How to Service a Heat Pump - And When to Call the Experts
One of the most common things I hear from customers is: ‘I clean the filters - isn’t that enough?’ And honestly, it’s a great start. But servicing and cleaning are two very different things, and understanding the difference could save you a lot of money in the long run.
A clean filter keeps the air flowing. A proper service keeps the whole system healthy - the coils, the drainage, the refrigerant levels, the electrical components, and everything in between. After 25 years in this industry, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when heat pumps don’t get serviced regularly. It’s never pretty.
Cleaning vs Servicing - What's the Difference?
Think of it like your car. You can wash it yourself every week - but you still need to take it to a mechanic once a year for a proper warrant and service. Heat pumps are the same.
What you can do yourself at home:
Clean the filters every 4–6 weeks during heavy use (more often if you have pets)
Wipe down the indoor unit casing
Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit
Check nothing is blocking airflow in or out of either unit
What our service technician does:
Clean the air filters
Flush the internal fan
Flush the drainage system
Chemical clean of the outdoor condenser coil
On/off temperature test to check refrigerant gas levels
Identify any early signs of wear or performance issues
Our service technicians are not electricians or qualified to work with refrigerant - and we’re upfront about that. If they identify a performance issue or fault during a service, they refer it straight to our qualified electricians and refrigerant specialists to investigate and resolve. It’s a proper system, and it means the right person is always doing the right job.
How Often Should You Get a Professional Service?
We recommend a professional service once a year for most homes. If your heat pump runs almost constantly - like in a home with young children or elderly residents - or if you’re in a dusty rural environment, twice a year isn’t overkill.
The best time to book is just before winter - that way you know your heat pump is in peak condition before you’re relying on it every day. We get busy fast in April and May, so booking early is always a good idea.
Why Regular Servicing Matters
Dirt is a heat pump’s biggest enemy.
It acts as an insulator, reducing efficiency and pushing your running costs up. A dirty outdoor coil can cause ice-ups, which block airflow and can lead to coil or compressor failure - one of the most expensive repairs we see. Dirty indoor filters and coils restrict heat transfer, put extra strain on the compressor, and reduce the air quality in your home.
A poorly maintained heat pump can use 10–35% more energy than a well-maintained one. Regular servicing keeps your power bills down, your air cleaner, and your system running for longer.
Inside every heat pump are cool, dark, humid spaces - ideal conditions for mould, fungi, and bacteria to grow. Annual servicing keeps all of that in check, which matters especially if you have young children, elderly family members, or anyone with respiratory sensitivities at home.
Warning Signs Your Heat Pump Needs a Service Now
Don’t wait for the annual service if you notice any of these:
It’s taking much longer to heat or cool the room than it used to
There’s a strange smell coming from the vents - musty, burning, or chemical
You can hear unusual noises - rattling, gurgling, clicking, or grinding
Ice is forming on the indoor or outdoor unit
The unit is running constantly but not reaching the set temperature
Error codes are appearing on the display
Your power bill has gone up noticeably
If any of these sound familiar, give us a call. In most cases, catching it early means a much cheaper fix.
We Service All Makes and Models
We’re Mitsubishi Electric specialists, but we service and repair all brands - Daikin, Fujitsu, Panasonic, Hitachi, you name it. If it’s a heat pump and it’s in South Canterbury, we can help.
We cover Timaru, Waimate, Pleasant Point, Temuka, Geraldine, Fairlie, Twizel, Lake Tekapo and all surrounding areas.
Book Your Heat Pump Service - Timaru & South Canterbury
Regular servicing is one of the best investments you can make in your home comfort. Get in touch today and we’ll take care of the rest.
Phone: 03 684 5298
Or use our online form to request a booking - we’ll be in touch shortly.