Heat pump maintenance

Although there is no legal requirement for heat pump maintenance, it is still advisable to carry out annual maintenance. Autumn is often the ideal time for maintenance, just before the cold season.

1. Increased efficiency

A well-maintained heat pump operates at peak efficiency. With no build-up of dirt and a well-regulated system, it doesn't have to work any harder than necessary. What's more, by avoiding blockages and ensuring that all components are working properly, you reduce the risk of overheating, which could otherwise reduce its efficiency.

2. Longer service life

Regular heat pump maintenance can detect potential problems before they become serious. Replacing a faulty part in time is often cheaper than repairing major damage.

3. Constant comfort

Heat pump maintenance ensures that the heat pump operates constantly, avoiding unexpected temperature fluctuations. With the right heat pump maintenance, your heat pump will be ready to cope with both the hottest periods and the coldest months, guaranteeing you comfort all year round.

4. Energy savings

A heat pump that operates efficiently consumes less energy, because it doesn't have to compensate for deficiencies or malfunctions. Less consumption means lower costs. In the long term, the investment in regular maintenance pays for itself in savings on your electricity bills.

The efficiency of your heat pump, whether it's an air/air heat pump, air/water heat pump, geothermal heat pump or aerothermal heat pump, depends largely on the quality of its maintenance. Proper heat pump maintenance ensures that the refrigerant circulates efficiently, that the refrigerant retains its properties and that the outdoor unit is in perfect working order.

Heat pumps use refrigerant to capture calories from the outside air or the ground (in the case of geothermal energy) and release them in the form of heat to your home. This transfer of heat is essential for heating the water in your central heating system, whether for radiators, underfloor heating or domestic hot water production. In the case of reversible pumps, they can also cool your home in summer.

If you have opted for an air/water heat pump, the efficiency of your heating system depends on a good exchange between the outside air and the heat transfer fluid. Air/air heat pumps, on the other hand, rely on the circulation of ambient air through indoor units, often in the form of splits.

The choice of heat pump also depends on your heating requirements and the layout of your home. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the geothermal heat contained in the ground, while aerothermal heat pumps harness the energy contained in the air. Water/water heat pumps, which are less common, harness the heat from groundwater or water sources.

Energy consumption is a crucial factor. A heat pump with a good coefficient of performance (COP) ensures that for every 1 kWh of electrical energy consumed, several kWh of thermal energy are produced. This translates into a significant reduction in your energy bill.

It's essential to assess the outside temperature, because in very cold weather, if the heat pump is not of the high-temperature type or is not equipped with inverter technology, it could struggle to provide enough heat. In this case, a back-up system, such as a boiler or electric heater, may be required.

Efficient heat pump maintenance also involves checking the heat emitters, such as low-temperature radiators or fan convectors. The tightness of the refrigerant circuit is crucial, as a fluid leak can reduce the efficiency of the system and have an environmental impact.

In short, heat pump maintenance - whether reversible, aerothermal, geothermal or any other type - is essential to ensure optimum performance, reduce your heating bills and extend the system's lifespan. A qualified professional, such as a heating engineer or refrigeration engineer, is essential for this maintenance and to ensure that your system remains environmentally friendly and economical.