Updated August 12, 2026: Natural Resources Canada recommends annual heat pump maintenance by a qualified contractor. Exact maintenance procedures vary by manufacturer, system configuration, refrigerant, operating environment and warranty requirements, so the service manual for the specific equipment should always be followed.
A professional annual heat pump service should verify controls, airflow, coils, drainage, electrical operation, fans, sensors, compressor operation and overall heating and cooling performance. Central systems may also require duct static-pressure and supplementary-heat checks, while ductless and multi-zone systems need each indoor unit inspected individually.
Annual service does not mean replacing parts or adding refrigerant automatically. Maintenance should identify actual contamination, deterioration or abnormal measurements and correct only what the equipment condition requires.
Homeowners still have an important role between service visits. Filters, registers, outdoor airflow and visible snow or debris should be checked regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Often Should a Heat Pump Be Professionally Serviced?
Natural Resources Canada recommends having a qualified contractor perform heat pump maintenance annually.
Manufacturer Requirements Still Matter
Some equipment, warranty programmes or operating environments can require additional maintenance.
More Frequent Inspection May Be Appropriate When the System Is Exposed To:
- Heavy dust
- Renovation debris
- Pet hair
- Wildfire smoke
- Coastal salt exposure
- Heavy pollen or cottonwood
- High operating hours
- Commercial or unusually demanding use
Annual Service Does Not Replace Homeowner Maintenance
A filter that needs attention every few months should not be ignored until the annual technician visit.
Annual Professional Service vs Homeowner Heat Pump Maintenance
| Task | Homeowner | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Check user-accessible filter | Yes | Yes |
| Keep registers clear | Yes | Review where needed |
| Remove loose outdoor debris | Yes | Yes |
| Check for excessive snow | Yes | Yes during service |
| Measure electrical voltage | No | Yes where appropriate |
| Measure motor current | No | Yes where appropriate |
| Measure duct static pressure | No | Yes when applicable |
| Deep-clean indoor coil or blower | Generally no | When condition requires |
| Test refrigerant circuit | No | When indicated |
| Test electric heat kit | No | Yes where installed |
| Evaluate inverter electronics | No | Qualified service only |
Homeowner Maintenance Is Mostly Observation and Accessory Care
Professional service adds:
- Measurements
- Electrical testing
- Internal inspection
- Performance verification
- Manufacturer diagnostic information
What Time of Year Is Best for Heat Pump Service?
For Canadian heating climates, service before the major heating season is a practical choice.
Late Summer or Early Autumn
This allows the technician to check the system before sustained winter heating demand.
Spring Can Also Be Useful
Particularly when:
- Cooling performance is the main concern.
- The previous summer had condensate problems.
- The outdoor coil accumulates spring debris.
- The system provides significant summer air conditioning.
The Most Important Point Is Consistency
A regular maintenance schedule is more valuable than waiting until:
- The first freezing night
- The first heat wave
- The system stops working
1. Review Thermostat and Heat Pump Control Settings
Annual service should begin by confirming that control settings still match the system design.
Review:
- Heat and Cool operation
- Fan setting
- Temperature setpoints
- Schedules
- AUX Heat staging
- Emergency Heat
- Outdoor lockout temperatures where applicable
- Dual-fuel changeover settings
Communicating Controls Can Store Additional Configuration
These settings can influence:
- Compressor capacity
- Blower airflow
- Dehumidification
- Supplementary heat
Do Not Change Settings Without Understanding the Original Design
A balance-point or airflow adjustment can affect comfort, energy use and backup heating behaviour.
2. Retrieve Active and Stored Fault History
Modern heat pumps can store information about faults that occurred between service visits.
Review for:
- Sensor errors
- Communication faults
- Pressure protection
- Compressor faults
- Fan errors
- Defrost problems
- Repeated electrical interruptions
A Fault That Cleared Itself Can Still Be Important
Repeated historical alarms can identify a developing problem before complete failure.
Do Not Erase History Before Reviewing It
Record important faults in the service documentation.
3. Inspect or Service Air Filters
Air filters protect indoor coils and blower components while supporting indoor air quality.
