Heat Pump Maintenance vs Heat Pump ServiceDo Air Source Heat Pumps Require Maintenance?What Does Heat Pump Maintenance Involve?What’s Included in an Air Source Heat Pump Service?Benefits of a Heat Pump ServiceHow Often Does a Heat Pump Require Servicing?How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Service Cost?Do Boilers Need More Maintenance Than Heat Pumps?Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance & Servicing FAQs
Heat Pump Maintenance vs Heat Pump ServiceDo Air Source Heat Pumps Require Maintenance?What Does Heat Pump Maintenance Involve?What’s Included in an Air Source Heat Pump Service?Benefits of a Heat Pump ServiceHow Often Does a Heat Pump Require Servicing?How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Service Cost?Do Boilers Need More Maintenance Than Heat Pumps?Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance & Servicing FAQs
If you’re looking for a smart, energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating, air source heat pumps are hard to beat. Not only do they offer lower running costs and a lighter maintenance routine compared to boilers, but with government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, now is the perfect time to make the switch.
In our guide, you’ll find straightforward answers to your maintenance and servicing questions on air source heat pumps, plus expert tips to help you keep your system running efficiently all year round.
Curious about upgrading your heating system? Just complete the form below to receive a free, no-obligation quote for an air source heat pump.
To fully comprehend our guide, it’s important to understand the difference between 'maintenance' and 'service'. Maintenance usually refers to the simple, routine tasks you can do yourself, like cleaning the filters of your air source heat pump. On the other hand, a heat pump service is a thorough, professional check-up carried out by a qualified technician. Essentially, the terms ‘maintenance’ and ‘service’ aren’t interchangeable in this article.
We’ve explained this distinction so you, as the reader, can follow the rest of the article with confidence. As we explain both maintenance tasks and service requirements, you’ll clearly see what each one involves, how they complement each other and that they are separate, not combined responsibilities.
Air source heat pumps are known for being low-maintenance, especially when you compare them to traditional boilers, which often need more frequent attention. However, it's important to remember that each manufacturer may have specific maintenance requirements, and your heat pump installer will also be able to give you the best advice for your particular system.
When it comes to servicing, you’ll generally find that heat pumps only need to be checked by a professional once a year. This annual service helps keep your system running efficiently and can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs down the line.
At Glow Green, we take pride in installing the Vaillant AroTherm Plus Air Source Heat Pump, a reliable and efficient choice for your home. Vaillant recommends an annual service to ensure optimal performance, and you can have this conveniently carried out by Vaillant’s own expert technicians.
Keeping your heat pump in good condition isn’t overly complicated and you can even handle some basic maintenance tasks yourself. Here’s what heat pump maintenance typically involves:
Cleaning or replacing the air filters.
Checking and clearing leaves, dirt or debris from around the outdoor unit.
Ensuring the outdoor unit has good airflow and isn’t obstructed.
Inspecting the outdoor unit’s fins and coils for damage or dirt buildup.
Checking refrigerant levels and looking for leaks.
Inspecting electrical connections and safety controls.
Listening for unusual noises or vibrations during operation.
Testing the overall performance and efficiency of the system.
As already mentioned, while it's possible to maintain your air source heat pump yourself, we recommend a professional service once a year. For Vaillant heat pumps, an annual service isn’t just recommended, it’s required to keep your guarantee valid. The section below outlines what you can expect during a professional air source heat pump service.
When you book an air source heat pump service, a qualified professional will carry out a thorough inspection to make sure your system is running safely and efficiently.
When you choose to purchase a Vaillant AroTherm Plus through Glow Green, you can easily book your heat pump service with Vaillant and feel confident knowing it will be performed by a certified Vaillant installer. This service includes:
A comprehensive visual check of your heat pump.
Detailed system inspections, using both visual assessments and diagnostic equipment.
Testing of electrical circuits to confirm everything is working correctly.
Checking the system’s temperatures to make sure it’s operating efficiently.
Pressure testing all important pipework and checking for any leaks.
Personalised advice on system setup and tips for getting the most out of your heat pump.
You can find out more about heat pump servicing on Vaillant's website.
Having your air source heat pump serviced once a year brings several important benefits that help keep your home comfortable and your system running smoothly:
Maintain your guarantee: Many manufacturers, including Vaillant, require an annual service to keep your guarantee valid.
Avoid future repairs: Early detection of potential issues during a service helps prevent minor problems from becoming costly repairs.
Save energy: A professional installer checks that your heat pump is running at optimal efficiency which could potentially lower your energy bills.
Increase longevity: Regular servicing extends the life of your heat pump so you get more years of reliable performance.
Improve safety: Technicians check for electrical safety and look for any gas or refrigerant leaks, keeping your home safe.
Ensure comfort: Servicing keeps your system running at its best so your home stays warm in winter.
Stay up to date: Professionals can provide advice on the latest system settings and features which helps you get the most from your heat pump.
We recommend having your air source heat pump serviced once a year to keep it running efficiently and to catch any potential issues early. However, it’s always a good idea to check the warranty or guarantee that came with your heat pump, as some manufacturers have specific requirements about how often servicing must be done.
Ultimately, following these guidelines not only helps protect your investment, but also ensures that you stay covered for any repairs or support you might need in the future.
The price of an air source heat pump service can differ depending on the type of system you have and the work involved. Though, the price for a Vaillant heat pump service begins at £250, VAT included. The standard service cost generally covers all the labour, but if any parts need to be replaced, there may be extra charges on top of the basic fee.
If your heat pump is still under warranty, it’s really important to keep up with annual servicing and maintenance. This way, you’ll make sure your warranty stays valid and your system stays protected for years to come.
When comparing boilers and air source heat pumps, both need maintenance and an annual service to keep them working safely and efficiently. However, boilers generally require more attention and care than air source heat pumps.
This is because boilers have more moving parts, are often exposed to higher pressures and temperatures, and can be affected by issues like limescale and corrosion, especially in areas with hard water. These factors mean there’s usually more to check and maintain with a boiler, and problems can crop up more frequently.
Another major benefit of air source heat pumps is their much longer lifespan compared to traditional boilers. Heat pumps are designed to last for many years, often outliving boilers by a significant margin.
Also, it's important to point out that the UK government is actively encouraging the installation of heat pumps through grants and schemes, which means there’s never been a better moment to invest in a heat pump if you’re considering upgrading your heating system.
Maintenance refers to the routine checks and simple tasks you can do yourself to keep your heat pump running smoothly, such as cleaning filters and checking for debris. Servicing is a more thorough inspection and tune-up carried out by a qualified professional, which includes checking system performance, safety and internal components.
Yes, you can carry out basic maintenance tasks yourself, such as cleaning filters, removing debris from around the outdoor unit and checking for obstructions. However, professional servicing is necessary for more complex checks and to keep your warranty in place.
A professional service typically includes a full visual inspection, system checks (both visual and diagnostic), testing of electrical circuits, temperature and pressure checks, leak detection and advice on optimal system setup and usage.
It is generally recommended to have your air source heat pump serviced once a year. This helps maintain efficiency, prolongs the system’s life and ensures your warranty remains valid.
Neglecting regular servicing can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, increased risk of breakdowns and may void your warranty or guarantee.
