While heat pumps offer low-maintenance heating, it remains crucial to schedule regular servicing to ensure their safe and efficient performance.

 

 

Heat pumps function by extracting energy from the environment (air, water, or ground heat), which is then compressed through a refrigerant within the pump to produce heating and hot water for your household.   They offer significantly greater efficiency in heating compared to conventional fossil fuel boilers; however, like boilers, heat pumps also necessitate regular servicing. All checks on a heat pump should be carried out by a manufacturer trained and qualified MCS heating engineer.  In this blog post, we will explain the significance of servicing your heat pump yearly and detail what the service entails.

 

Whether you have an air, ground, or water source heat pump, servicing it can contribute to its long term reliable operation. Typically, a heat pump can function for a minimum of 15 years. However, with proper maintenance, a heat pump could operate efficiently for 20 to 25 years or even longer. 

 

Throughout the servicing process, the engineer will assess the efficiency and performance of your heat pump to verify that the system is functioning correctly and maintaining the desired comfort levels in your home.

 

A heat pump service will ensure the validity of your warranty. All Thermal Earth’s heat pump manufacturers offer a minimum two-year guarantee as standard, with an extension up to seven years through online connectivity and a whopping 10 years in conjunctive with a service plan.  

 

 

Despite the sturdy design of heat pumps with minimal moving components, it's advisable to schedule an annual service for your heat pump following the initial installation.  This service should be performed by an MCS heating engineer to valid your warranty.  Your heat pump installer should arrange this for you. 

 

We suggest arranging your heat pump service during the warmer months to minimise any inconvenience. This way, you can rest assured that your heat pump will operate at peak efficiency when temperatures plummet in winter.

 

 

A heat pump service encompasses various tests, checks, and inspections aimed at evaluating the safety and efficiency of the system. It's crucial that this service is conducted by a certified MCS heating engineer.

 

The service includes:

• Online long term historical system check up

• Full visual checks

• Temperature checks

• System checks (visual and diagnostic)

• All relevant pipework pressure tested (including leaks)

• Electrical circuits tested.

• Professional advice on system set up and product use. 

 

Air source heat pumps are prevalent in the UK due to their ease of installation in comparison to alternative systems. They extract thermal energy from the air and convert it into heating and hot water for both residential and commercial use.

 

Designed to operate effectively in cold climates, air source heat pumps are suitable for various types of dwellings, ranging from small apartments to large detached homes.

Since they are installed externally, air source heat pumps are more susceptible to harsh weather conditions, underscoring the importance of regular servicing. During servicing, the engineer will examine the evaporator to ensure it's clear of debris, facilitating maximum airflow. Additionally, they will inspect the fan blade to confirm it's unobstructed and clean the external unit if required.

 

Ground source heat pumps operate by harnessing renewable energy from the ground, making them ideal for homes with sufficient land for installing a ground array or borehole system.

 

Due to the consistent temperature of the ground throughout the year, they boast high efficiency.

Despite being underground, ground source heat pumps necessitate an internal unit housing essential components. Consequently, an annual service is essential to ensure the system continues to operate efficiently.

 

Water source heat pumps present an effective energy solution for properties situated near a body of water. They function by extracting heat from the water and converting it into energy for heating your home and providing hot water.

 

In the case of an open loop system, regular servicing is essential to ensure that the water remains clean and can effectively draw and filter water to and from the primary water source. During the service, the engineer will conduct thorough inspections to verify proper functionality.

 

The cost of heat pump service can vary depending on what system you have, the system size and location. A ground source heat pump service starts from £215 excluding VAT, while an air source heat pump service starts from £175 excluding VAT. This includes all the labour changes, but additional charges may apply if replacement parts are required. To book a heat pump service contact a member of the team. 

 

Alternatively, you can take out one of our service plans, which give you extended product warranty, discounted rates, and replacement parts. With prices starting from £32 per month including VAT.  Find out more about our service plans here. 

 

If your system is under warranty, then it is important to make sure the annual servicing and maintenance is carried out in order to maintain the warranty.

 

If you have an air source heat pump, in addition to an annual service, we recommend that you keep the outdoor unit free from debris, dirt and vegetation.  This will help to maintain a proper airflow and efficiency to ensure optimal performance and longevity. 

 

Contact a member of the team today for a no obligation quotation.