Check:
- Filter cleanliness
- Correct size
- Correct airflow direction
- Frame condition
- Filter bypass
- Appropriate filter resistance
NRCan Recommends Regular Filter Maintenance
For many systems, cleaning or replacement approximately every three months is a useful general baseline, while the exact interval should follow the equipment and actual household conditions.
A Higher MERV Rating Is Not Automatically Better
The filter must remain compatible with the airflow capacity of the system.
4. Check Supply and Return Airflow
Air distribution is fundamental to both heating and cooling performance.
Inspect:
- Supply registers
- Return grilles
- Obvious duct restrictions
- Closed dampers
- Furniture obstruction
Ask About Room Comfort
Annual service is a useful time to identify:
- Cold bedrooms
- Overheated rooms
- Weak upper-floor airflow
- Basement imbalance
One Weak Room Is Different From Whole-Home Weak Airflow
Local problems often point to a branch duct or return-air issue rather than the heat pump itself.
5. Measure Duct Static Pressure Where Applicable
For ducted systems, static-pressure testing can reveal restrictions that are not obvious visually.
Possible Problems Include:
- Restrictive filter
- Undersized return duct
- Dirty indoor coil
- Small supply ductwork
- Closed zoning dampers
Compare With Manufacturer Data
The air handler or furnace blower has a defined operating range.
Why Annual Comparison Can Help
A significant increase from previous readings can indicate:
- Filter loading
- Coil contamination
- Duct alteration
- Damper problem
Not Every Annual Visit Requires a Full Air-Balancing Study
Static pressure is most useful when airflow or duct performance is relevant to the equipment or complaint.
6. Inspect the Indoor Blower or Ductless Fan
Central Blower Inspection Can Include:
- Blower wheel cleanliness
- Motor condition
- Mounting
- Noise
- Electrical operation
- Configured airflow
Ductless Indoor Fans
Inspect the cross-flow fan for:
- Dust accumulation
- Uneven contamination
- Vibration
- Weak airflow
Do Not Clean Components Merely Because They Exist
Deep cleaning should be based on actual contamination.
7. Inspect the Indoor Heat Pump Coil
The indoor coil transfers heat and, during cooling, removes moisture.
Inspect for:
- Dirt
- Corrosion
- Ice history
- Refrigerant oil residue
- Physical damage
- Blocked fin area
Dirty Coils Can Affect:
- Airflow
- Heating capacity
- Cooling capacity
- Dehumidification
- Refrigerant operating conditions
Clean Only When Necessary
Use methods and products compatible with the exact coil and manufacturer guidance.
8. Inspect the Condensate Drain
Cooling condensate must leave the indoor unit safely.
Inspect:
- Drain pan
- Drain outlet
- Trap
- Drain slope
- Cleanout
- Final termination
Look for:
- Slime
- Standing water
- Slow drainage
- Cracked tubing
- Improper slope
A Partially Blocked Drain Can Work Until a Humid Day
Peak condensate load can expose a problem that remained hidden during mild weather.
9. Test Condensate Pumps and Overflow Protection
Where installed, test:
- Condensate pump
- Float mechanism
- Pump discharge
- Safety contact
- Secondary drain pan switch
Protection Devices Should Actually Stop the Equipment
A float switch that is present but not correctly connected provides decorative reassurance rather than protection.
Never Leave a Safety Switch Bypassed
If testing requires temporary controlled procedures, final operation must restore the intended safety circuit.
10. Inspect the Outdoor Heat Pump Coil
Look for:
- Leaves
- Pollen
- Cottonwood
- Grass
- Dirt
- Corrosion
- Bent fins
- Physical damage
Dirty Outdoor Coils Affect Heat Transfer
This can reduce:
- Heating performance
- Cooling performance
- Efficiency
Cleaning Method Should Match the Equipment
Do not use high-pressure washing or aggressive chemicals on delicate fins and coatings.
11. Check Outdoor Airflow and Equipment Clearances
Inspect for:
- Vegetation growth
- Fence changes
- Stored objects
- Snow accumulation area
- Roof runoff
- Defrost-water icing
Landscaping Can Change After Installation
A unit that had adequate clearance three years ago can later be surrounded by shrubs.
