Heat pump maintenance – what you need to know
Do heat pumps need to be serviced? The short answer is yes.
As modern, efficient and low-maintenance as heat pumps are, they still require some maintenance. Like any heating system, they need to be checked and cleaned from time to time. We explain what this involves in this guide.
Digression: What types of heat pumps are there?
The three most common types of heat pumps are:
Extracts energy from the ambient air and converts it into heat. It is particularly popular because it does not require drilling. Easy to install and ideal for renovations.
Uses the ground as an energy source via ground collectors or deep probes. It offers very high efficiency values, but requires earthworks and permits.
For heating drinking water only, usually as a supplement to other heating systems. Requires little space and can be combined with solar power.
Does a heat pump require maintenance?
Anyone who owns a heat pump wants to enjoy the device for as long as possible. Regular maintenance of the heat pump ensures that it is always in perfect condition.
Patrick Pohl, Sales Team Leader North/West, alpha innotec heat pumps
Heat pumps are considered to be particularly durable and low-maintenance heating systems. Nevertheless, regular maintenance by a specialist company is strongly recommended. It contributes significantly to maintaining energy efficiency, detecting technical problems at an early stage and significantly extending the service life of the system. Last but not least, many manufacturer warranties are linked to proof of regular maintenance.
The advantages of maintenance at a glance:
- Maintain maximum energy efficiency
- Secure warranty claims
- Early detection of malfunctions and defects
- Longer service life of the entire heating system
When does a heat pump need to be serviced?
The best time for maintenance is in spring or summer, after the heating season. The system is then less busy, and any defects can be repaired in good time before the next winter.
For hot water heat pumps that are operated all year round, maintenance is recommended during periods of lower consumption, such as late summer or autumn. As they are used regularly to heat drinking water, limescale deposits and hygiene devices in particular should be checked regularly.
Maintenance intervals: How often does a heat pump need to be serviced?
How often a heat pump needs to be serviced depends on the type of heat pump and its area of application. In many cases, an annual inspection by a specialist company is recommended. You can find out exactly what measures need to be taken in the operating instructions for your heat pump.
However, the following minimum maintenance intervals generally apply:
Heat pump type | Recommendation | Notes |
Air heat pump (air-water heat pump) | Annually | Clean exterior, check protective grille |
Ground source heat pump (brine-water heat pump) | Every 1-2 years | Check pressure and antifreeze |
Hot water heat pump | Every 2 years | Observe descaling and legionella protection |
Water-water heat pump | Annually | Check and clean wells |
What is checked during heat pump maintenance?
Among other things, filters, pumps, electrical connections, heating water and the control system are checked – depending on the type, additional test points are added, which depend on the model and type of heat pump. In general, however, maintenance can be divided into four key areas, which should be checked and documented by trained specialists:
GENERAL WORK
- Visual inspection for external damage (leaks), wear or corrosion
- Cleaning of accessible components
- Checking dirt traps, valves and filters in the heating circuit
- Checking the expansion tank
ELECTRICAL
- Checking electrical connections and fuses
- Visual inspection for cable damage or corrosion
- Checking circulation pumps for proper functioning
FLUID CIRCULATION
- Checking the pressure in the heating circuit
- Analysing the heating water quality (e.g. pH value, conductivity)
- Refilling or replacing antifreeze (for brine heat pumps)
- Checking the refrigerants
- Checking for leaks
HEAT PUMP CONTROL
- Checking and, if necessary, adjusting the heating curve
- Software updates and functional testing of the control system
- Checking the settings (e.g. time programmes, temperature values)
Type-specific maintenance
Depending on their design, heat pumps differ not only in terms of operation but also in terms of maintenance.
Maintenance of an air/water heat pump
These heat pumps extract energy from the outside air. To ensure that they function reliably, the following points must be observed during each maintenance check:
- Check the supply and exhaust air ducts for dirt or blockages.
- Clean the protective grille.
