Aotea Heat Pump Servicing

Why Heat Pump Servicing is Important

Frequency of Heat Pump cleaning

It’s essential to understand that cleaning and servicing are extremely different. Filter cleaning is basic maintenance that should be carried out monthly. Service is on a  much deeper level tending to the mechanical operation of both the indoor and outdoor units.  

A residential heat pump should be serviced annually. Depending on the age of the house, it’s ideal to get your heat pump serviced every year after the second year for a new house and every year for an older house. 

Changes in seasons can be a good time to perform a service. If you’re coming into winter and obviously want the heat pump for heating, then a prewinter service is critical and vis versa for summer and cooling. 

Environmental conditions can have a large impact of a heat pump. If you live close to the sea or in an environment that holds a higher level of contaminants, you will look to get yours serviced more often.  

An increase in power bills shows potential in a non-efficient heat pump so it’s an obvious reason it might not running well and needs a service.

Extended lifecycle

Any motors require, frequent servicing. It is vital to keep your heat pump running as well as possible for as long as possible. A good quality brand, serviced correctly, can last anywhere up to 15 years.  

Neglect of servicing can take at least 5 years off its life or ensure its performance is poor for a sizeable percentage of its lifecycle. Regular servicing is necessary to ensure your heating and cooling unit continues to work efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Health benefits of servicing your Heat Pump

Microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, and even mould growth can also begin to appear in your air conditioning unit. Regular heat pump servicing helps the filters keep doing their job of removing bacteria and odours from the air in your home. A neglected unit can lead to worsening allergies and bad odours.

Serious Signs Your Unit Needs a Service 

  • Insufficient airflow or airflow is poor 

  • Has any bad smell or odours

  • Not turning on or running as normal 

  • Making strange sounds 

  • Dust comes out of the vents 

  • Not reaching the desired temperature

How We Service

Our Heat Pump serving includes the following:

Indoor Unit

  • Clean Filters

  • Check Temperature of coil 

  • Check/Tighten indoor electrical terminals 

  • Clean coil if required (may need additional work). 

  • Test condensate drain

  • Check for correct Thermostat operation

  • Clean heat pump fascia 

  • Check for any undue noise from indoor fan motor bearings. • Visually check indoor fan scroll for excess dust build-up. 

Outdoor Unit 

  • Check outdoor compressor for undue noise

  • Clear any leaves and other debris away from the outdoor coil 

  • Clean out bottom tray if required

  • Check electrical terminals for tightness

  • Check outdoor fan motor for undue noise from bearings

  • Check integrity of pipe insulation

  • Check fan motor propeller for any breaks or signs of fatigue

  • Clean outdoor fascia if required

Basic maintenance you can perform on your Heat Pump

Indoor Unit 

Inspect the filters for dust and clean every month. Remove the filters by following  user manual. In most models you lift the front cover and slide out the filter. Spray  with water, rinse thoroughly without damaging the filter material. Repeat if  necessary. Don’t use solvents or other harsh cleaners. 

Outdoor Unit 

Remove clutter leaves etc from around the outdoor unit to prevent things from being  sucked in by the fan.