Check Outdoor Drainage
Defrost water should not:
- Build into the outdoor unit
- Freeze across a walkway
- Drain toward the foundation
12. Inspect the Outdoor Fan
Check:
- Blade condition
- Motor operation
- Noise
- Vibration
- Mounting
- Debris obstruction
A Fan Can Operate and Still Have a Problem
Possible issues include:
- Incorrect speed
- Intermittent operation
- Bearing noise
- Electronic feedback fault
Outdoor Fan Behaviour Changes During Defrost
Do not diagnose normal defrost fan shutdown as a failure.
13. Inspect Heat Pump Electrical Connections
ENERGY STAR maintenance guidance includes checking and tightening electrical connections as appropriate.
Professional Inspection Can Look For:
- Loose terminals
- Heat discolouration
- Corrosion
- Damaged conductors
- Improper wiring
- Loose grounding connections
High-Resistance Connections Can Produce Heat
Early detection can reduce the risk of:
- Breaker trips
- Control faults
- Damaged terminals
- Equipment failure
Electrical Compartments Are Not Homeowner Maintenance Areas
Line-voltage and inverter equipment require appropriate electrical safety procedures.
14. Measure Voltage and Current Where Appropriate
Professional annual maintenance can include electrical measurements on motors and major equipment.
Possible Measurements Include:
- Supply voltage
- Control voltage
- Compressor current
- Fan current
- Blower current
- Electric heat current
Variable-Speed Equipment Requires Context
Electrical input changes with:
- Compressor speed
- Heating load
- Cooling load
- Outdoor temperature
Compare Against Equipment Data
A single current reading is not meaningful without knowing what operating condition the heat pump was commanded to produce.
15. Evaluate Sensors and Operating Data
Modern heat pumps depend on numerous sensors.
Possible Sensors Include:
- Indoor room temperature
- Indoor coil temperature
- Outdoor temperature
- Outdoor coil temperature
- Compressor discharge temperature
- Refrigerant pressure
Compare Electronic Readings With Actual Conditions
An outdoor sensor displaying an implausible temperature can influence:
- Capacity control
- Defrost
- Backup heat
- Dual-fuel changeover
Stored Sensor Faults Also Matter
An intermittent sensor can behave normally during the maintenance visit but still appear in fault history.
16. Evaluate Compressor and Inverter Operation
Check for:
- Normal startup
- Stable compressor operation
- Unusual noise
- Stored inverter faults
- Abnormal current
- Abnormal discharge temperature
Variable-Speed Heat Pumps Should Modulate
The exact operating speed depends on demand and control strategy.
Do Not Replace an Inverter Board Because of an Old Fault Code Alone
Review whether:
- The fault repeated
- Supply voltage was normal
- Refrigeration conditions were normal
- The compressor itself was operating correctly
17. Evaluate Refrigerant-System Performance
Annual maintenance should evaluate refrigeration performance, but that does not mean refrigerant must automatically be added or the circuit opened every year.
Possible Evaluation Can Include:
- Heating and cooling capacity
- Pipe temperatures
- Manufacturer operating data
- Pressure measurements when indicated
- Superheat or subcooling where applicable
- Electronic expansion-valve operation
Look for Evidence of Refrigerant Leakage
Possible clues include:
- Oil residue
- Historical low-pressure faults
- Reduced capacity
- Abnormal icing
A Sealed System Should Not Need Routine Refrigerant Top-Ups
If refrigerant charge becomes low, the reason should be investigated.
18. Check Reversing-Valve Operation
The reversing valve allows an air-source heat pump to change between heating and cooling.
Annual Operating Verification Can Confirm:
- Heating mode
- Cooling mode
- Control signal
- Expected coil temperature changes
A Reversing-Valve Problem Can Be Intermittent
Symptoms can include:
- Heating works but cooling does not
- Cooling works but heating does not
- Unexpected refrigerant sounds
- Mode-related fault codes
19. Review Heat Pump Defrost Operation
Defrost is critical to winter air-source heat pump performance.
Inspect:
- Outdoor coil condition
- Evidence of excessive historical icing
- Outdoor coil sensor
- Outdoor air sensor
- Outdoor fan behaviour
- Defrost drainage
Ask the Homeowner About Winter Behaviour
Useful reports include:
- Outdoor unit becoming encased in ice
- Fan striking ice
- Very frequent defrost
- Heat loss during defrost
Defrost Cannot Always Be Fully Evaluated in Warm Weather
Fault history and sensor testing can still reveal potential issues.
