Heat pumps are valuable investments that can serve your home for many years when properly maintained. Most homeowners don’t realise that simple maintenance tasks can significantly impact their system’s longevity.

Regular maintenance and smart usage habits can extend the lifespan of your heat pump from the typical 10-15 years to well over 20 years. This means substantial savings on replacement costs and better energy consumption throughout your system’s life.

Understanding how to care for your heat pump properly will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure consistent performance. The right approach involves both preventive measures and efficiency optimisation strategies that work together to reduce wear on your system’s components.

5 Heat Pump Maintenance Tips at a Glance:

Schedule Regular Maintenance and Professional Inspections
Book biannual professional HVAC inspections to catch issues early, improve efficiency, and prevent most heat pump breakdowns.
Monitor and Maintain Refrigerant Levels
Have a licensed technician check refrigerant levels annually to avoid leaks, reduced performance, and environmental damage.
Change or Clean Air Filters Often
Replace or clean filters regularly to maintain airflow, lower energy use, and protect system components from damage.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Ensure at least 60cm of clearance and clean coils regularly to maintain proper airflow and prevent weather-related damage.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Install a smart thermostat to reduce system strain, save energy, and receive helpful maintenance and performance alerts.

Tips to Prolong Your Heat Pump’s Lifespan

Regular heat pump maintenance, proper refrigerant management, and clean filters form the foundation of heat pump longevity. Smart thermostats and clear outdoor units complete the essential care routine.

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance and Professional Inspections

A professional tune-up keeps your heat pump running at peak performance. HVAC technicians can spot problems before they become expensive repairs.

Book annual inspections with a qualified HVAC technician. They will check electrical connections, test safety controls, and examine the entire heating and cooling system.

Maintenance Schedule:

Spring: Pre-cooling season check
Autumn: Pre-heating season inspection
Quarterly: Basic system checks

During inspections, technicians clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and test system performance. They also inspect ductwork and electrical components for wear.

Regular maintenance prevents 85% of heat pump breakdowns. Your HVAC system will use less energy and last longer with proper care.

2. Monitor and Maintain Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your heat pump system. Low levels force your unit to work harder and reduce efficiency.

Signs of low refrigerant include poor cooling, ice buildup, and higher electricity bills. Never attempt to add refrigerant yourself.

Only licensed HVAC technicians should handle refrigerant. They use specialised equipment to check levels and detect leaks safely.

Warning Signs of Refrigerant Issues: If you notice issues in both heating and cooling modes, it may indicate refrigerant problems.

Ice on outdoor coils
Reduced heating or cooling
Hissing sounds from the unit
Higher energy bills

Refrigerant leaks damage the environment and reduce system performance. Annual inspections catch these problems early before major damage occurs.

3. Change or Clean Filters Often

Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your heat pump to work harder. This increases wear on components and raises energy costs.

Check filters monthly during peak usage seasons. Replace disposable filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality.

Clean reusable filters with mild soap and water. Allow them to dry completely before reinstalling to prevent mould growth.

Filter Replacement Schedule:

High usage periods: Monthly checks
Standard homes: Every 3 months
Homes with pets: Every 6-8 weeks
Dusty areas: Every 4-6 weeks

Quality filters improve indoor air quality whilst protecting your heating and cooling system, helping to maximise efficiency. Mark filter change dates on your calendar to maintain consistency.

4. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor unit needs proper airflow to operate efficiently. Clogged airflow reduces the heat pumps’ performance and shortens equipment life.

Clear vegetation, debris, and objects at least 60cm from all sides of the unit. Trim bushes and remove fallen leaves regularly.

Clean the outdoor coils with a garden hose twice yearly. Turn off the power before cleaning and spray from inside out to avoid pushing debris deeper.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance:

Remove leaves and debris weekly
Trim plants quarterly
Clean coils twice yearly
Check for damage after storms

Snow, ice, and extreme weather can damage outdoor components. Inspect your unit after severe weather events and contact an HVAC technician if you notice damage.

5. Use a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats optimise your heat pump’s operation based on your usage patterns and reduce unnecessary cycling. They learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically.

Program your thermostat to avoid dramatic temperature swings. Gradual changes reduce stress on your HVAC system components.

Set temperatures 2-3 degrees higher in summer and lower in winter when away. This simple change extends equipment life without sacrificing comfort.

Smart Thermostat Benefits:

Reduced system cycling
Energy savings of 10-15%
Remote temperature control
Maintenance reminders

Modern thermostats provide maintenance alerts and system diagnostics. They help you track energy usage and identify potential problems early.

Learn More Tips About Extending Your Heat Pump’s Lifespan at Eurosun Today!

A well-maintained heat pump not only runs more efficiently but can also last years longer than neglected systems, saving you money and energy in the long run. From regular maintenance to smart thermostat use, these simple strategies make a big difference.

If you’re ready to get more from your heat pump, Eurosun is here to help with expert advice, reliable products, and professional support tailored for Australian homeowners. Contact us today!