Last reviewed: September 2026 · By the HVAC Brief Editorial Team · Our sourcing and editorial standards
A heat pump runs in both seasons, so it needs the maintenance of an air conditioner twice a year, plus checks an air conditioner never needs: the defrost cycle, the reversing valve and the backup heat.
The owner’s share is mostly about the outdoor unit: keeping it clear of leaves, snow and ice, and keeping the filter clean. Refrigerant, electrical and control checks need a technician with instruments.
What the owner does
- Check the filter monthly in peak heating and cooling months.
- Keep two feet clear around the outdoor unit of plants, leaves and stored items.
- Clear snow from around and on top of the unit in winter, gently, and keep the base drain path open.
- Never chip ice off the coil. Light frost is normal and the defrost cycle clears it. Persistent heavy ice is a service call.
- Watch the thermostat for auxiliary or emergency heat running in mild weather, which points at a fault or a setting.
What the technician should check
| Check | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant charge by measurement | Yes | Yes |
| Clean indoor and outdoor coils | Yes | As needed |
| Electrical connections, capacitor, contactor, motor amp draws | Yes | Yes |
| Condensate drain | Yes | Check |
| Reversing valve operation | Check in cooling | Check in heating |
| Defrost control and sensor | No | Yes |
| Auxiliary heat strips and lockout setting | No | Yes |
| Airflow or static pressure | Yes | Yes |
ENERGY STAR’s maintenance guidance sets the timing: check the cooling system in spring and the heating system in fall. For the cooling-side list, see what a tune-up includes.
Backup resistance heat that runs when it should not is the costliest heat pump problem, and it is often silent. At 2025/26 average prices it delivered heat at about $52.10 per million Btu against $23.70 from the heat pump itself. A fall visit should confirm the lockout temperature and that the thermostat is configured for a heat pump. See heat pump installation for why these settings go wrong.
Signs maintenance is overdue
- Ice that stays on the coil or builds at the base of the unit.
- The unit running constantly in mild weather.
- A sudden rise in winter electricity use.
- Cooling that is weaker than last summer.
- New noises when switching modes.
Some of these are normal behaviour rather than faults; our page on heat pump faults and normal behaviour separates the two.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
Twice a year is the common guidance, because a heat pump runs in both seasons: before cooling in spring and before heating in fall, matching ENERGY STAR’s seasonal timing. No federal rule sets an interval; warranty terms often do.
What does heat pump maintenance include?
Everything an air conditioner needs, measured refrigerant charge, coil cleaning, electrical checks and drain inspection, plus heat-pump-specific checks: reversing valve operation, the defrost control and sensor, auxiliary heat strips and the auxiliary heat lockout setting.
Should I clear ice off my heat pump?
No. Light frost in cold, damp weather is normal and the defrost cycle clears it. Chipping ice can damage the coil fins. Ice that persists or builds at the base points at a defrost or drainage fault and needs a technician.
What can a homeowner do?
Check the filter monthly in heavy-use seasons, keep two feet clear around the outdoor unit, clear snow gently, keep the drain path at the base open, and watch for auxiliary heat running in mild weather.
Methodology and limitations
Seasonal timing follows the ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist. Household counts are EIA RECS 2020 table HC6.1. Running costs use EIA season average prices and federal minimum efficiencies, as documented on our fuel cost page.
- No federal rule defines heat pump maintenance or sets an interval.
- We publish no savings percentage and no prices.
- Defrost strategies and control settings vary by manufacturer.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, Maintenance Checklist.
- US Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020, table HC6.1.
The HVAC Brief is an independent trade publication. We do not sell equipment, take manufacturer advertising, or accept payment for placement in our research. Corrections welcome.
Leave a Reply