20. Test AUX and Emergency Heat
Central full-electric systems should have supplementary heating checked before it is needed during cold weather.
Verify:
- Thermostat staging
- Electric heat stages
- Relays or sequencers
- High-temperature limits
- Current draw
- Blower airflow
One Stage Can Fail Without the Homeowner Knowing
The system may seem normal during mild weather and become inadequate only during:
- Cold snaps
- Defrost
- Emergency Heat operation
Dual-Fuel Systems Need Their Backup Source Checked Differently
Gas-furnace testing requires the appropriate gas-service procedures.
21. Inspect Refrigerant Piping and Insulation
Check Exterior and Accessible Piping For:
- Damaged insulation
- UV deterioration
- Loose supports
- Vibration contact
- Oil residue
- Physical damage
Damaged Suction-Line Insulation Can Reduce Performance
It can also create:
- Condensation
- Water staining
- Unnecessary heat gain
Check Wall Penetrations
Exterior penetrations should remain sealed against:
- Water
- Air leakage
- Pests
22. Inspect Outdoor Mounting, Vibration and Drainage
Check:
- Pad settlement
- Wall brackets
- Fasteners
- Anti-vibration isolation
- Cabinet level
- Defrost drainage
Look for New Vibration Paths
Refrigerant piping or conduit can begin touching:
- Wall
- Cabinet
- Bracket
and transmit sound into the building.
Outdoor Conditions Change Over Time
Annual inspection can identify:
- Soil movement
- Corrosion
- New landscaping
- Drainage changes
23. Test Complete Heating and Cooling Operation
Maintenance should verify that the heat pump functions as a complete system.
Heating Test
Confirm:
- Indoor fan operation
- Outdoor operation
- Reasonable supply-air response
- No active fault
- Backup heat where applicable
Cooling Test
Confirm:
- Cooling operation
- Indoor airflow
- Condensate production and drainage
- No coil icing
Operating Conditions Matter
Full heating or cooling performance may not be meaningfully testable during unsuitable outdoor conditions.
Do Not Force Equipment Outside Manufacturer Test Conditions
Use the approved service procedure for the season and model.
24. Record Annual Heat Pump Service Findings
Maintenance is more useful when results are documented.
Record:
- Date
- Indoor and outdoor model numbers
- Fault history
- Filter condition
- Coil condition
- Airflow findings
- Static pressure where measured
- Electrical findings
- Drain condition
- Repairs recommended
Measurements Create Trends
If static pressure, motor current or fault frequency changes over several years, the historical record can help identify deterioration.
Keep Records With Warranty Documents
Service history can also help with:
- Warranty discussions
- Repair decisions
- Future replacement planning
Does a Heat Pump Need Refrigerant Added Every Year?
No.
Heat Pumps Use a Sealed Refrigeration Circuit
Refrigerant circulates through the system rather than being intentionally consumed.
If Refrigerant Is Low
Possible causes include:
- Leak
- Previous incorrect charging
- Service-related refrigerant loss
Do Not Treat Annual Refrigerant Addition as Maintenance
A recurring low charge should prompt leak diagnosis.
Refrigerant Charge Verification Depends on the Equipment
Technicians should use:
- Manufacturer procedure
- Operating conditions
- Correct refrigerant
- Airflow verification
Modern Inverter Systems Can Require Specific Diagnostic Modes
Generic fixed-speed charging rules should not be applied blindly.
Should Heat Pump Coils Be Cleaned Every Year?
They should be inspected every service visit, but cleaning should be based on actual condition and manufacturer guidance.
Cleaning May Be Needed When:
- Fins are visibly obstructed.
- Airflow is reduced.
- Outdoor debris covers the coil.
- Indoor contamination is significant.
- Performance is affected.
A Clean Coil Does Not Benefit From Unnecessary Aggressive Chemicals
Incorrect products can damage:
- Fins
- Protective coatings
- Drain pans
- Nearby components
Use Condition-Based Maintenance
Inspection every year does not require chemical cleaning every year.
