Air Heat Pump Maintenance — Keep Your Heat Pump Running Efficiently Year-Round

An air heat pump is an efficient and economical heating and cooling device, but its performance declines significantly without regular maintenance. A dirty indoor unit filter and evaporator reduce airflow, forcing the unit to run longer and consume more electricity.

The energy consumption of a neglected air heat pump can increase by as much as 20 to 30% compared to a well-maintained unit. Additionally, a dirty unit can spread bacteria, mold, and allergens into the indoor air. Regular maintenance extends the unit's lifespan, improves energy efficiency, and maintains healthy indoor air.

Professional air heat pump maintenance is a comprehensive procedure covering both the indoor and outdoor units:

• Indoor unit cleaning: Filter cleaning or replacement, evaporator washing with antibacterial solution, and condensate tray cleaning
• Outdoor unit cleaning: Condenser washing with a pressure washer or brush, fan cleaning, and clearing the surrounding area
• Refrigerant check: The refrigerant charge level is checked and topped up if necessary
• Electrical connection inspection: Connections and cables are checked for wear and looseness
• Performance test: The unit's heating and cooling functions are tested and performance is assessed

During the service, the technician inspects the unit's overall condition and provides an assessment of any future maintenance needs or parts replacement.

Many basic air heat pump maintenance tasks can be done yourself, which extends the service interval and keeps the unit running efficiently:

• Filter cleaning: Remove the filters from the indoor unit and wash them with warm water and mild detergent every 2 to 4 weeks
• Indoor unit wiping: Wipe the exterior of the indoor unit with a damp cloth regularly
• Outdoor unit surroundings: Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass, and snow — ensure at least 30 cm of free space on all sides
• Condensate drainage: Check that condensate water drains freely and the drain pipe is clear

However, work involving refrigerant, electrical work, and opening the unit should always be left to a professional. Refrigerant work requires a certification, and must not be performed without proper training.

The air heat pump maintenance schedule depends on the amount of use and environmental conditions. Recommended maintenance intervals are:

• Filter cleaning: Every 2 to 4 weeks during active use
• Basic service (professional): Once a year, preferably in spring before the cooling season or in autumn before the heating season
• Deep cleaning with evaporator wash: Every 2 to 3 years or more frequently as needed
• Refrigerant check: Every 3 to 5 years, unless reduced performance suggests a leak

In households with pets and in dusty conditions, filters become dirty faster. Near the sea, salty air stresses the outdoor unit, requiring more frequent cleaning. Timely maintenance is always more affordable than repairing or replacing a broken unit.

Air heat pumps are reliable devices, but problems can occur especially when maintenance has been neglected or the unit is aging:

• Freezing: The outdoor unit freezes during severe cold and the defrost function does not work properly — the cause may be low refrigerant level or a faulty thermostat
• Weak performance: The unit does not heat or cool properly — common causes include a dirty filter, low refrigerant, or a faulty compressor
• Odor problems: A smell from the indoor unit indicates mold or bacterial growth in the evaporator
• Water leak: Condensate water leaks onto the floor due to a blocked drain pipe
• Noises: Unusual sounds may be caused by loose parts, a frozen outdoor unit, or a wearing compressor

If your air heat pump is not working normally, do not attempt to repair it yourself — contact a service professional. The right diagnosis saves time and money.