Heat pumps are known for their simplicity, efficiency and low maintenance needs. They have fewer moving parts than conventional boilers, no combustion, and no flue gases; all of those hazards and complications are eliminated. But low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Like any heating system, heat pumps perform best when regularly inspected and maintained.
Once a year, a service check is something you should schedule to protect your investment, your comfort and overhead expenses. This guide explains what you can safely check yourself, what a professional service should include, and when to call for professional help.
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Why Heat Pumps Still Need Maintenance
The heat pump moves heat, not creates it. To do that efficiently, it needs open airflow, appropriate flow rates, steady electrical components, and correct control. Despite how well the system is installed, these components could drift out of alignment over time. In colder regions like Dunedin, where heat pumps often run for long, uninterrupted winter periods, small efficiency losses compound quickly if maintenance is skipped.
Dust, leaves, weather, vibration, and everyday wear are all factors. The system may continue to “work” but quietly become less effective, costing more to operate or failing to maintain your designated comfort levels. Consistent maintenance ensures it runs as intended, rather than throwing a fit when it stops working.
How Annual Maintenance Protects Efficiency and Comfort
A well-kept heat pump provides consistent, gentle heat at modest temperatures. Particularly when the skip is in maintenance, homeowners tend to notice subtle differences long before obvious breakdowns occur.
Your electricity bills can rise, the runtimes can lengthen, and specific spaces can never be as hot as they used to be. More often than not, such trifles do not happen by themselves. They accumulate gradually as the airstream fades, the sensors slip, or the pump runs faster than necessary.
The checks performed once a year help maintain the system’s effectiveness, comfort, and consistency and avoid unnecessary load on vital components, such as circulation pumps and compressors.
Homeowner Checks You Can do Safely
Throughout the year, there are a few simple checks homeowners can perform. These tasks are visual and observational. They do not require anyone to open the system, adjust settings, or touch electrical components.
Outdoor unit clearance
The outdoor unit requires unrestricted airflow to dissipate heat from the air. Leaves, grass clippings, snow, or stored items can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
Check that:
- The area around the unit is clear on all sides
- No plants or debris are blocking the coil
- Nothing is stacked against or leaning on the unit
Keeping this area clear is one of the easiest ways to improve the unit’s performance.
Airflow and noise changes
Heat pumps should always work steadily and quietly. However, the following may indicate a problem.
Pay attention to:
- New rattling, buzzing, or humming sounds
- Fans that sound strained or uneven
- Airflow that feels weaker than usual
Note that even if the sound or airflow changes, and it may not be due to a fault, booking a professional check is always a good idea.
Visual pipe and insulation checks
Exposed pipework and insulation need to be in place and properly sealed. Otherwise, the heat pump will lose heat, cause condensation, and reduce its efficiency.
Look for:
- Split or missing insulation
- Damp patches around pipe joints
- Signs of physical damage
If any of the above is present, it is better to inform a professional and not touch it yourself.
What a Professional Heat Pump Service Includes
A proper heat pump service requires more than a quick look. It focuses on the system’s performance, safety, and long-term reliability. The system should be confirmed as working within its design parameters.
Electrical checks
The heat pump system will not work without a stable electrical supply and accurate controls. Checks should include:
- Electrical connections
- Voltage and current draw
- Safety devices and sensors
Loose or stressed connections may cause wear interruption.
Refrigerant pressures
An accurate refrigerant charge is required for efficiency and compressor health. Performance may decrease and running costs increase if there is too little or too much.
A professional will:
- Measure operating pressures
- Confirm they match manufacturer specifications
- Look for signs of abnormal behaviour
This is not something a homeowner should attempt.
Flow rates and system temperatures
An air-source heat pump requires water at the correct flow rate to deliver heat properly. Low flow rates can produce low levels of heat and increase how much electricity the system uses.
A service typically checks:
- Circulation pump performance
- Temperature differences across the system
- Overall heat delivery
These measures help us determine if the system can adequately transfer heat.
Defrost cycle and control checks
In cold environments, air-source heat pumps often pause to melt snow and maintain maximum capacity. If the defrost cycle isn’t working correctly, efficiency can drop quickly.
A professional will:
- Check defrost operation
- Review control settings
- Confirm sensors are reading accurately
Controls are the “brain” of the system, and minor errors can have a significant impact.
How Often Should a Heat Pump be Serviced?
Professional servicing is a good idea in most cases, at least once a year. It’s a good way to maintain consistent performance and track how the system is performing over time. It is easy to miss telltale signs, which is why it is better to schedule annual visits.
When to call a professional
Some signs should never be ignored. Call a professional if you notice:
- There has been a recent spike in electricity use
- Heating and hot water don’t feel consistent to you
- When there are some strange, new sounds coming from it every time it works
- When ‘errors’ appear on the panel frequently
- Ice is accumulating and not clearing.
Early intervention almost always costs less than waiting for a failure.
A Thorough Approach to Heat Pump Servicing
Highlander Heating treats maintenance not as a technical task. It doesn’t tick the boxes. Instead, the company has standardised the maintenance procedure to ensure each system is methodically assessed for flow, temperatures, controls, and operation.
The focus is on how the system performs as a whole, how well the specialists explain the findings to the homeowners, and whether the heat pump will run efficiently and reliably for many years to come. Good servicing should not be fast. It is about the proper checks and the right experience, delivered in the correct order.
Regular maintenance guarantees comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. It is precisely what a well-serviced heat pump is designed to produce.
