Air source heat pump maintenance & cleaning

Fortunately, air source heat pumps require relatively little maintenance. But in order to ensure that they last as long as they’re designed to (20-25 years depending on the manufacturer), it’s a good idea to make sure you carry out a few basic checks, clean the main components and get a professional service often. Let’s take a look at how you can maintain your heat pump and keep it working for a long time.

• A professional service costs around £200, and it's essential to keep your system running safely for up to 25 years.

• Clear away leaves and dirt from your outdoor unit every few months and make sure the unit’s airflow isn’t restricted.

• You'll want to clean coils and fans gently with a soft brush, and clean air filters if you've got an air-to-air system.

Professional services

While some of the basic, routine maintenance tasks you can complete yourself, a full heat pump service is a thorough, professional check-up carried out by a qualified technician. This can involve an in-depth inspection and testing of all the components, and this should not be attempted yourself. These professional visits usually cost around £200.

What does air source heat pump maintenance involve?

Aside from the professional services, there are a few steps you can take to keep the unit operating as intended. We recommend carrying out this maintenance every few months.

Leaves, dirt and debris

Checking for and clearing away leaves, dirt and debris from around the heat pump unit is worth doing fairly regularly due to the unit being situated outdoors.

Check airflow

Make sure the area immediately surrounding the unit is free of obstructions that could affect the airflow. If the heat pump’s airflow is restricted it won’t perform as efficiently.

Check for leaks

Have a look around the ground near your unit to see if there are any obvious leaks. If you spot one, book a service immediately.

Air filters

Most UK heat pumps are air-to-water. With an air-to-water system, you likely won’t have an air filter inside your outdoor unit. If you have an air-to-air system, you’ll have to find and clean your air filter regularly.

Coils and fans

To clean the heat pump’s coils and fans, use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or debris. Then use a damp (but not wet) cloth to wipe them down.

By carrying out regular air source heat pump maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your system performing at its best and extend its already long life. The simple and minimal maintenance required is just one upside of air source heat pumps over traditional boilers.

If you’d like to see a more comprehensive overview of their benefits, have a look at our guide on the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps.

Neglecting proper care for your air source heat pump can lead to loss of efficiency, shorter unit lifespan and costly replacements. We recommend regular basic maintenance and professional services to keep it in good shape.

Ideally you want to book a service in the autumn, so any potential problems can be caught and dealt with before the cold winter months where it’ll get the most use.

Only a qualified technician may perform a professional air source heat pump service. But you can keep the unit running along nicely with some of the basic maintenance outlined above.