Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are becoming one of the most popular heating systems in the UK, offering low-carbon, energy-efficient heating and hot water. One of their key advantages is that heat pump maintenance requirements are lower than those of gas or oil boilers.

However, regular heat pump servicing is still essential. Proper maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently, keeps electricity bills down, protects manufacturer warranties, and extends the lifespan of your heat pump.

This guide explains everything UK homeowners need to know about heat pump maintenance, including servicing requirements, homeowner checks, winter care, costs, and how maintenance compares to boiler servicing.

How Much Maintenance Do Heat Pumps Need?

Air source heat pumps require significantly less maintenance than traditional boilers because they do not rely on combustion.

Unlike gas or oil boilers, heat pumps:

• Do not burn fuel

• Do not produce carbon monoxide

• Have fewer moving parts

• Do not require flues or chimneys

• Do not create soot, ash, or combustion residue

For most UK homes, one annual heat pump service is sufficient to keep the system operating efficiently and in line with manufacturer recommendations.

Because heat pumps operate continuously at low temperatures rather than cycling on and off, components experience less wear, contributing to their long lifespan.

Annual Heat Pump Servicing in the UK

Is Heat Pump Servicing Required?

Yes. While heat pumps are low maintenance, annual professional servicing is best practice in the UK and is usually required to keep warranties valid.

What Does a Heat Pump Service Include?

A professional heat pump service typically includes:

• Checking refrigerant pressure and system performance

• Inspecting the compressor and fan

• Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils

• Inspecting electrical connections

• Checking system pressures and expansion vessels

• Testing safety controls, sensors, and defrost operation

• Reviewing efficiency settings and control parameters

This ensures the heat pump continues to operate efficiently, quietly, and reliably.

Who Can Service a Heat Pump in the UK?

Heat pump servicing should be carried out by:

• An MCS-certified heat pump installer, or

• A manufacturer-approved service engineer

For split heat pump systems, servicing must be carried out by an F-Gas certified engineer, as refrigerant handling is legally regulated in the UK.

Homeowner Heat Pump Maintenance Tasks

While professional servicing is essential, homeowners can carry out several simple heat pump maintenance tasks to support efficiency and reliability.

Outdoor Heat Pump Maintenance

Monthly or seasonal checks include:

• Removing leaves, dirt, and debris from around the outdoor unit

• Ensuring airflow is not restricted by fences, walls, or plants

• Maintaining manufacturer-recommended clearances

• Checking for unusual noises or vibration

• Making sure condensate drainage channels are clear

Restricted airflow is one of the most common causes of poor heat pump performance.

Indoor Heat Pump Checks

Inside the home, homeowners should:

• Monitor system pressure (where applicable)

• Check thermostat schedules and temperature settings

• Ensure radiators or underfloor heating loops are unobstructed

• Inspect hot water cylinder insulation

• Note any error codes on the heat pump controller

These simple steps help prevent efficiency losses and unnecessary service call-outs.

Heat Pump Maintenance in Winter and Defrost Cycles

How Defrost Cycles Work

UK winters are often cold and damp, making defrost cycles a normal part of heat pump operation. When ice forms on the outdoor coil, the system temporarily reverses to melt it.

This may cause:

• Steam or vapour from the outdoor unit

• Temporary pauses in heating output

• Changes in operating noise

These are normal behaviours, not faults.

Winter Maintenance Tips

To avoid winter performance issues:

• Ensure defrost water drains freely away from the unit

• Check for ice build-up around the base

• Keep the surrounding ground clear

• Never chip or scrape ice from the heat pump

Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of winter heat pump problems in the UK.

How Heat Pump Maintenance Affects Efficiency

Regular maintenance directly affects heat pump efficiency and running costs.

A well-maintained heat pump:

• Uses less electricity

• Maintains a higher SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance)

• Provides more consistent indoor temperatures

• Operates more quietly

Dirty coils, blocked airflow, or incorrect system settings can reduce efficiency by 10–20%, increasing electricity consumption and heating costs.

Heat Pump Lifespan in the UK

With correct installation and regular servicing, most air source heat pumps last:

15–20 years or longer

Compressors and major components are designed for long-term use, especially in the UK’s relatively mild climate. Routine maintenance helps identify small issues early, preventing costly breakdowns and extending system life.

Heat Pump Maintenance vs Boiler Servicing

Feature	Heat Pump	Gas Boiler
Annual service required	Yes	Yes
Flue inspections	❌ No	✔ Yes
Carbon monoxide risk	❌ No	✔ Yes
Fuel system cleaning	❌ No	✔ Yes
Combustion components	❌ No	✔ Yes

While both systems require annual servicing, heat pumps are generally simpler, safer, and cheaper to maintain over time.

Heat Pump Warranty and Servicing Requirements

Most UK heat pump warranties last 5–10 years, but usually require:

• Annual servicing

• Use of approved engineers

• Operation within manufacturer guidelines

Skipping heat pump maintenance may invalidate warranties and reduce system lifespan. Keeping service records is strongly recommended.

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Servicing

Contact a professional heat pump engineer if you notice:

• A sudden rise in electricity bills

• Reduced heating or hot water performance

• Persistent or unusual noises

• Error codes on the controller

• Ice build-up that does not clear during defrost

Early servicing prevents small faults becoming expensive repairs.

Cost of Heat Pump Maintenance in the UK

Typical annual heat pump servicing costs range from:

£150 to £300 per year, depending on system type and location.

Many installers offer heat pump service plans, which may include:

• Annual servicing

• Priority call-outs

• Discounted repairs

• Extended warranty coverage

Are Heat Pumps High Maintenance?

No. Air source heat pumps are low-maintenance heating systems compared to gas and oil boilers. With one annual service and basic homeowner care, they can provide efficient, reliable heating for decades.

 Are you ready to switch to an air source heat pump? Contact our team at Newpower today to get the ball rolling.