How Often Should a Heat Pump Be Serviced?

The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings particularly true when it comes to your heat pump system. Unlike furnaces or central air conditioners that get a break for part of the year, these hard-working systems often work year-round – providing heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. That means they need a bit more TLC and maintenance to keep running efficiently and reliably.

Let’s break down how often a heat pump needs to be serviced, why regular maintenance matters, and what’s included in a professional tune-up.

How Often Do Heat Pumps Need Maintenance?

So how often should you get your heat pump professionally serviced? The short answer: twice a year. Once before cooling season, and again before heating season to ensure to ensure optimal performance, increased efficiency, and to prevent potential breakdowns.

Why Regular Heat Pump Maintenance Is So Important

When your heat pump runs nearly every day of the year, it naturally builds up wear and tear faster than a system that only handles one season. Regular maintenance helps:

• Keep Efficiency High. A dirty or poorly adjusted system must work harder to maintain your home’s temperature, using more energy and raising your utility bills.
• Extend the System’s Lifespan. Preventative maintenance can help your heat pump last longer and avoid premature breakdowns.
• Catch Small Problems Early. Technicians can often spot small issues before they lead to costly repairs or a full system failure.
• Maintain Your Warranty. Many manufacturers require regular professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

What a Professional Heat Pump Tune-Up Includes

When you schedule a heat pump tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician, here’s what they typically do:

• Inspect and Clean Coils. Both the indoor and outdoor coils can collect dirt and debris, which reduces efficiency.
• Check Refrigerant Levels. Low refrigerant can signal a leak and will reduce the system’s ability to heat and cool effectively.
• Test Electrical Connections. Loose or worn electrical components can be a fire hazard or cause the system to short cycle.
• Lubricate Moving Parts. Motors, fans, and other components need proper lubrication to avoid wear.
• Check and Calibrate the Thermostat. Your HVAC technician will make also sure your thermostat is working correctly and communicating with the system.
• Inspect the Blower and Air Handler. This includes cleaning and checking airflow to ensure consistent comfort throughout your home.
• Test System Performance. They’ll run the system in both heating and cooling modes to make sure everything functions as it should.

What You Can Do Yourself Between Tune-Ups

While most of the heavy lifting should be done by a professional, there are a few simple maintenance tasks you can take care of yourself:

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

This is the easiest and most important DIY task. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, reduces airflow, and hurts overall efficiency. Filters should be changed about every 1-3 months, depending on system usage, pets, and allergies.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clear space around your outdoor unit. Remove leaves, sticks, and debris, especially after storms or during the fall. You can gently rinse the unit with a hose (never a pressure washer) to wash off dirt and pollen.

3. Keep Vents and Registers Unblocked

Inside the home, make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking the vents. Proper airflow is crucial to keep your system running efficiently and evenly heating or cooling your space.

4. Watch and Listen for Changes

If your heat pump suddenly starts making strange noises, runs constantly, or your energy bills suddenly spike, don’t ignore it. These can be early warning signs that something’s off and should be checked out by a professional.