It’s official. Spring is finally here. But wait, before you relax into the warmer days, don’t forget about the essentials. In the same way you would check over your lawn mower to ensure it can still cut the lawns, and give the BBQ a clean, ready for those summer get-togethers, you also need to get your heat pump serviced and cleaned.

During the winter, your heat pump has been hammering away to produce warm air in your home. Now it’s time for the reverse to happen – your heat pump needs to keep you cool – and you need to have it working – and working properly.

Don’t compromise efficiency and air quality

Many homeowners don't realise just how much gunk can build up inside their heat pumps over winter. Dust, mould and debris accumulate in the filters and on the internal components, potentially compromising the unit's efficiency and the air quality in your home.

Before and after

One of our No Shock technicians recently shared some eye-opening before-and-after photos of a heat pump service. The difference was striking, with the internal components transformed from a grimy, mould-covered mess to a clean, efficient system. It's a reminder of what might be lurking inside your own unit after a long winter.

Moulds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances. Inhaling mould spores can cause allergic reactions – sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash, etc. Black toxic mould known as Stachybotrys Chartarum (which is also sometimes dark green), is highly toxic and can trigger asthma symptoms.

Imagine all that mould circulating through your living spaces as you switch to cooling mode – not a pleasant thought!

But it's not just about cleanliness. A well-maintained heat pump operates more efficiently, potentially saving you money on energy bills as you start using it for cooling. The ideal temperature setting for most homes is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. Running your heat pump at lower temperatures doesn't necessarily mean a cooler home – it just works harder and uses more energy.

What to look out for

So, how do you know if your heat pump needs attention? Look out for signs like the unit working harder than usual, visible mould around the air vents, or excessive plant growth around the outdoor unit. These could all indicate that it's time for a service.

Remember, servicing your heat pump isn't just about cleaning the visible filter. A professional service includes thoroughly cleaning all components, including the often-overlooked internal rotor.

Your heat pump service checklist

1. In Spring, there’s a lot of new growth. It's best to check the outdoor unit for any obstructions, such as weeds, soil, vines, leaves, etc. We found one recently that had a passionfruit vine growing all over it.
2. Check that the drainpipe in the indoor space hasn’t clogged up with mould. Black mould is the worst. Condensation drips out through the drainpipe, and this is where it can grow. We use a cleaning solution to ensure it’s free of growth.
3. Filters need to be cleared of internal dust and debris – there’s no point in changing them unless they’re damaged; they can be hosed down. Remember that a heat pump is not a purifier, it just recirculates the indoor air, cooling it or heating it.
4. If the heat pump has been installed correctly, there won’t be a need to top up the refrigerant gas. However, sometimes vibrations can cause disconnections or kinks where the gas can leak. We test for this and top it up if necessary.

Beat the heat: quirky cool-down tricks (but we recommend a heat pump!)

1. DIY air conditioning – did you know some people create makeshift air conditioners using a fan, a chilly bin, and frozen water bottles? The fan blows air over the ice, creating a cool breeze that mimics the feel of air conditioning.
2. Cold sheets trick – other people chill their bed sheets in the freezer before bedtime. Popping your pillowcases or sheets into a plastic bag and freezing them for a few minutes can provide instant relief when you hit the sack on a sweltering night.
3. Cool socks hack – wearing damp, cold socks to bed can apparently help cool you down. Some swear by soaking their socks in cold water, wringing them out, and slipping them on before bed to stay cool as they drift off to sleep.
4. Wet curtain technique – hanging a damp sheet or towel in front of an open window can create a natural air conditioner. As the hot air passes through the wet fabric, it cools down and spreads a refreshing breeze throughout the room.

If you’d rather not use one of our quirky ideas, get in touch for a quote on a heat pump installation or service.