Air source heat pumps need servicing, as doing so ensures maximum efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness from your investment. Aim to have your heat pump serviced once a year, but for commercial properties or places where the heat pumps are used excessively, a service every six months may be best.
In this guide, we explore air source heat pump servicing, what it involves, how long it can take and how you can keep your heat pump in its best condition and keep maintenance costs down.
| How often? | Once a year. Every six months in commercial venues or high-usage properties |
| What does it include? | Visual checks, leak checks, cleaning of components, electrical circuit tests, temperature checks & more |
| How much? | Costs vary by size and type of pump. Can cost in the region of £100-£300, but can be much higher. Always get a quote for confirmation. |
| How long does it take? | Depending on the size of the unit, 1-2 hours |
| When should it be serviced? | Late summer or early autumn |
An air source heat pump needs servicing to ensure it can perform efficiently. Having a qualified engineer attend your property to inspect and service your heat pump ensures any small issues are addressed before they get too big and expensive to repair, but also keeps your warranty intact, so if something does happen, you’ll still be covered.
These aren’t the only reasons, though, as we explain below:
An air source heat pump that isn’t well maintained can quickly start to deliver less than desirable results. As dust builds up, parts wear, and refrigerant depletes, your system works harder to reach the performance you expect. This soon means you effectively spend more money running it than before, only to get less from it. We explore how much electricity a heat pump uses in our guide.
A professional service ensures the heat pump is restored to optimal levels and draws minimum electricity for maximum performance. The net result is lower energy bills and a warmer home.
Small problems can quickly become big issues, and these can cost a substantial sum to repair. Having an annual or twice-a-year service ensures that the little niggles are captured before they become expensive repairs. During your service, the engineer can spot issues with fans or wiring, for example and tackle them before they escalate and lead your unit to shut down completely.
When you bought your air source heat pump, the manufacturer will have backed their product with a substantial warranty. The duration varies, but the warranty can soon become invalid if you don’t keep up with servicing. In many cases, it’s a strict condition, and you’ll need to provide proof that servicing has taken place if you ever need to have your heat pump replaced or substantially repaired. Without the warranty, the cost of those repairs becomes yours.
An air source heat pump contains various electrical and mechanical parts, and whilst some homeowners may think they can fix them when they break, it’s best left to the professionals. From damaged wiring to leaking refrigerant, a qualified expert can ensure things are fitted as they should be, connected how they are meant to be and, where necessary, filled to the correct and safe levels.
An air source heat pump service includes a range of checks, tests and cleaning. These include:
In addition to the service itself, the engineer will also give you advice on how to look after your heat pump and use it efficiently.
No, for full peace of mind, safety, warranty compliance and expert help, you’d need your air source heat pump to be serviced by a professional. That said, some preventative maintenance can keep your heat pump in good condition.
Additionally, inspect the unit for signs of wear, damaged wiring and correct water pressure. These simple inspections can go a long way to enhancing the performance of your unit, as you will catch problems before they develop further.
These jobs sound straightforward, but if you do not feel safe or confident doing them, contact our team instead.
Ideally, your air source heat pump should be serviced once a year, but for commercial properties or those where the system is used frequently, every six months may be better.
Always ensure you book a trusted engineer and check that they are MCS-accredited and F-gas qualified. Working with refrigerants requires an F-gas qualification, so always ask your engineer for proof that they are certified to work on your unit.
Prices vary with the size and type of unit being major cost factors. You can expect to pay around £100 to £300, but always get a quote for complete transparency. In some cases, prices could exceed this considerably. You can organise heat pump service plans with our Sussex-based team. This can make the cost more manageable, as your monthly payments cover annual servicing and general call-outs for when things go wrong.
A well-maintained air source heat pump that has been regularly serviced and generally well looked after can last for 15-20 years, and potentially longer. However, failing to keep on top of servicing, or allowing problems to develop, can dramatically reduce your heat pump’s lifespan.
Units can be expensive, so keeping yours well looked after not only helps you keep repair costs down, but also helps you avoid costly replacement costs.
Ideally, service your heat pump in late summer or early autumn. This means that come winter, your heat pump should be working at optimal efficiency. Furthermore, breakdowns during the colder weather should also be reduced, as the service will have addressed any issues.
In commercial premises, consider having your unit serviced in spring and autumn so you are fully prepared for the moments your unit will be working its hardest.
Heat pump servicing can take a couple of hours, but this depends on the size of the unit, its location and whether any issues are discovered during servicing. When you speak to our team, we can give you a clearer indication of how long your heat pump service will take.
If you have been delaying your annual heat pump service because you assume it’s working fine, a few signs could tell you otherwise. If you notice any of the following, it’s worth booking an F-gas certified engineer for full peace of mind:
These issues need investigating, and this can only be done properly by booking a qualified engineer.
When you book a service for your air source heat pump, you need a reliable, trusted and certified engineer to cast a professional eye over your system. A fault missed or inadequately addressed can mean more expensive repairs or a sudden breakdown in the future. At Sussex Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Ltd, our F-gas certified engineers attend your home or commercial property and carefully inspect your unit for its performance and condition, making sure nothing is missed and that your unit is ready for the colder weather. Contact us today to book your service or to ask any questions you may have.
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