Heat pump maintenance: A complete guide to maximizing lifespan and performance
Reading time: 8 minutes
A well-maintained heat pump can last 15 to 20 years and maintain optimal efficiency. Conversely, neglected maintenance can reduce its lifespan by half and increase your electricity consumption by 25%.
Here is the complete guide to maintenance, from weekly cleaning to seasonal upkeep.
Regular maintenance: What you need to do yourself
Filter cleaning — Every 2 to 4 weeks
This is the most important and simplest maintenance task.
Why this is crucial:
- Dirty filters reduce airflow by 50% or more
- The system works harder = increased consumption
- Risk of evaporator freezing
- Reduced air quality (dust, allergens)
How to do it:
- Turn off the heat pump
- Open the front panel of the indoor unit
- Remove the filters (they slide off easily)
- Vacuum the filters OR wash them in warm water
- Allow to dry completely before putting back on (if washed).
- Replace the filters and close the panel
Recommended frequency:
- Pet-friendly house: every 2 weeks
- Pet-free home: every 4 weeks
- Intensive use (summer/winter): every 2 weeks
Visual inspection of the outdoor unit — Monthly
Take 2 minutes each month to check the outdoor unit:
- Debris: Remove leaves, branches, accumulated dust
- Vegetation: Prune the plants to a minimum of 30 cm from the unit
- Clearance: Nothing should block the airflow
- Base: Is the unit still level?
- Unusual noises: Clicking, grinding, excessive vibration?
Cleaning the indoor unit — Every 3 months
Beyond the filters, the indoor unit accumulates dust and particles.
What needs cleaning:
- Air outlet grille: Wipe with a damp cloth
- Bodywork: Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth
- Drainage tray: Check that there is no accumulation of debris.
To avoid:
- Harsh chemicals
- Water directly on the electronic components
- Sharp objects that could damage the fins
Seasonal maintenance
Spring — Preparing for air conditioning
Spring checklist:
- ☐ Deep clean the filters
- ☐ Clean the outdoor unit (winter debris, dead leaves)
- ☐ Check that the drainage is working (pour in a little water)
- ☐ Inspect the refrigeration lines (is the insulation intact?)
- ☐ Test the air conditioning mode before the heatwave
- ☐ Check the remote control (batteries?)
Autumn — Preparing for heating
Autumn checklist:
- ☐ Clean the filters
- ☐ Clear the outer unit of dead leaves
- ☐ Check that nothing is obstructing the outdoor unit
- ☐ Test the heating mode before the first cold weather
- ☐ Check the seal around the lines (caulking)
- ☐ Ensure the outdoor unit is properly raised (snow is coming)
Winter — During the heating season
Regular actions:
- Clear snow around the outdoor unit after storms
- Never cover the outdoor unit (it needs to breathe)
- Allow the defrost cycle to complete its work (do not turn off the unit during defrosting).
- Check that the ice is not accumulating abnormally.
Signs that something is wrong
Common problems and solutions
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low airflow | Dirty filters | Clean/replace the filters |
| The unit does not heat/cool | Incorrect mode, malfunction | Check the mode, contact support |
| Water flowing from the indoor unit | Blocked drainage | Unclog the drain pipe |
| Excessive frost on the outdoor unit | Defrosting problem, low refrigerant level | Check clearance, contact support if the problem persists. |
| Clicking/squeaking noise | Loose part, debris in the fan | Inspect, remove debris, tighten |
| Unpleasant odor | Mold in the system | Deep cleaning, self-cleaning function |
| Electricity bill on the rise | Dirty filters, refrigerant leak | Clean the filters, and have a professional inspection if the problem persists. |
The Self-Cleaning Function
Kanartic heat pumps are equipped with a self-cleaning function. This helps prevent the accumulation of mold and bacteria in the indoor unit.
How it works
After the air conditioning mode is switched off, the unit circulates air to dry the evaporator. This prevents moisture from stagnating and promoting mold growth.
How to activate it
Consult your manual or our video tutorial on self-cleaning. This function can be activated automatically or manually according to your preferences.
Professional maintenance: When to call in a technician?
Some tasks go beyond DIY maintenance:
Annual inspection recommended (optional but advised)
- Checking the refrigerant level
- Inspection of electrical connections
- Deep cleaning of the evaporator and condenser
- System pressure check
Contact a professional if:
- The unit is no longer heating/cooling at all
- Permanent frost that does not disappear
- Persistent abnormal noises
- Error codes on the display
- Major water leak
- Smell of burning
Tips for maximizing lifespan
1. Stable setpoint temperature
Avoid large temperature fluctuations. Inverter heat pumps are more efficient at maintaining a stable temperature than at compensating for a 10°C difference.
Tip: Lower the temperature by 2-3°C at night, no more.
2. Do not block air circulation
- No furniture in front of the indoor unit
- No objects on the outdoor unit
- Curtains that do not block the flow
3. Use the correct mode
- Auto Mode: Convenient but can switch between hot and cold
- Heating/Cooling Mode: More stable if you know what you want
- Ventilation Mode: Perfect for circulating air without heating/cooling
4. Avoid short cycles
Don't constantly turn the heat pump off and on again. Let it run continuously — that's why it has an inverter compressor.
5. Protect the outdoor unit
- Shelter against falling ice from the roof (not a tarp!)
- Clearance maintained summer and winter
- stable and level base
Summary maintenance schedule
| Frequency | Stain | Time required |
|---|---|---|
| Every 2-4 weeks | Filter cleaning | 5-10 minutes |
| Monthly | Outdoor unit inspection | 2-5 minutes |
| Every 3 months | Indoor unit cleaning | 15-20 minutes |
| Spring | Air conditioning preparation | 30 minutes |
| Autumn | Heating preparation | 30 minutes |
| After every storm | Snow removal outdoor unit | 5-10 minutes |
| Annual (optional) | Professional inspection | 1-2 hours (technician) |
FAQ Maintenance
Can I use a filter cleaner?
Warm water is usually sufficient. If the filters are very dirty, a mild soap can be used. Avoid harsh chemicals and rinse thoroughly.
How often should I replace the filters?
Heat pump filters are generally washable and reusable for years. Replace them only if they are damaged or no longer clean properly.
Is defrosting normal even when it's not very cold?
Defrosting can occur even at temperatures above freezing if the humidity is high. This is normal. If defrosting is constant or excessive, contact support.
Should I turn off my heat pump when I go on vacation?
No! Let it run at a reduced temperature (15-18°C in winter, 28°C in summer). This keeps the system healthy and protects your home.
Conclusion
Maintaining a heat pump is simple: 10-15 minutes a month is enough to maintain performance and lifespan. Regularly cleaning the filters is by far the most important task—don't neglect it!
A well-maintained system will serve you faithfully for 15-20 years while maintaining optimal efficiency. It's a small investment of time for big long-term savings.
