Preparing Your Heat Pump for Winter: Servicing Tips for Greater Efficiency

With winter quickly approaching, the last thing you need is to have your heating system fail. If you have an air source heat pump, then a little preparation now can save you hundreds later on. 

Heat pumps might be highly efficient, but if you want to keep them operating at a high level, then you need to maintain them. If you take the time to do that now before winter hits, then you will be able to prevent breakdowns while making sure that your system is working at an optimal level.

Inspect your Heat Pump

The first thing you need to do is take the time to inspect your heat pump. Look for signs of physical damage, whether it is a bent fin, a broken grill, or even evidence of a leak. 

Even minor damages can impact the efficiency of your system, and they will almost certainly lead to bigger issues if you do not address them properly. You should also try and check the exterior of the unit, as well as any interior components where you can. 
If you haven’t done so already, then now is probably a good time for you to book in for air source heat pump servicing. When you do, you can have your system checked over by a professional, which is a great way for you to avoid any nasty surprises later down the line.

Clearing the Drain

Air source heat pumps tend to produce condensation, which most of the time is directed away via a drain. Over time, this drain will become blocked with dirt, algae, or debris. 

A blocked condensation drain can cause water to back up, and this can damage both your unit and your property. 

If your heat pump is installed over a soakaway, you should make sure that it’s free–flowing. For a lot of people, clearing the drain is an overlooked step, but it’s really important to get it done. 

Now is also a good time for you to check the heat pump to make sure that there is enough airflow. Check around the unit, including the front, back, top, and underneath it, for any obstructions. 

If you have any leaves, overgrown vegetation, or even branches blocking the way, then this will cause your system to overheat, which is the last thing you want. 

Maintaining the space around your pump will help you to make sure that it’s all running as it should be, and it will also prolong the lifespan of your system.

Give it a Test Run

Make sure you give your heat pump a test run, as this is the best way for you to make sure that it’s all working as it should be. Let it run for an hour or so, or even overnight. Ensure your underfloor heating is working, if you have that, and also make sure that the controls are responding as they should. 

A test run gives you the chance to resolve any issues before you have to deal with freezing temperatures. When you hire an air source heat pump servicing team, they will usually do this for you, so make sure you get in touch if you don’t feel comfortable doing these checks yourself.

Radiator Checks

Your heat pump relies on a properly functioning system. Even small leaks or trapped air can greatly reduce the efficiency of your system. 

If you want to help yourself here, then checking your radiator for any warning signs can be a good way for you to make sure that your home stays warm without putting too much pressure on your system.

Of course, heat pumps do require annual servicing if you want to keep them running as they should be. If your heat pump hasn’t been serviced in a year or more, then now is the time for you to look into that. 

A professional service can help you catch issues early, and it can also help you run your system more efficiently. 

Demand for heat pump servicing as a whole tends to spike during winter, so if you want to get the service you need, then you must take the time to check for availability now, and to make sure you get booked in. 

If you would like our team of technicians to service your heat pump for you, you can email us at help@servicemy.co.uk. You can also give our friendly team a call at 0333 050 2091. 

When you do, we will arrange to visit at a time that suits you.