Heat pumps are an affordable, energy-efficient way to heat your home – no wonder they’re so popular with Kiwis. There’s nothing better than a cosy house at the touch of a button.
How can you make sure your heat pump is doing the job? Even when the autumn weather feels warm and sunny, winter is coming and now is the time to start preparing. The experts at Hines have put together a heat pump maintenance checklist to help.
Why is pre-winter heat pump maintenance important?
Winter is tough on heat pumps. They’re used more frequently, left on for longer, and weather conditions can damage or degrade components. Without consistent maintenance, your heat pump may work less effectively, cost more to run, or even break down as a result of wear and tear.
That’s why pre-winter maintenance checks are crucial – they make sure your heat pump is in tip-top condition, so it can keep you warm and cosy throughout the season and beyond.
Heat pump maintenance checklist
Want to keep your heat pump running for longer? Here’s how:
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Clean or replace your heat pump’s filters
Heat pumps collect all the dust and particles in the air, so they don’t reach your home. If dust and dirt build up, they can affect air quality in your home and make the pump less efficient, costing you more over time.
Filters generally need to be cleaned every 2–3 months. To clean filters, undo any screws or attachments, remove the filter parts, and wash with soapy water or brush down. Again, it depends on the instructions that come with your pump.
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Clean your heat pump vents
Cleaning the vents prevents dust, debris and even bacteria and mould from building up in your heat pump. And, just like filters, clean vents make your heat pump run smoothly, maximising cost and energy efficiency.
It’s a good idea to clean vents when you clean filters – roughly every three months. Like filters, vent parts can usually be washed in warm soapy water or brushed down to remove dust and dirt. Be gentle! You don’t want to damage any of the parts.
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Keep your home clean and vacuum regularly
How does keeping your home clean relate to your heat pump? Well, as we’ve seen, heat pump filters and vents pick up all the dust and debris floating around your house. If your carpets and furnishings aren’t vacuumed regularly, your heat pump will have to work harder to filter out the dust in the air. That means more filter and vent cleanings for you and more wear and tear for the pump.
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Clean your heat pump’s outdoor unit
Heat pump outdoor units move heat between the inside of your home and the outside air. They’re exposed to rain, cold, heat and all the dirt and debris from your garden. To clean your unit, turn off the power to the heat pump, remove any obvious sticks, leaves and dirt, and clean fans and coils with a soft brush. Try to clean the outdoor unit once every six months.
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Keep plants away from the heat pump’s outdoor unit
Plants and weeds can grow up through your heat pump’s fans or coils, or block air from entering. Either way, they can impact performance and even damage key parts. Before winter, cut back or remove any plants that could block or grow into your heat pump unit.
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Clean your heat pump coils
The coils are the parts of a heat pump that actually cool or heat air. There’s one coil in the outdoor unit of your pump, and another in the indoor unit. Both need to be cleaned a couple of times each year.
To clean the outdoor coil, turn off the power to the heat pump and remove the outer panels of the unit. Brush or vacuum dirt and debris, then use a specialist coil cleaning spray on the coils. Finally, use your garden hose to rinse the spray, then close the unit.
For the indoor coil, you’ll need to turn off the power and open your indoor floor or wall unit. The coil is very delicate, so gently remove any visible dust, then apply a self-rinsing coil cleaner. You can wipe the surrounding area with a soft cloth if needed. Simple.
When should you call a heat pump specialist?
While heat pump maintenance goes a long way, other issues occasionally pop up. If you’ve cleaned your vents, filters and coils and you’re still having issues, it could be time to seek help from an expert. Common heat pump issues:
You have concerns about your heat pump’s efficiency
If your power bill keeps creeping up, it could be a sign that your heat pump is no longer working efficiently. This could be a result of blockages, refrigerant leakage, wear and tear, or just the age of the unit.
Your heat pump is struggling to maintain temperatures
Is your pump taking hours to regulate your home’s temperature? Do you feel as if the air coming through your pump isn’t as warm or cool as it should be? This is another sign of a struggling system – and definitely time for some expert input.
Your heat pump is making strange noises
Heat pumps do make a soft humming noise, but they shouldn’t be loud, rattly or clunky.
Ice build-up on the coils during heating
If you open up your heat pump, can you see ice or frost on the coils? This is a sign that your pump isn’t transferring heat properly, which could be the result of blocked filters or damaged parts. Either way, call in the experts – it may be in need of a deep clean or some replacement parts.
Strange odours coming from your heat pump
Notice the air from your heat pump has an odd or unpleasant smell? Talk to the experts. This could be a sign of mould or moisture building up inside the unit or – worse – an indicator that a small animal has died inside the coils.
Outdoor unit has leaks or corrosion
Moisture or corrosion in your outdoor unit can happen as a result of clogged drain lines or damage to coils. Either way, it’s something that an electrician will need to check.
Heat pump maintenance FAQs
How often should you service a heat pump?
You should service a heat pump once a year. It’s best to book a service just before the winter season starts, so you can sort any issues and make sure you have reliable heating when it really gets cold. Usually, a service will involve cleaning or replacing filters, checking drain lines and components, and cleaning both indoor and outdoor units.
How much does heat pump servicing cost?
Heat pump servicing costs vary depending on your location and the type of pump. If your house has multiple heat pumps, you’ll probably have to pay a higher fee, but it’s much more cost efficient to have them serviced all at once. Get a quote from the Hines team now.
How do you clean heat pump filters?
Clean heat pump filters by unclipping the filter section on your indoor unit. Remove the filters, and gently brush or wipe them clean. Some filters can be washed in a sink with soap and water – check your filter manual to find out.
How do you clean heat pump coils?
To clean heat pump coils, you need to turn off power to the heat pump, open the outdoor unit, and brush or wipe debris from the coil. Then, use a specialist self-rinsing coil cleaner. For coils in the indoor unit, you need to open the unit and brush or vacuum to remove dust. But be careful – the coil fins are easily damaged, so it’s often best to call in the experts. The Hines heat pump team uses a purpose-designed hose attachment to deep clean without damage.