How to Clean a Heat Pump
Quick answer: Clean your heat pump's filters every 2–3 months by vacuuming them and washing them in mild soapy water, wipe down the indoor unit with a damp cloth, and clear leaves and debris from the outdoor unit each season. Call a professional if you notice strange noises, ice buildup, reduced performance, or it's been over 12 months since your last service.
A Step-by-Step Guide from Your Local Specialists
I get asked this all the time - and honestly, it's one of the best questions a heat pump owner can ask. Regular cleaning is the single easiest thing you can do to keep your heat pump running efficiently, extend its life, and make sure the air in your home stays clean.
Over the years, I've seen heat pumps that haven't been touched in five or six years. The filters are clogged, the coils are dusty, and the unit is working twice as hard as it should be. It's not a great situation - and most of the time, it's completely avoidable.
Here's exactly how we recommend cleaning your heat pump at home, and when you should call in a professional instead.
What You'll Need
Nothing fancy - you probably have everything at home already:
A soft cloth or microfibre towel
Mild detergent or dish soap
A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
Wipe down with a damp cloth only - avoid hoses, water blasters, or excessive water, as moisture can damage electrical components.
A step ladder if your indoor unit is mounted high
How Do I Clean My Heat Pump's Filters?
The filters are the lungs of your heat pump. If they're blocked, the whole system suffers - this is the step that makes the biggest difference.
Turn the heat pump off at the remote or wall controller, and switch it off at the wall
Open the front panel of the indoor unit - it usually lifts or clips open
Slide out the filters carefully
Give them a gentle vacuum to remove loose dust
Wash them under warm water with a little mild detergent
Leave them to dry completely in the shade - never put wet filters back in
Slide them back in and close the panel
How Do I Clean the Indoor Unit?
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the outside casing of the unit. Avoid spraying anything directly onto it - a lightly dampened cloth is all you need. Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
While you're there, check the vents and adjustable louvres (the fins that direct airflow) - dust builds up here too. A soft brush or vacuum attachment works well, and it's worth confirming nothing is blocking airflow in or out of the unit.
How Do I Clean the Outdoor Unit?
The outdoor unit takes a beating from wind, rain, leaves, and dust, so it needs its own bit of care:
Turn off the power to the outdoor unit
Remove any leaves, debris, or grass clippings from around it
Gently hose down the outside fins on a low-pressure setting - never a water blaster or high pressure, as this can bend the fins
Leave at least 30cm of clearance on all sides for airflow
How Often Should I Clean My Heat Pump?
As a general guide:
Filters: Clean every 2-3 months, every 4-6 weeks during heavy use, floor mounts the same, especially if they have pets, or more often if you have pets or the unit gets heavy use
Outdoor unit: Check every season and clear any debris
Full professional service: Once a year - this is where we check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and anything that can't be done from the outside
When Should I Call a Professional Instead?
Home cleaning keeps your heat pump ticking over nicely. But some things need a trained technician:
Strange noises - rattling, gurgling, or grinding
The unit isn't heating or cooling as well as it used to
You notice ice forming on the unit
There's a musty or unusual smell coming from the vents
Error codes are showing on the display
It's been more than 12 months since a professional service
When in doubt, give us a call. We'd rather you ring us early than wait until a small issue becomes an expensive repair.
Book a Professional Heat Pump Service - Timaru & South Canterbury
We service all makes and models across Timaru, Waimate, Pleasant Point, Temuka, Geraldine, Fairlie, Twizel, Lake Tekapo and surrounding areas. Whether it's a routine annual service or something's not quite right, give us a call.
Phone: 03 684 5298
Or use our online form and let us know how we can help! - We'll be in touch.
FAQ
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Yes - the filters, indoor casing, vents, and outdoor unit are all safe to clean yourself. Refrigerant, electrical components, and internal parts should be left to a qualified technician.
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A gentle hose on low pressure is fine for clearing dust and debris from the outdoor fins. Never use a water blaster or high-pressure setting - it can bend the fins and damage the unit.
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A musty smell usually means mould or mildew has built up inside the unit, often from a blocked condensate drain. This is one for a professional, not a DIY fix.
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Every 2-3 months under normal use, or every 4-6 weeks if you run the unit heavily or have pets.