Heat pumps are a smart, energy-efficient way to moderate the temperature in your home year-round. But like any hardworking system, they need regular attention to stay in top shape. If you’re wondering how often heat pump maintenance is needed, you’re not alone—and you’re asking the right question.
In this guide, we’ll explain how frequently you should service your heat pump system, why regular maintenance matters, what a typical tune-up includes, and simple steps you can take to keep your system running smoothly. Whether you’ve had your system for years or just installed a new one, proper care can extend its lifespan and improve efficiency.
Why Heat Pump Maintenance Is Essential
Your heat pump doesn’t take a break. It runs in winter and summer, working harder than systems that only handle heating or cooling. That year-round workload means more wear and tear over time.
Without regular preventative maintenance, your heat pump can become less efficient, more expensive to run, and more prone to sudden breakdowns, which can lead to unexpected heat pump repair costs.
Routine maintenance helps:
- Maintain consistent heating and cooling performance.
- Lower your monthly energy bills.
- Catch small issues like dirty blower components before they become costly repairs
- Extend the life of your system.
- Protect your manufacturer’s warranty.
Taking care of your heat pump isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
How Often Should You Service a Heat Pump?
Because heat pumps work through all seasons, the standard once-a-year HVAC service isn’t enough.
The best practice? Schedule maintenance twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall.
This ensures your heat pump is optimized before each high-usage season. If you only service it once a year, you could be caught off guard when temperatures shift.
Even if your heat pump is used as a secondary system or backup, it is still recommended to be checked annually to ensure safety, efficiency, and energy savings.
What Happens During Heat Pump Maintenance?
When you schedule a heat pump tune-up with a professional team like Anderson Air, trained HVAC technicians will inspect, clean, and adjust key components to ensure everything is working correctly.
Here’s what a typical maintenance checklist includes:
- Inspecting and replacing air filters.
- Cleaning indoor and outdoor coils to prevent buildup and clogs.
- Checking refrigerant levels and detecting any refrigerant leaks.
- Tightening electrical connections and inspecting electric terminals.
- Lubricating moving parts like the compressor and motor.
- Calibrating the thermostat.
- Testing system operation and airflow.
- Verifying efficiency and safety.
If minor issues are found, they can usually be handled on the spot, saving you the headache of a future breakdown.
Basic Heat Pump Maintenance You Can Do at Home
While a licensed technician should handle professional servicing, there are a few simple things you can do to help your heat pump stay efficient in between visits:
- Change or clean your air filter every 1–3 months (more often if you have pets or allergies).
- Clear debris like dirt and leaves from the outdoor unit.
- Check the airflow around vents to ensure nothing is blocked.
- Listen for unusual noises or changes in performance—early troubleshooting can save time and money.
These easy habits can help you avoid common issues and keep your system running more efficiently between professional tune-ups.
What Type of Heat Pump Do You Have?
Heat pump maintenance needs can vary slightly depending on the type of system in your home:
- Air-source heat pumps: The most common type of heat pump unit, they transfer heat between your home and the outside air
- Ductless mini-splits: Provide zoned heating and cooling without needing ductwork
- Geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps: Geothermal heat pumps use underground loops for high-efficiency heating and cooling
- Hybrid systems: Pair a heat pump with a furnace for extra heating support in very cold temperatures
No matter the model, all heat pumps benefit from biannual maintenance to stay in peak condition.
Should You Consider a Maintenance Plan?
If remembering to schedule service twice a year sounds like a hassle, consider signing up for a maintenance plan with Anderson Air. These plans make routine heat pump maintenance easy and affordable, with added perks like:
- Priority scheduling
- Discounts on repairs
- Scheduled reminders
- Peace of mind knowing your system is covered year-round
Keep Your System Running Strong with Anderson Air’s Expert Heat Pump Maintenance
Staying on top of regular heat pump maintenance is the key to avoiding costly breakdowns, cutting energy costs, and keeping your living space comfortable year-round. At Anderson Air, we make it simple. With nearly 50 years of trusted experience in Northwest Arkansas, our team of certified technicians is here to deliver top-quality service that’s fast, friendly, and reliable.
Whether you need seasonal tune-ups, emergency repairs, or a custom maintenance plan, we’ve got you covered—with guaranteed satisfaction. Don’t wait for a breakdown to take action.
Call Anderson Air today and schedule your next heat pump service. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is in the hands of professionals who care about your comfort and your budget.