Quick and Painless Heat Pump Maintenance

It takes 20 minutes to do a basic heat pump maintenance and is more than worth the effort in the rewards that it brings. Take the time to maintain your heat pump correctly and clean the air filters, and you will reap the benefits that your heat pump has to offer.

How to Maintain Your Heat Pump

The first thing you will want to do is turn off the power to your heat pump. Turn the switch on your outdoor unit to off. Your own safety should always come first.

Maintaining the Outdoor Unit

Whilst at the outdoor unit, check for any weeds that are trying to grow around your heat pump. Remove the weeds and any other obstructions to the air flow of your outdoor unit.

Now check the back of the outdoor unit where the heat exchanging coil is located. Gently remove any pet hair, leaves or other items which may reduce the airflow.

If the coil is particularly dirty, you will need the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Run the vacuum brush down the coils in the same direction that the fins run. This will remove most of the dirt and improve the air flow and efficiency of your heat pump.

Finally, wipe down the case and remove any dirt from the panels. Leave the electrical isolating switch in the OFF position until you have completed the indoor unit maintenance.

Maintaining the Indoor Unit

Firstly, lift open the cover and remove the air filters from your heat pump. There are two main types of filter. The larger filters are a fine mesh type which trap the dust and dirt. The smaller rectangular shaped ones are the ones which break down allergens and trap other particulates.

Give the filters a quick vacuum with the brush attachment. This should be done to all of the filters, and on both sides. The smaller filters can then be set to one side.

With the larger mesh filters, take them to the laundry sink and give them a gentle spray with an antibacterial cleaning solution. Rinse them well on both sides with warm water and allow to dry for 5 to 10 minutes.

Check the coil on your indoor unit. This is located beneath where the filters were installed. If it is all clogged up with dust, run your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment over it gently in the same direction that the fins run.

Wipe off any dust from inside the case cover and on the air inlet and outlet grilles. Now spray a cloth with a mild general purpose kitchen cleaner and wipe down the case on your heat pump.

By the time you have finished cleaning your indoor unit, the filters should now be dry and can now be replaced. Put the filters in place and close the case. Your indoor maintenance is now complete and you can turn the electrical isolating switch back to the ON position and enjoy your healthy, clean, air from your heat pump once again.

Why Heat Pump Maintenance is Important

Regular maintenance is essential to the efficient running of your heat pump. If you fail to clean the filters and the coils are dirty your heat pump can develop numerous faults and will cease to run correctly.

Not only can it cause damage to your heat pump, it is also unhygenic as the dirt buildup on the moist coil can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Look after your heat pump and enjoy the benefits it has to offer.