Heat pump maintenance
What you need to take into account
A heat pump is easier to maintain than conventional heating systems which use fossil fuels, such as gas or oil heating. Air source heat pumps are particularly easy to maintain as there are so few components to check. However, all other types of heat pumps are also low maintenance. Different heat pump types require different maintenance intervals to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently over a long period of time.
How frequently do heat pumps need to be serviced?
There are no legal requirements for how often a heat pump must be serviced. Only larger systems containing more than 3 kilograms of refrigerant must be put through an annual leakage check. However, this does not usually affect heat pumps in detached houses, as these require less refrigerant.
We recommend getting your heat pump serviced once a year. Servicing should be done in the summer so that you can arrange any necessary repairs in good time so you stay warm during the cold season.
What is involved in servicing a heat pump?
The H&V technician must check all electrical components for wear to ensure that the system is working properly. For this reason, every service must include examining the plugs, contacts and protective conductor (grounding).
The safety valves and the water filter of the heating circuit are subject to wear and must be inspected.
Uneven fluid circulation or trapped air may indicate a leak. Leaks must be resolved by a specialist company, as the heat pump will only work efficiently when the flow is consistent.
It may be necessary to adjust the heating characteristic to maximise energy efficiency. Depending on the outside temperature and how well insulated your house is, you may need to change the low end (starting point) and the gradient (inclination) must be adjusted. The optimised heating characteristic should not deviate from the initial settings by more than 10%.
Differences in the maintenance of different types of heat pumps
In addition to general maintenance, the following specific maintenance must be provided depending on the type of heat pump.
Maintenance of air-to-water heat pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps uses ambient air as a heat source and is ideal for use in both new builds and existing buildings. They are easier to maintain than other types of heat pumps, since no probes or wells are required to generate heat from the thermal energy of the air. Only the heat pump itself needs to be maintained.
If you have an air source heat pump, the supply and exhaust air ducts must be cleaned regularly (to remove leaves, dust, etc.). The condensate drain must also be checked as part of the maintenance of the air source heat pump.
Air-to-water heat pumps
CHA-MONOBLOCK
The CHA Monoblock air source heat pump from WOLF is one of the most efficient air source heat pumps on the market. It is low-maintenance, made in Germany and comes with a five-year warranty. It also has a stylish design.
Maintenance of a brine-to-water heat pump
A brine-to-water heat pump converts heat from the ground into heating energy. Maintaining a geothermal heat pump involves
checking the chemical composition of the brine. If this does not meet the requirements, frost protection is not guaranteed.
The filter in the heating circuit must be checked and cleaned if necessary. Checking the pressure of the brine circuit involves refilling the brine and detecting possible leaks at an early stage.
The insulation of the brine pipework in the house must also be checked (for increased condensation and other issues). If the pipework is poorly insulated, heat will be lost. Refurbishment may be advisable in such cases.
Servicing a water-to-water heat pump
A water-to-water heat pump uses the largely constant temperature of the groundwater to generate energy.
Experts check the pumps, valves and filters when this heat pump type is serviced, with a focus on performing a visual inspection of the wells. Impurities can cause deposits that prevent the heat pump from operating efficiently over time.
Heat pump maintenance checklist
This is the best way to organise the maintenance of your heat pump:
If the heat pump was maintained more than 12 months ago, contact your specialist provider.
If possible, schedule the maintenance for a time when heating is not required.
Another way to improve the energy efficiency of your heat pump in addition to maintenance is to check the heat pump control system.
Maintenance contracts save time and keep your heat pump working reliably.
What are the costs involved in maintaining a heat pump?
The cost of maintaining a heat pump is low and depends on the type of heat pump - usually between EUR 100 and 150. Since no fossil fuels are used, there are no combustion residues or deposits that could impair the operation of the heat pump.
The cost of maintaining a heat pump is low and depends on the type of heat pump - usually between EUR 100 and 150. Since no fossil fuels are used, there are no combustion residues or deposits that could impair the operation of the heat pump.
Investing in heat pump maintenance pays off in the long run, as you will extend the service life of the unit and keep the heat pump running efficiently. If the evaporator or condenser is dirty, for example, the electricity consumption and the operating costs of the heat pump can increase. It is important that you have the necessary work or repairs to the heat pump carried out by a specialist company in order to avoid premature wear or loss of performance.
You can read more about heat pumps and how they work in our article “Understanding heat pumps”.
Find an installer now!
Find competent WOLF heating engineers in your area.
Conclusion: Maintenance is less time-consuming than with other heaters
Even though heat pumps are very low maintenance they should still be serviced at regular intervals. It may be advisable to conclude a take out a maintenance contract with a heating contractor.