- Check for ice formation or moisture problems in the outdoor unit.
- Check the function of the fans.
- Check for noise (bearings, vibrations).
💡alpha innotec tip: A contaminated air supply reduces efficiency and can lead to failures. Regular visual inspections help to prevent this.
Maintenance of a brine/water heat pump
Geothermal heat pumps draw their energy from the ground via geothermal probes or collectors. During maintenance, particular attention must be paid to the brine circuit:
- Checking the pressure in the brine circuit
- Measuring the antifreeze content
- Refilling brine as required
- Monitoring for pressure losses that may indicate leaks
- Inspecting the heat exchangers
💡alpha innotec tip: A continuously decreasing pressure is a warning sign – a specialist company should be consulted immediately.
Maintenance of a hot water heat pump
These devices are intended exclusively for heating drinking water. The following maintenance steps are crucial here:
- Descaling the heat exchanger (especially in hard water areas)
- Checking the legionella protection and temperature control
- Cleaning air filters and intake vents
- Checking temperature sensors and settings
How much does it cost to maintain a heat pump?
Between 150 € and 300 €, depending on the type and amount of work involved. However, the exact maintenance costs vary depending on the design, provider and scope of services.
WHAT DO THE COSTS DEPEND ON?
- Type of heat pump
- Accessibility of the system
- Travel costs
- Type of measurements
- Additional services
OVERVIEW OF TYPICAL COSTS
Heat pump type | Average price | Notes |
Air-water | 250–400 € | Less effort, regularly necessary |
Brine water (geothermal energy) | 280–400 € | Brine testing and frost protection included |
Water-water | 250–400 € | Including well inspection |
Hot water | 120–200 € | Simple design, but descaling required |
💡alpha innotec tip: A maintenance contract can significantly reduce maintenance costs.
The maintenance contract for a heat pump
A maintenance contract for your heat pump is a practical solution: you pay an annual flat rate and receive regular maintenance without having to hire a technician each time. This ensures that you do not forget about maintenance, saves you the trouble of searching for a specialist, and guarantees that your heat pump is always in good condition.
Another advantage is that important services such as travel costs are already included in a maintenance contract. If you take out a maintenance contract directly with us, you can be sure that maintenance will always be carried out by a technician authorised by alpha innotec.
Checklist – Maintenance of a heat pump
Whether you want to prepare yourself or simply need an overview: this checklist shows what needs to be checked regularly and, if necessary, carried out when maintaining a heat pump.
WHAT PROFESSIONALS CHECK
✅ General visual inspection of the system (inside & outside)
✅ Inspection and, if necessary, cleaning of filters, dirt traps and valves
✅ Inspection of circulation pump, expansion tank and heating circuit components
✅ Measurement of pressure in the heating circuit and refilling if necessary
✅ Analysis of water quality (pH value, conductivity, antifreeze)
✅ Checking the control system, heating curve and temperature control
✅ Checking all electrical connections and safety components
✅ Logging all work carried out
WHAT YOU CAN CHECK YOURSELF ON A REGULAR BASIS
🔲 Is the outdoor unit free of leaves, snow or dirt?
🔲 Is the display/control panel functioning as usual?
🔲 Are there any unusual noises or vibrations?
🔲 Are the air intake and exhaust vents clear?
🔲 Is the date of the last service noted?
Heat pump service life
A professionally installed and regularly maintained heat pump can operate reliably for 15 to 20 years or even longer. The service life depends not only on the quality of the system, but also on the operating conditions, maintenance intervals and water quality in the heating system.
Condition of the plant | Estimated service life |
With regular maintenance | 15–20 years or more |
Maintenance-free | Well below 15 years, risk of early failure |
Conclusion
Even though heat pumps are considered low-maintenance, they do require some care. Regular maintenance by qualified specialists not only ensures the efficiency and longevity of the system, but also protects against unnoticed damage and loss of warranty.
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