Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance, Servicing and Repair
Air Source Heat Pump Mantenance
Air source heat pumps use well-established technology, and you should expect a working life, and for it to remain efficient for 20 - 30 years, certainly longer than a boiler.
The good thing about air source heat pumps is that they don’t need a huge amount of user maintenance. Every unit will be different, of course, but Blueflame will advise what the manufacturer's exact unit requirements are in regards to annual or seasonal maintenance.
The main thing is to be sure that there’s a plentiful supply of air. This means regularly checking for leaves or rubbish caught in the fans grille. also pruning back any plants growing too close to the unit or its pipework. In very cold weather, you'll need to make sure you clear snow from the air source heat pump and check that the grilles aren’t blocked by ice. We have elaborated more on our air source heat pump maintenance checklist below ...
Air Source Heat Pump Servicing and Repair
Air Source Heat Pump Servicing and Repair
Just like a boiler, you should get your air source heat pump professionally serviced annually by Blueflame, not only to guarantee the performance of your system and prolong its lifetime which will save you money - but to keep manufacturers warrantees valid as they are only upheld if your air source heat pump is serviced on an annual basis by a qualified engineer. It is also an RHI regulation that your system is regularly serviced throughout the 7 years of the Renewable Heat Incentive payback.
In a hybrid system, your gas, oil or LPG boiler will need annual servicing as usual, as part of this process the engineer will check the boiler pressure and you may need to bleed the radiators every couple of years (if you have them) - but certainly nothing different than would usually be advised.
Ideally before the winter (or summer if used for cooling) is the time to have your air source heat pump serviced by Blueflame. Our air source heat pump engineers will conduct a more advanced audit of the components and identify issues that could degrade the heat pump’s performance, which a user would not necessarily spot or be able to diagnose. These checks will comprise of the following:
- Check ducts for leakage and repair if necessary
- Inspect filters, ducts, blower and indoor coil for dirt and other obstructions
- Measure airflow is correct
- Check refrigerant levels and pressure
- Check all electrical contacts and ensure they are protected from the elements
- Check for system leaks
- Check reverse heating / cooling controls and verify they are operating as required
- Lubricate moving belts, motors and check for damage / wear and tear
- Check and test thermostat under normal operating conditions.
For the most part and unlike other renewable energy technologies, such as solar PV and wind turbines which use costly inverters, heat pumps do not generally require the replacement of expensive parts during their lifetime.
