The Heat Pump Health Check: Your Guide to Servicing, Cleaning, and Longevity

• An annual professional heat pump service can lead to significant savings on your yearly energy bills.
• Regular maintenance is vital for extending the lifespan of your unit and preventing costly future breakdowns.
• While DIY filter cleaning is beneficial, a comprehensive professional service checks critical electrical and mechanical components.
• New Zealand's damp and variable climate means heat pumps work harder, making annual servicing essential for year-round efficiency.
• Clear signs that your heat pump needs a service include strange noises, reduced performance, and a sudden increase in your power bill.

Think about the last time you really needed your heat pump. Maybe it was a frosty winter morning or one of those humid, sticky summer afternoons. You flick it on, expecting instant comfort, and... nothing. Or worse, a strange rattling noise starts up. It’s a scenario we’ve seen play out in homes across Auckland time and time again.

But what if you could prevent that headache and save money at the same time? It’s simpler than you think.

An annual service and cleaning can save you up to $250 a year on your energy bills . That’s because, over time, the build-up of dust and dirt on the internal components can force the unit to work much harder, increasing its power consumption by a staggering 10-35%. Treating a yearly service as a crucial investment in your home is the key to unlocking long-term savings and reliability.

It’s easy to put off servicing a heat pump that seems to be working fine. It’s a classic case of "out of sight, out of mind." However, in our experience, this is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make.

We often get calls from people in the middle of July whose heat pump has completely given up. The house is freezing, and they’re facing an unexpected and expensive emergency repair. In so many of these cases, the problem could have been spotted and fixed for a fraction of the cost during a routine check-up.

As experts in the field confirm, neglecting regular servicing can lead to a whole host of issues , including inefficient operation, frequent breakdowns, and even premature failure of the entire unit. It turns a reliable appliance into a ticking time bomb for your wallet.

We absolutely encourage homeowners to perform some basic maintenance themselves. It plays a big part in keeping your unit running smoothly between professional visits. But it’s important to understand the limitations of DIY cleaning.

Your Monthly DIY Checklist

The single most effective thing you can do is clean the filters on your indoor unit. Simply open the front panel, slide the filters out, and give them a gentle wash in warm, soapy water. Let them dry completely before popping them back in. Do this every month or two, and you’ll notice a difference in airflow and air quality.

You should also take a look at your outdoor unit. Check for any leaves, grass clippings, or debris that might be blocking the airflow. Experts recommend clearing at least a 50cm radius around the outdoor unit to ensure it can breathe properly. It’s a simple step that makes a real difference.

What Our Professional Service Covers

A DIY clean is like washing the outside of your car, whereas a professional service is like getting a full engine tune-up and safety check. They are both valuable, but they serve very different purposes.

When our technicians arrive, they perform a comprehensive service that goes far beyond a simple filter clean. We follow a detailed checklist that includes deep cleaning and disinfecting the indoor coils to remove mould and bacteria, checking all electrical connections for safety, lubricating moving parts to reduce wear and tear, and ensuring the outdoor unit is free from obstructions and signs of vermin. This is the kind of detailed work that guarantees efficiency and safety.

Your heat pump will usually give you a few warning signs before it gets into serious trouble. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to book a professional check-up:

• Strange Noises: Grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds are not normal. They often point to a problem with the fan motor or other moving parts.
• Weak Airflow: If the air coming out feels weaker than it used to, it could be due to clogged filters, a blocked coil, or a problem with the fan.
• Unpleasant Smells: A musty or mouldy odour means there’s likely bacterial growth on the indoor coil, which can impact your family’s health.
• Rising Power Bills: If your energy usage has crept up without any other explanation, your heat pump is probably working inefficiently and needs a tune-up.
• Constant Running: Is your unit running all the time without ever seeming to reach the temperature you’ve set? This is a classic sign of low refrigerant or a dirty system.

New Zealand’s climate is unique. With our high humidity and four-seasons-in-one-day weather patterns, our heat pumps are put under significant strain. They’re not just for winter warmth; they’re often working hard in summer to provide cooling and dehumidifying.

This year-round workload means they accumulate dust, dirt, and moisture faster than in many other parts of the world. It’s why an annual service isn’t just a good idea here—it’s essential for reliable performance.

On a related note, a common mistake we see is setting the thermostat too high in winter. For a great balance of comfort and energy efficiency, we recommend a setting of around 18-21°C. Pushing it higher won't heat the room any faster, but it will definitely use more power.

So, how much should you budget for this essential maintenance? We believe in being completely upfront with our pricing. Our comprehensive heat pump service starts at just $130 + GST , and if you have more than one unit, we offer a discounted rate of $65 + GST for each additional one.

When you weigh that against the potential savings of up to $250 a year on power, not to mention the thousands of dollars you’d spend on a premature replacement, the value is clear. It’s a small price to pay for efficiency, longevity, and peace of mind.

One final point on efficiency: it all starts with having the right equipment for the job. A heat pump that’s too small for a room will run constantly without ever making the space comfortable, burning through power. One that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, which is also highly inefficient.

If you're unsure whether your unit is correctly sized for your room, or you're planning a new installation, we've got a handy tool for you on our website. It’s a free and easy way to check if you have the right setup for maximum efficiency.

Your heat pump is one of the most important appliances in your home, working quietly in the background to keep your family comfortable all year round. Giving it a little bit of professional attention once a year is the single best thing you can do to protect that investment.

Don't wait for a breakdown. An annual service ensures better air quality, lower power bills, and a longer life for your unit.

Ready to get your heat pump running at its best? Book your professional service with our friendly team today.