How regular air source heat pump servicing can save you money and stress

Air source heat pumps are a smart way to heat your home – they’re efficient, eco-friendly, and future-ready. But like any system, they need a bit of TLC to keep them working at their best. That’s where regular servicing comes in.

If you are relying on your heat pump for comfort and lower energy bills, not investing in maintenance can lead to costly repairs, reduced efficiency, or even voided warranties.

Discover how a regular service for your air source heat pump can reduce energy bills, prevent costly repairs, and give you peace of mind all year round.

Why heat pumps (and regulating servicing) matter more than ever

Air source heat pumps are becoming the future of heating homes in the UK, especially from 2025 onwards. With rising energy bills, stricter building regulations, and mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, more homeowners are making the switch.

Installing an air source heat pump can be a significant upfront investment, with typical costs often exceeding £10,000 for purchase and installation.

However, the government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS) will require all new-build homes to use low-carbon heating systems, therefore ruling out gas boilers. 

Heat pumps are set to become the primary solution, not just because of regulation, but because of what they offer, such as high efficiency, long-term cost savings, and a much smaller carbon footprint.

To support this shift, the government is offering grants of up to £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), making installation more affordable. This ties into the UK’s broader plan to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, with heat pumps playing a crucial role in reducing household reliance on fossil fuels.

You can source a heat pump either through a national energy provider or an independent, accredited installer. The overall cost will depend on factors such as the size and specification of the unit, your home’s size and layout, and whether any additional upgrades, like new radiators or insulation, are required. 

A professional assessment is essential at the outset to determine what’s needed and for there to be a clear view of total costs.

Yet although the initial outlay is higher than a traditional gas boiler, a properly installed heat pump can be far more efficient, especially in well-insulated homes. 

When matched with the right system design and controls, it can deliver consistent comfort, lower running costs, and long-term savings, making the government support even more worthwhile and attractive.

These systems work by extracting heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) and transferring it into your home. They’re highly efficient, often producing three to four times the energy they consume in electricity. Add in new advances like a quieter operating system and smart controls, and it’s clear to see why they’re gaining momentum.

How regular servicing save you money?

Heat pumps, like any heating system, need regular servicing to stay efficient and reliable. Over time, wear and tear can lead to higher energy use, performance dips, or even breakdowns. 

Missing a service might seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it often results in costly repairs and a reduced lifespan further down the line.

That’s why regular annual servicing makes sense. It helps you protect your investment, avoid unexpected bills, and enjoy worry-free heating year after year, including:

• Lower energy bills
  Regular servicing will ensure your heat pump runs efficiently, meaning less energy wasted and more money saved. Dust and dirt, wear and tear, or even niggly minor faults can cause your system to work harder than it needs to, using more energy to maintain the same comfort levels.
• Fewer breakdowns – fewer surprises
  Spotting small problems before they turn into big, expensive problems is one of the best benefits of having a regular service. From refrigerant leaks to electrical faults, most breakdowns are avoidable with early intervention by technicians who will spot and fix issues before they escalate into major, expensive problems.
• Discounts and protection
  Ensuring issues are detected early on will help ensure making repairs are cheaper in the long run. You’ll also stay within warranty terms, which can save thousands if a major part fails (with some government grants or incentives needing proof of regular servicing to remain valid)
• Protection for your investment
  Most manufacturers require annual servicing to keep warranties in place. Without a regular service record, you may risk voiding any warranty and facing full-priced repairs or replacements if anything goes wrong.

How having a regular service will save you stress

By having regular services in place, you’ll be able to take into consideration:

• Peace of mind when it matters most
  If your system fails in a cold snap, priority call-out means you’re not waiting for days in a freezing cold home. Knowing your heat pump is regularly checked by a professional will provide reassurance that your home will stay warm and comfortable, especially in the winter months when it needs to work at its hardest.
• Proactive maintenance
  Scheduled servicing means you’re not going to be caught off guard by any sudden failures. Your technician will address any wear and tear before it starts to cause real disruption, ensuring your system is running smoothly all year round.
• One fixed cost
  With a fixed budget, there are no surprise bills, no financial guesswork – you know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re covered for.

The additional benefits of having an annual service

Well-maintained air source heat pumps can last well up to 15 years or so, maximising your return on investment and halting the need for costly replacements. 

They use much less energy than conventional systems, making them eco-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to an all-round more sustainable home.

What does a heat pump service include?

Your heat pump is designed to work hard all year round, especially in the colder months. The service looks at moving parts, refrigerant levels (a special fluid used in heat pumps and other systems like fridges and air conditioners that absorbs and releases heat as it moves through the system), filters and sensors that all need checking and cleaning as part of a complete maintenance review. 

Having an annual service booked in place, it will include: 

• A visual inspection: checking the unit’s overall condition, including internal casing and mounting
• Cleaning components: cleaning or replacing air filters, the drainage system and removing any dust and debris from coils, fins and fans in order to maintain airflow 
• Checking system checks: checking refrigerant levels and pressure, or any signs of leaks
• Electrical and safety checks: inspecting connections for wear and tear, checking thermostats, sensors and control boards and testing earth connections
• Performance and efficiency testing: measuring system outputs and levels, testing temperature differentials and verifying the heat pump is working properly and responding to controls as it should be
• Calibrating the system for efficiency: updating firmware of software if relevant, and making any minor adjustments for increasing efficiency
  

As most warranties require proof of annual servicing, without it, you could be left footing the bill for something that might otherwise be covered.

The long-term benefits of regular heat pump maintenance

Routine heat pump maintenance helps you avoid several long-term costs by keeping your system running efficiently and reliably. Some of the long-term financial risks you can reduce or even eliminate include:

• Higher energy bills: neglecting maintenance can lead to dirty filters, clogged coils and low refrigerant levels, which push your heat pump to work much harder and use more energy to achieve the same comfort levels you’re used to.
• Costly emergency repairs: without proper inspections, minor issues like refrigerant leaks, electrical faults and worn components can develop into major headaches. Address them early to avoid expensive repairs or even complete system replacements.
• Loss of warranty or incentives: Many manufacturers and government incentive programmes require proof of annual servicing to keep them up to date and valid.

And the added benefits are that regular maintenance helps your heat pump:

• Run cleaner and greener
• Last longer (15+ years in many cases)
• Stay eligible for any future government incentives 

A reliable, energy-efficient system gives you confidence your home will stay warm, efficient and stress-free.

One simple service – lots of benefits

A regular service protects your investment, your budget, and your peace of mind. It’s a smarter way to avoid unexpected bills and make sure your heat pump performs exactly how it should.

Want to avoid costly surprises this winter?

Don’t wait for costly breakdowns to hit you when you need your heat pump the most. Get in touch to find out how you can protect your system with a professional maintenance service with ServiceMy.