Heat pump hot water systems are a cost-effective way to bring reliable hot water into your home. But, just as with any type of water heating system, regular maintenance is essential to keep the hot water flowing.
In this guide, we’ll look at how giving your hot water system a little bit of attention on a regular basis can also keep power bills low and extend the life of your system. We’ll discuss what happens during a service, how often you need them and DIY jobs you can do between services to keep your heat pump happy.
Regular heat pump maintenance is essential to keep your heat pump running efficiently because it has more components compared to traditional heating systems like electric storage systems.
While traditional heating systems rely on electricity or gas to heat water, heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the air and transferring it to the water. This helps reduce energy consumption and provides reliable heating for hot water all year round. They are normally an integrated unit installed outside the home, but they can also be split systems that combine an outdoor heat pump unit and an indoor storage tank. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are an example of heat pump technology that you may already be familiar with.
By having a professional technician service your hot water system, you’ll prevent unexpected breakdowns by identifying issues as early as possible and improve running costs. These regular check-ups will also extend the system’s lifespan.
Heat pump systems require proper maintenance by a professional service technician annually. However, some manufacturers may recommend a twice-yearly service for efficient operation and optimal performance.
Other factors that may affect whether you opt for an annual or bi-annual service include your household usage, the age of the system and the environment in which you live. For example, in cold climates, regular professional maintenance ensures that the backup electric boost and defrost mechanisms are in good working order, ensuring the reliable delivery of hot water. In humid climates, potential issues such as moisture-related damage (like corrosion) can be addressed with regular check-ups.
Your service technician can recommend the frequency of heat pump servicing based on all of the above factors.
Professional maintenance will improve the energy efficiency of your hot water system and ensure its longevity. Here’s what you can expect the technician to do when you have your hot water heat pump serviced.
Heat pumps are generally cost-effective and low-maintenance systems. However, if you experience any of the following problems, you may need to have your hot water system professionally repaired.
Unusual noises. Modern heat pumps should operate quietly. If yours is any louder than a refrigerator, there may be problems with the fan or the motor that powers it.
High energy bills. Clogged air filters and a lack of airflow around the unit can reduce its performance and increase energy consumption.
Water that’s not hot enough. No one likes a cold shower! If your hot water isn’t reaching the desired temperature, it can indicate a problem with the heat pump’s thermostat, compressor, a refrigerant leak or electrical issues.
Water leaks. Leaks can be caused by faulty or loose fittings or clogged drain lines. Have it fixed as soon as possible or risk problems with mould, water damage, termites, high energy bills and electric shocks.
Frequent cycling on and off. Known as short cycling, this heat pump fault can occur for many reasons, including clogged filters, dirty coils or even incorrectly sized hot water units.
Modern heat pumps are designed to be user-friendly. Many include diagnostic features that make it easy to monitor the health of your system and perform basic maintenance tasks. At the same time, they have many more components than standard gas and electric systems, so any upkeep beyond cleaning or replacing filters, removing debris from around the unit to ensure proper airflow and checking for leaks should be left to a licensed electrician.
Homeowners should maintain heat pump hot water systems between services by keeping the unit free of dirt and dust and ensuring there are no obstructions blocking air from entering the unit. You should also check that pipe insulation is free of wear and tear that will cause heat loss, and use the system’s timer to ensure the heating schedule is in line with your hot water needs. This will help to reduce electricity consumption, especially during the winter months.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filters every 1-3 months, but always check the instruction manual for the correct method. Sometimes you can use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust, while other types of filters are best washed with lukewarm water.
To keep your heat pump running efficiently, have it professionally serviced at least once every 12 months. If you don’t, you could be paying more than necessary on your energy bills, decreasing the lifespan of your hot water system and risking a sudden loss of hot water.
At Same Day Hot Water Service, we don’t just sell heat pump hot water systems – we service them, too! Because heat pump systems are more complex than other types of hot water systems, it’s important to choose a hot water specialist who can properly identify problems and fix them correctly. At Same Day Hot Water Service, we specialise in maintenance and repairs for all brands of heat pumps, so give us a call on 1300 721 996 to book a service today.
Heat pump maintenance involves cleaning or changing the filters every few months, as well as cleaning the outdoor unit. In addition, it should be professionally serviced annually.
Yes, heat pumps should be serviced every year – even twice a year in some circumstances. This can make them run more effectively and extend their lifespan.
A basic hot water service starts from around $150, but this can vary depending on whether you require any repairs or parts. For a quote that’s specific to your needs, call Same Day Hot Water Service.
Heat pumps generally last about 15 years, but that can be extended to around 20 years if correctly maintained.