Heat Pump Servicing in Auckland: Does Yours Need a Service Before Summer?
Yes, if it hasn’t been serviced in the last 12 months. Most manufacturers recommend a professional heat pump service at least once a year. Spring is the best time in Auckland, because a service then clears out winter dust and finds faults before you need cooling. It also gets you booked in before the summer rush.
After a winter of heating, dust and moisture build up in the filters and coils. That reduces airflow, makes the unit work harder and can push up your power bill. A pre-summer service sorts this out before the first hot week.
Does my heat pump need a service before summer?
If it’s been more than a year since the last service, or you’ve noticed any of the warning signs below, book one now. Even a heat pump that still switches on can be running less efficiently than it should.
A service before summer can help:
- Improve cooling performance
- Reduce the power the unit uses
- Keep the air coming out clean
- Spot worn or damaged parts early
- Extend the life of the unit
- Avoid a breakdown during a hot spell
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend a professional heat pump service at least once a year, with filter cleaning in between. Homes with pets, heavy dust or units that run most of the day may need servicing more often. Check your warranty terms too, as some manufacturers require regular servicing to keep the warranty valid.
What's included in a heat pump service?
A heat pump service checks the whole system, indoor and outdoor, not just the filters. A typical service from BPM Electrical includes:
- Cleaning or replacing the indoor filters
- Cleaning the indoor coil and fan
- Clearing and testing the condensate drain
- Checking the outdoor unit for debris, damage and airflow
- Testing electrical connections and the isolator switch
- Checking heating and cooling performance and airflow temperature
- Testing the remote and controls
If anything needs repairing, you’ll know before the unit is under pressure in summer.
Signs your heat pump needs a service
| What you notice | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Weak airflow | Blocked filter or dirty coil | Clean the filters; book a service if it doesn’t improve |
| Rooms taking longer to cool | Dirty coil or a performance fault | Book a service |
| Rattling, buzzing or grinding | Loose or worn part | Switch off and book a service |
| Musty or unusual smell | Mould or dust in the unit | Book a service |
| Water dripping from the indoor unit | Blocked drain | Switch off and book a service |
| Power bill jumped with no other change | Unit working harder than it should | Book a service |
| Power tripping when the unit runs | Electrical fault | Switch off and call an electrician |
Heat pump maintenance you can do yourself
Regular heat pump maintenance between services keeps the unit efficient. Here’s what homeowners can safely do:
- Clean the filters: Switch off the unit, remove and clean the filters, then let them dry fully before refitting. Check seasonally, or more often with pets.
- Clear the outdoor unit: Keep leaves, plants and garden gear well clear so air can flow freely.
- Check for leaks: Look for water marks under the indoor unit.
- Check the remote: Replace flat batteries and confirm the unit switches between modes.
- Use the right settings: See our guide to heat pump settings for summer
Do you service ducted heat pumps?
Ducted systems also need servicing, with extra checks on the vents, ducting and roof-space unit. See our ducted heat pumps page for more.
Why book with BPM Electrical?
BPM Electrical has serviced homes across Auckland since 2009, and our heat pump technicians are also Master Electricians. That means we check the heat pump itself and the electrical supply that runs it, and all work complies with New Zealand’s electrical safety regulations. We supply, install and service LG, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic and Haier heat pumps. We’ll explain what we find in plain language.
Want your heat pump ready before the first hot day? Book your heat pump service in Auckland with BPM Electrical today, or call 0800 443 599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth servicing my heat pump before summer?
Yes. Spring is quieter, so it’s easier to get booked in, and any problems can be fixed before you rely on the heat pump for cooling.
Can I service my heat pump myself?
You can clean the filters and keep the outdoor unit clear. Anything involving electrical parts, refrigerant or internal components should be left to a qualified professional.
How long does a heat pump last?
With regular servicing, most heat pumps last 10 to 15 years. Skipping maintenance can shorten that and push up running costs.
Will skipping a service affect my warranty?
It can. Some manufacturers require regular professional servicing to keep the warranty valid. Heat pumps installed by BPM come with a manufacturer’s parts and labour warranty, most of them for 5 years, so it’s worth keeping the unit serviced.
Why does my heat pump smell when I turn it on?
A musty smell usually means dust or mould has built up inside the unit after sitting unused. A service with a coil clean normally fixes it.