Annual Service Checklist for Ducted Heat Pumps
Important Ducted-System Items Include:
- Filter
- Blower
- Indoor coil
- Static pressure
- Supply and return ductwork
- Condensate drainage
- Thermostat
- Electric heat kit where installed
Older Ductwork Deserves Attention
Changes in:
- Filter type
- Furniture placement
- Renovation
- Zoning dampers
can affect system airflow after the original heat pump installation.
Compare With Commissioning Data
If available, compare annual static pressure and airflow with the original installation record.
Annual Service Checklist for Ductless Heat Pumps
Every Indoor Head Should Be Inspected
Check:
- Filters
- Indoor coil
- Cross-flow fan
- Louvres
- Drain pan
- Drain hose or pump
- Room and coil sensors
Deep Cleaning Is Not the Same as Filter Washing
A clean mesh filter can hide contamination on:
- Indoor coil
- Fan wheel
- Drain pan
Check the Outdoor Unit Once
A single-zone ductless system still needs outdoor coil, fan, electrical and refrigeration inspection.
Annual Service Checklist for Multi-Zone Heat Pumps
Every connected indoor unit should be evaluated.
Check Each Zone For:
- Filter condition
- Airflow
- Fan contamination
- Drainage
- Sensor operation
- Error history
Inspect Shared Outdoor Operation
Test different zone combinations where appropriate.
One Neglected Indoor Head Can Become a Local Failure
The remaining zones may continue to operate, making the maintenance issue less obvious.
Keep Zone-Specific Records
Note which indoor units required cleaning or repair.
Annual Service for Full-Electric Heat Pump Systems
These systems require both compressor-heating and electric-resistance backup checks.
Verify:
- Heat pump heating
- Cooling
- AUX Heat staging
- Emergency Heat
- Heat-kit limits
- Blower airflow
- Electrical circuits
Why Backup Testing Matters
Electric heat can remain unused for much of the year and only become critical during:
- Cold weather
- Defrost
- Compressor failure
Finding a Failed Stage in Mild Weather Is Preferable
Waiting until the coldest night to discover it follows a less sophisticated maintenance philosophy.
Annual Service for Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
A dual-fuel system requires maintenance of both the heat pump and fuel-fired furnace.
Heat Pump Side
Inspect:
- Outdoor unit
- Indoor coil
- Refrigeration operation
- Defrost
- Controls
Shared Airflow
Check:
- Furnace blower
- Filter
- Static pressure
- Duct system
Fuel-Fired Heating Side
Appropriately qualified service should inspect applicable:
- Gas components
- Burners
- Combustion
- Venting
- Safety controls
Check Changeover Strategy
Verify:
- Outdoor sensor
- Heat-pump lockout
- Furnace changeover
- Thermostat configuration
Heat Pump Maintenance Homeowners Can Do Between Annual Visits
Check Filters Regularly
NRCan provides three months as a useful general filter-maintenance interval, while the equipment manufacturer and actual conditions should determine the final schedule.
Keep Registers Clear
Do not block supply or return openings with:
- Furniture
- Carpet
- Storage
Inspect Outdoor Airflow
Remove ordinary loose:
- Leaves
- Grass
- Snow
- Debris
without opening the cabinet.
Watch for Abnormal Conditions
- Unusual noise
- Water leakage
- Persistent outdoor icing
- Error codes
- Unexpected AUX Heat operation
- Noticeable airflow changes
Keep Outdoor Clearances Open
Do not allow shrubs, storage or seasonal debris to restrict the manufacturer-required airflow around the outdoor unit.
Record Problems Before Resetting
Photograph fault codes and note the operating mode and outdoor conditions before repeated power cycling.
What Homeowners Should Not Service
- Do not open energized electrical compartments.
- Do not test inverter electronics.
- Do not connect refrigerant gauges.
- Do not add refrigerant.
- Do not bypass float switches or electrical safety limits.
- Do not alter defrost settings.
- Do not change installer-level airflow or staging settings without the correct equipment documentation.
- Do not pressure-wash coils.
- Do not use unapproved household chemicals on indoor or outdoor coils.
- Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that trips again.
Homeowner Maintenance Should Stay Within User-Accessible Areas
Filters, registers, visible outdoor clearance and basic controller settings are appropriate routine checks. Internal electrical, refrigerant and combustion work requires qualified service.
Annual Heat Pump Maintenance vs Diagnostic Service
Annual maintenance and diagnostic service have different purposes.
