A heat pump can be easy to forget about when it is quietly keeping your home comfortable. But dust, blocked airflow and unusual operation are easier to deal with before the system is working hard on the coldest or hottest days of the year.
For Christchurch homeowners, a useful maintenance plan has two parts: the simple cleaning you can safely do yourself and the more detailed checks that should be handled by a suitably qualified service person.
Clean the removable filters regularly
EECA recommends cleaning a heat pump’s removable filter with a vacuum cleaner or warm water once a month during winter. Homes with pets or more dust may need more frequent attention.
Always follow the instructions for your particular model. Switch the system off before opening it, handle the filters gently, and make sure washed filters are completely dry before refitting them.
A clean filter supports good airflow and helps the heat pump work as intended. It is also a simple job that many homeowners can include in their regular household cleaning.
Filter cleaning is not the same as a professional service
Cleaning a removable filter does not cover every part of the system. Professional servicing may include inspecting filters, airflow, indoor components and the outdoor unit for dirt, obstruction, damage or abnormal operation, depending on the system and its condition.
EECA’s good-practice guidance recommends servicing by a qualified person every 12 months depending on use. Your manufacturer’s instructions and warranty conditions should also guide the correct maintenance schedule for your model.
Signs your heat pump may need attention
Arrange advice if you notice a clear change in how the system operates, such as:
- airflow that feels weaker than usual;
- new or unusual sounds;
- persistent odours;
- water where it should not be;
- an error code or repeated stopping; or
- the system no longer heating or cooling as expected.
These symptoms do not identify the cause on their own. Avoid opening electrical or refrigeration components or attempting a technical repair yourself.
If there is burning, smoke, sparking or water near electrical equipment, stop using the system and contact the appropriate emergency service or a suitably qualified professional.
Keep the outdoor unit clear
Check that leaves, garden growth and stored items are not blocking airflow around the outdoor unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not spray water onto electrical parts, the fan motor or wiring.
A simple heat-pump maintenance routine
- Check and clean the removable filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep indoor outlets and the outdoor unit clear of obstructions.
- Pay attention to changes in sound, airflow and operation.
- Arrange professional servicing at the interval appropriate for the system and its use.
Need heat-pump servicing in Christchurch or Canterbury?
Airmax provides heat-pump and air-conditioning servicing and repair across Greater Christchurch and the verified wider Canterbury travel area, including Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Rolleston, the Selwyn District, Rakaia, Ashburton and Timaru. Travel charges apply outside Greater Christchurch.
Send the Airmax team your suburb, the system brand and model if known, a short description of what it is doing, and any useful photos or error codes. The team can review the information and confirm the appropriate next step.
Call 021 051 2558 or email info@airmax-install.co.nz.
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