Heat Pump Services

How much you pay to have your heat pump serviced can depend on a number of variables—like the type of heat pump you have and where you live. On average, though, you might expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $200 for a routine servicing. If your heat pump requires any not-so-routine repairs or parts, it could run you quite a bit more. Because service providers—and their prices—can vary your best bet is to check in with several in your area.

A heat pump service can cost varying amounts based on a few factors. Most often, the price falls somewhere between reasonably low and somewhat high. What you'll pay depends on your location, the type of heat pump you have, and the quantity and kind of repairs that need to be looked after. Some companies might offer a set price and tell you to pay it each year for all necessary service. Other companies will operate more like a dentist's office, telling you to come back for service every so often.

The expense for a heat pump servicing can vary quite a bit. It most often hinges on several factors, including your location, the nature of the required service, and your choice of service company. For a routine maintenance check, prices generally fall in the range of $150 to $450. Should a significant problem be lurking within the pump, repair costs could push the total amount charged well above the average. Appearing to be well-informed, we checked with several service companies. Their estimates are distilled below.

Some contractors may not favor heat pumps, and they have some understandable reasons for this. Heat pumps are more complex to install than regular heating systems, so contractors might need special training and skills. Also, in very cold places, heat pumps might not work as well as some other types of heating, and contractors might be worried that people will complain if heat pumps don't keep a house warm enough. In the case that the contractor is worried about the homeowner complaining, obviously heat pumps are going to be more expensive upfront, and this might lead the contractor not to recommend the heat pump system as a good option for the homeowner.

At the very least, a heat pump should receive annual maintenance. This ensures it runs better and lasts longer. Regular check-ups ascertain that everything's running okay, just like one might check with a doctor before expecting to be ill. The really important time to go to the heat pump doctor isn't in the middle of a heat wave or cold snap.

Typically, heat pumps last an average of 10 to 15 years. This can depend on how often they are used and how well they are maintained. Regular check-ups and good care can help heat pumps last longer.

A heat pump may not function very well in extreme cold, like when the temperature dips below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because it tries to extract heat from the air outside, and when the air is super cold, there's not much heat to take. It has to work really hard to keep your home warm—so much so that it uses more energy than you might be comfortable with. When it's that cold, not infrequently people use another kind of heating to help out.

It is possible to clean a heat pump on your own, and with just a few steps, it can be accomplished without too much trouble. To begin, make sure the heat pump is in the off position for safety reasons. Then, turn to the exterior unit and clear it of any natural debris—leaves or dirt—that may have settled on or around it. A soft bristle brush (or even a clean, soft cloth) should suffice for this task. Next, you'll want to find the air filters that are inside the house; these are also cleaned. If they are dirty, either wash them or replace them. Following that, check the area around the heat pump inside your house to make sure nothing is blocking it. If nothing is blocking the flow of air to the heat pump itself, it should work efficiently. The same, of course, goes for the unit if it's outside. If the heat pump is really dirty inside, then the efficiency is shot. Call a professional. More on that later.

Keeping a heat pump running all day isn't always cost-effective. They're made to be energy efficient, but if they run too long--even with electricity as a cheap energy source--the bill can add up. The better way to go may be to set the unit to a temperature that's comfortable for you and let it cycle on and off as needed. Of course, in very cold or very hot weather, the thing may have to work harder and use more juice. One good way to save, though, is using a thermostat to make sure the pump is only running when you're home.

When it gets extremely cold, heat pumps might not be as effective as how well they do in many temperatures. They usually can operate efficiently down to about 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this, their ability to pull heat from the outside air kind of goes away. If it gets colder, a backup heating system might need to be in place to keep your home warm.