How often should I service my heat pump?
Why should I service my heat pump?
How do I know if I need a service or a new heat pump?
How long should my heat pump live for?
What does a heat pump service include?
How often should I service my heat pump?
Wirefox recommends servicing your heat pump 1-2 times per year, depending on how often you use the unit. It is best to schedule this service before you ramp up heavy use.
If you are planning to service it two times per year, we recommend scheduling the service in late fall before heavy winter use kicks in, and then again in late spring, before summer cooling.
In Dunedin, because we use the heat pump less often in summer, we recommend servicing your heat pump only once per year, just before winter.
Why should I service my heat pump?
- It saves you money.
Your heat pump does more than just heat your home. As it pulls air into the unit, it filters out pet dander, dust, dirt, mould spores, smoke, household chemicals and fumes, and bacteria. While this filtration system is beneficial for your health, the filter also exists to protect the wellbeing of the unit. The filters are not self-cleaning, which is why they need to be maintained regularly. If filters become blocked, your heat pump will no longer function optimally. And if your unit is not functioning optimally, it will have to work harder to do its job- heat your home. If it has to work harder to heat your home, it will use more electricity. You see where we are going? A clean unit equals a lower electrical bill. Not only that, but a regularly serviced heat pump will also save you money long term. A healthy heat pump (if it is a quality unit) should last you up to 15 years! Heat pumps that are not serviced regularly can break down sooner and you will find yourself having to cough up a chunk of change for a new unit install before its predicted end of life. - Higher air quality in your home.
Because your heat pump filters out airborne nasties like mould spores, dust, and bacteria, it plays a big role in the quality of the air you and your family breathe. But if the filters are clogged, the system can’t do this job effectively. Rather than trapping those particles, the unit ends up letting more of them pass through, which means your indoor air quality takes a hit. Servicing keeps everything running clean and ensures your heat pump is supporting a healthier indoor environment. - Increased comfort.
When your heat pump is working efficiently, your home stays at the temperature you want—no hot or cold spots, no weird noises, no airflow issues. A neglected unit might struggle to maintain consistent comfort levels, especially during Dunedin’s cold snaps. Regular servicing helps ensure your system is running smoothly so you can stay warm (or cool) without fuss. - Better for the environment.
A well-maintained heat pump uses less electricity to do the same job, which means a lower carbon footprint for your household. Plus, when your unit lasts longer, that’s one less appliance heading to landfill before its time. Servicing might seem like a small task, but over the life of your unit, it adds up to a meaningful difference for the planet.
How long should my heat pump live for?
A good-quality heat pump that’s been properly installed and looked after should last around 10 to 15 years—sometimes even longer. Like any appliance, though, its lifespan depends on how well it’s maintained. Regular servicing keeps everything running smoothly and helps prevent small issues from turning into expensive problems. Think of it like getting a warrant of fitness for your car: a little upkeep along the way means your heat pump will keep doing its job year after year, without surprises.
How do I know if I need a service or a new heat pump?
Ultimately, give us a call us and we can have a chat.
On your own it can be a challenge to tell whether that weird noise or low airflow is a symptom of the unit’s end-of-life, or if its a simple blockage that could be resolved with a service. Generally, we will recommend a service- since this will help us diagnose any issues (in our experience, often a good clean is all it needs!). But give us a call, tell us about the weird noise, and we can point you on the path to solving your heat pump’s problem.
What does a heat pump service include?
A Wirefox heat pump service starts by giving the filters and coils a thorough clean. We’ll check and clear any drain blockages. Check the fan operation. We’ll test temperature in and temperature out to help us assess refrigerant levels and airflow quality. We’ll check the operation of the crankcase heater, insure control functions are working properly, and electrical connections are good. Basically, we carefully, and in detail, look for any signs of wear or issues that could cause you trouble down the line. It’s all about keeping your heat pump reliable, energy-efficient, and ready to handle whatever Dunedin weather throws at you.