils.

6. De-ice the Outdoor Coils

When the temperature falls below freezing, the outdoor coils of your heat pump can freeze up. In response, the heat pump initiates a defrost cycle to thaw the coils and maintain proper functionality.

In some cases, the defrost mode doesn’t completely remove the ice. To fix this issue, you can let your heat pump run in cool mode. In this mode, the heat pump releases heat outdoors, which melts the ice. However, you might not want to do this on a cold day.

Another option is to de-ice the coils manually. Switch off the unit and spray the outdoor coils with a garden hose until all the ice has melted. You can also run your unit in fan-only mode, but this will only work on days when the weather isn’t that cold.

Note: Never attempt to chisel away ice with a sharp item since this might harm the delicate coil and lead to refrigerant leakage, which can be hazardous.

Professional Heat Pump Maintenance

Homeowners are advised to avoid handling complex maintenance tasks like servicing electrical components and inspecting refrigerant levels on their own. These jobs require expertise and training, so it’s safer to entrust them to certified HVAC professionals.

You should schedule a professional tune-up at least once a year. It’s even better if you get your unit serviced twice a year, once in spring and once in fall, for optimal working all year round. An annual heat pump maintenance cost typically ranges from $75 to $200.

Related: HVAC Maintenance Costs: What Every Homeowner Should Know

During the service, the HVAC technician will perform the following tasks:

1. Ensure Proper Thermostat Function

The technicians will test your thermostat for accuracy, conducting thorough assessments to ensure precise temperature readings. In case of any discrepancies, they calibrate the thermostat to restore its accuracy.

2. Measure Refrigerant Levels and Identify Refrigerant Leaks

Checking refrigerant levels is an important part of a tune-up. Low refrigerant levels might result in frozen evaporator coils, increasing operational costs and threatening irreparable damage. If a technician finds a refrigerant leak, they seal it and recharge the refrigerant as needed.

3. Check Electrical Connections

The HVAC technician will inspect the electrical components of both the indoor air handler and the outdoor condenser. This examination includes measuring the amperage drawn at the wire connections.

It’s common for these connections to require cleaning, tightening, and application of a rust-preventing lubricant. Loose or dirty wire connections can lead to increased energy consumption and potentially cause the unit to overheat.

Additionally, check the disconnect switches and time delay functions to prevent blown fuses and other electrical hazards.

If the safety panels on the outdoor unit are not fully secured, the condenser can shut down. Make sure the technician checks their operation.

4. Lubricate the Motors and Examine the Fan and Belts

The technician inspects the motor and lubricates it if necessary. Moreover, the fan and belt are thoroughly checked. The outdoor condenser fans should operate smoothly without belt slippage or squealing noises. The technician will tighten the belt if necessary or recommend a replacement if it is worn out.

5. Check Reversing Valve

The reversing valve is responsible for switching the heat pump from heat to cool mode and vice versa. It must function smoothly to ensure seamless operation. If this valve is not functioning smoothly, you might encounter difficulties when switching between cooling and heating modes.

The pros will check the functioning of this valve, and if replacement is needed, you will incur an additional expense.

6. Inspect Drain Pan

In addition, inspect condensate drains to verify that moisture drains are unrestricted in air conditioning mode. Clearing any obstructions in these drain pipes is critical to avoiding ice formation in air handlers and other problems. This detailed evaluation ensures that essential components operate efficiently, improving the overall performance of your heat pump system.

7. Look for Duct Leaks

During the tune-ups, thoroughly inspect the ductwork, as leaky ducts can result in energy wastage, uneven heating or cooling, and increased electricity bills.

The technicians perform visual inspections of the entire ductwork to find leaks. Mastic or aluminum tape is usually used for sealing. HVAC professionals use aerosol sprays for ducts in areas that are hard to reach, such as walls or ceilings.

Servicing Your Heat Pump for Optimal Performace

Regular heat pump maintenance is crucial for keeping it running at its best. By following a comprehensive DIY heat pump maintenance checklist, which involves tasks like cleaning coils and filters, lubricating and cleaning AC fans, and ensuring proper airflow, you can prevent major issues and increase efficiency. Additionally, it’s important to schedule professional tune-up sessions with an HVAC expert at least once a year. It’s best if you can get a service every spring and fall to keep your system in top condition.