How Often Should a Heat Pump Be Serviced?

The saying "prevention is better than cure" is especially true when it comes to heat pump systems. Unlike furnaces or central air conditioners, which may be off duty for part of the year, these hard-working systems typically operate year-round—heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This means they require more care and maintenance to keep them running efficiently and reliably.

Let's take a closer look at how often heat pumps should be maintained, the importance of regular maintenance, and what a professional tune-up entails.

How Often Do Heat Pumps Need Maintenance?

So, how often should your heat pump be professionally serviced? The answer is simple: twice a year. Once before the cooling season and once before the heating season to ensure optimal performance, improve efficiency, and prevent potential failures.

Why Regular Heat Pump Maintenance Is So Important

When your heat pump runs nearly year-round, it naturally wears out faster than a system that only operates for a single season. Regular maintenance helps:

● Maintain high efficiency. A dirty or improperly adjusted system must work harder to maintain indoor temperature, consuming more energy and increasing your utility bills.

● Prolongs system life. Preventive maintenance can help your heat pump last longer and avoid premature failure.

● Detects minor problems early. Technicians can often spot minor issues before they lead to costly repairs or total system failure.

● Maintains 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, they'll typically perform the following:

● Inspect and clean the coils. Indoor and outdoor coils can accumulate dust and debris, reducing efficiency.

● Check the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant can indicate a leak and reduce the system's effective heating and cooling capabilities.

● Test the electrical connections. Loose or worn electrical components can pose a fire hazard or cause the system to short-cycle.

● Lubricate moving parts. Motors, fans, and other components require proper lubrication to prevent wear.

● Inspect and calibrate the thermostat. The HVAC technician will also ensure your thermostat is working properly and communicating with the system.

● Inspect the blower and air handler. This includes cleaning and checking airflow to ensure you maintain comfort throughout your home.

● Test system performance. They'll run the system in heating and cooling modes to ensure everything is functioning properly.

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.

Application Scenarios

1、Residential Homes – Semi-annual servicing ensures efficient year-round comfort.

2、Office Buildings – Scheduled maintenance avoids downtime that could disrupt productivity.

3、Hotels – Regular servicing ensures guest comfort and avoids unexpected failures.

4、Retail Spaces – Keeps indoor climate stable to enhance customer experience.

5、Healthcare Facilities – Essential for reliable temperature control in sensitive environments.

Conclusion

To maximize efficiency and reliability, heat pumps should be serviced at least twice a year—typically in the spring before cooling season and fall before heating season. While servicing comes with some costs, the long-term benefits far outweigh the risks of neglect. Regular maintenance ensures energy savings, consistent comfort, and a longer system lifespan.

Call to Action (CTA)

Is your heat pump due for service? Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a costly repair.

👉 Contact Aurashu HVAC today to schedule professional heat pump maintenance and keep your system running at peak performance year-round.