Heat pumps are smart, advanced technology that can have a hugely positive impact on a homeowner’s energy bills and carbon footprint, but they’re not invincible. Even the best-installed systems are liable to experience wear and tear that can impact their performance if they’re not properly cared for.
Investing in routine heat pump servicing once a year is the most effective way to keep your system in tip-top condition and ensure that it works as well as possible, for as long as possible.
With that said, we understand that, for many homeowners, heat pump servicing can be an afterthought, not a priority. It’s a task on the to-do list that’s easy to put off until tomorrow. But as you’ll see below, there are many good reasons why a heat pump service appointment should appear on your fridge-door calendar once every 12 months.
Can the Warranty Become Void
Many brands offer a 2-year warranty on their heat pumps as standard, with some offering extended coverage of up to seven years if you use an approved installer.
However, it’s important to note that, in order for their warranties to be valid, most brands require that the heat pump be serviced by a professional once a year. If you fail to keep up with the heat pump’s servicing requirements and it experiences a problem, then you’ll be responsible for the cost of the repair/replacement, even if it’s still within the warranty timeframe.
Your Energy Bills Can Increase
As you’ll already be aware, heat pumps can be phenomenally more energy efficient than regular heating systems, resulting in significantly lower energy bills. Indeed, the energy savings are usually the primary factor that motivates homeowners to install a heat pump at their property in the first place.
But heat pumps don’t inherently or automatically produce lower energy bills. They can only do that if they work efficiently.
Heat pumps that aren’t routinely serviced are much more likely to have issues, even minor issues, that impact the pump’s performance, and every inch of loss in performance means an increase in energy bills.
The System Can Experience Premature Failure
A well-installed, quality heat pump can easily last for twenty years, with some systems even having a lifespan of up to 25 years.
How long the heat pump lasts usually directly correlates with how well it has been taken care of, and whether minor issues were handled early, when they were still minor. During servicing, the technician will look for any issues (or potential issues) and handle any repair work.
Through heat pump servicing, homeowners can give their heat pump the best possible chance to run for as long as possible, and ultimately, that’s good for their wallet and the planet.
Repairs Can Become More Costly
Heat pump servicing helps to uncover small issues before they have a chance to become big problems.
And big problems nearly always make themselves known in one or the other, most commonly through system breakdowns that are expensive to fix. When they install a heat pump, homeowners want peace of mind that their system will be working efficiently in the background, not continually on the edge of another costly repair. Routine heat pump servicing gives that assurance by having an expert give your system the all-clear.
It Can Worsen Indoor Air Quality
Your heat pump circulates air around your property, and if it’s not cared for correctly, then there’s a chance that the air it circulates is not of the quality that you expect while at home.
A heat pump that has never been serviced will have a buildup of dust, debris, and other particles that can be blown directly into your home, and will also be much more likely to have some degree of mould growth. An expert heat pump servicing technician will clean and replace the system’s filters and coils, ultimately leading to improved air quality.
There’s an Increased Risk of Safety Incidents
Heat pumps have become a preferred way to heat a property due, in part, to their increased safety credentials. Since they don’t require any fuel to be burned, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks that come with gas-based systems.
With that said, heat pumps do have some safety vulnerabilities, most notably a risk of fire if the system has not been maintained correctly. A build-up of dust and debris, which would be removed during a heat pump service appointment, becomes a fire hazard, as does any loose or corroded wiring that is not fixed.
It Loses Some Of Its Eco-Friendly Credentials
The eco-friendly credentials of heat pumps can be phenomenal, but they are dependent on a well-functioning system. If the system has issues, even minor issues, then the heat pump has to work harder to produce the same results. In that context, the eco-friendliness of the system can quickly take a beating. It’s not just your wallet that’ll feel the reduced performance. The planet will, too.
The lifespan of the heat pump also influences how eco-friendly it is. It’s much better for the environment if the heat pump only has to be replaced every 15 years, which means far fewer natural resources are used than if it were replaced after only 8 years. Regular servicing gives the heat pump the best chance of reaching the upper limit of the projected lifespan.
Heat Pump Servicing: How Often Is It Required?
As a general rule, it’s advised to make a heat pump servicing appointment once every twelve months. That should be enough to keep your warranty in check and to keep the heat pump in full working condition, though it’s also recommended to get in touch with a heat pump troubleshooting professional if you run into any issues that require immediate attention.
Get In Touch With ServiceMy Today
Have a heat pump that needs servicing? At ServiceMy, we offer reliable heat pump servicing that gives homeowners full peace of mind that their home’s all-important heating system is working exactly as it’s supposed to. To book an appointment, please call 0333 050 2091 or click here.