Annual Maintenance
Annual service is preventive. It reviews system condition, cleanliness, controls, airflow, drainage, electrical operation and overall performance before a specific failure develops.
Diagnostic Service
Diagnostic service investigates an existing symptom such as:
- No heating or cooling
- Breaker trip
- Error code
- Water leakage
- Abnormal noise
- Outdoor icing
- Weak airflow
A Maintenance Visit Can Discover a Repair Need
If testing identifies an abnormal component or measurement, the technician can recommend a separate repair or additional diagnosis.
Heat Pump Annual Service and Diagnostic Costs
Routine annual-maintenance pricing depends on system type, number of indoor units, access and service scope.
Existing-System Diagnostic Appointment
Bernoulli Heating and Cooling’s current diagnostic appointment charge for troubleshooting an existing heat pump problem is $135.
The $135 diagnostic charge is not presented as a universal annual-maintenance price.
Repair labour, replacement parts, electrical materials, cleaning materials, refrigerant and additional materials are separate.
New Heat Pump Installation or Replacement
New heat pump installation and replacement estimates are free.
Why Heat Pump Maintenance Records Matter
A consistent service history creates a useful reference for future troubleshooting and replacement planning.
Keep Records of:
- Service dates
- Filter and coil condition
- Fault history
- Static pressure where measured
- Electrical findings
- Drainage findings
- Repairs completed
- Parts replaced
Trend Data Can Be More Useful Than One Reading
A gradual change in airflow, current, noise or fault frequency can help identify deterioration before complete failure.
Heat Pump Annual Maintenance in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley
Bernoulli Heating and Cooling provides heat pump maintenance, troubleshooting and performance assessment across Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.
Service can include filters, airflow, coils, drainage, controls, electrical operation, fans, sensors, defrost, supplementary heat and refrigeration-system evaluation where required.
For an existing system with an operating problem, the current diagnostic appointment charge is $135. Repair labour, replacement parts, electrical materials, cleaning materials and refrigerant are separate.
New heat pump installation and replacement estimates are free.
Call 604-518-4438 or email heatingbernoulli@gmail.com.
For local installation planning, review:
Heat Pump Annual Maintenance: Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a heat pump be professionally serviced?
Annual professional maintenance is a practical baseline, while manufacturer instructions, warranty terms and operating conditions may require additional attention.
Does annual service replace filter maintenance?
No. Filters should be checked and serviced more frequently when their condition requires it.
What time of year is best for heat pump maintenance?
Late summer or early autumn is useful before the main heating season, while spring can be appropriate when cooling performance and condensate drainage are priorities.
Does a heat pump need refrigerant every year?
No. Refrigerant is not routinely consumed. A recurring low charge should prompt investigation for leakage or another charging problem.
Should heat pump coils be chemically cleaned every year?
No. Coils should be inspected and cleaned when condition and manufacturer guidance indicate cleaning is necessary.
Should duct static pressure be checked?
It is particularly useful for ducted systems when airflow, filter resistance, duct restrictions or comfort problems are relevant.
Should condensate drainage be checked during annual service?
Yes, especially for systems that provide cooling and produce indoor condensate.
Should AUX Heat be tested?
Where installed, supplementary and Emergency Heat operation should be verified as appropriate before cold-weather demand.
Does every heat pump have AUX Heat?
No. Backup-heating arrangements depend on system design.
Do ductless systems need annual service?
Yes. Each indoor unit should be inspected along with the shared or dedicated outdoor equipment.
Does a multi-zone system require each head to be checked?
Yes. Filter, fan, coil, drainage, sensors and fault history can differ by indoor unit.
Can annual service identify problems before failure?
It can identify contamination, abnormal measurements, repeated fault history, electrical deterioration and other conditions that may deserve corrective action.
Is annual maintenance the same as a diagnostic appointment?
No. Annual maintenance is preventive, while a diagnostic appointment investigates an existing symptom or fault.
How much does Bernoulli charge to diagnose an existing heat pump problem?
The current diagnostic appointment charge is $135.
Does the $135 include repairs?
No. Repair labour, replacement parts, electrical materials, cleaning materials, refrigerant and additional materials are separate.
Are new heat pump installation and replacement estimates free?
Yes. New installation and replacement estimates are currently free.