Note: Our heat pumps are only available for the Dutch Market. A well-maintained heat pump delivers optimal performance. Without regular maintenance, the system may become less efficient, experience wear, or develop malfunctions. In this blog, you’ll learn how to maintain an air-to-water heat pump and what to look out for to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency.
Why is maintenance of your heat pump important?
Maintenance of equipment is essential — and that also applies to heat pumps. Proper calibration is an important part of maintenance, ensuring the heat pump produces heat as efficiently as possible with minimal energy consumption. In addition, regular maintenance extends the lifespan of the unit. By checking the system’s operation and inspecting for leaks, you can prevent costly repairs or the need for replacement.
A heat pump generally requires less maintenance than a gas-fired boiler, as it contains fewer components that can fail. Proper calibration is particularly important, as it helps optimize performance.
A well-maintained air-to-water heat pump provides the following benefits:
- Consumes less energy, allowing the heat pump to deliver heat at optimal and maximum efficiency.
- Has a longer lifespan, as it helps prevent costly component replacements.
- Operates more reliably, with a reduced risk of malfunctions.
- Produces less noise, providing greater comfort.
What happens during the maintenance of an air-to-water heat pump?
During the maintenance of a heat pump, the installer follows several steps for inspection and checks. The type of inspection depends on the kind of heat pump. In a monoblock heat pump, the heat is generated in the outdoor unit, and hot water is transported to and from the building via pipes. In a split-unit heat pump, the refrigerant is transported from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, where the water is further heated through the refrigerant and compression. Depending on the type of heat pump, the following checks and procedures are performed.
- Controle van de buitenunit
De buitenunit van een lucht-water warmtepomp is continu in werking. Punten die worden gecontroleerd zijn:
- Inspectie op vuil, bladeren, sneeuw of obstakels.
- Reiniging van ventilator en lamellen.
- Controle van koudemiddel en gaslekdetectie (R290, R32 of R410A) en eventuele lekkages (door professional).
- Geluidstest om slijtage vroegtijdig te signaleren.
- Onderhoud van de binnenunit
De binnenunit verzorgt de warmteoverdracht in het pand. Punten die worden gecontroleerd zijn:
- Controle van de regelaar, thermostaten en software-instellingen
- Inspectie van de circulatiepomp en waterdruk
- Eventueel ontluchten van radiatoren of vloerverwarming
- Controleren en reinigen van de warmtewisselaar
- Filters en ventilatie
- Luchtfilters regelmatig schoonmaken of vervangen
- Controleren van ventilatiekanalen op stof en blokkades
- Elektrische componenten
- Inspectie van bedrading, zekeringen en aansluitingen
- Controleren van sensoren en temperatuurmeters
- Testen van beveiligingsfuncties
- Algemene controle
- Het systeem testen bij verschillende buitentemperaturen
- Controleren van de prestatie en rendement (COP) en water- en energieverbruik
- Opgeslagen storingen of foutcodes in de computer analyseren
How often does a heat pump need maintenance?
It is recommended to perform the first inspection of a new heat pump after six months. By then, the number of operating hours will be known, which allows for a tailored maintenance plan. In general, a heat pump requires annual maintenance.
Refrigerant in a heat pump
When installing and maintaining a propane (R290) heat pump (monoblock), a BRL certification (F-gases company certificate) and an R290 safety training for handling flammable refrigerants are required. An F-gases certificate is not mandatory for monoblock units, but it is recommended. For a split-unit heat pump, the rules are different. An F-gases certificate is mandatory, as split units usually use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) such as R32 or R410A as the refrigerant. Make sure to check the type of heat pump you are installing or maintaining before starting work.
Would you like to learn more about heat pump maintenance?
Maintenance of an air-to-water heat pump is essential for an efficient, sustainable, and reliable heating system. With annual professional maintenance, the heat pump continues to operate optimally and efficiently for longer, helping you save energy. Would you like to learn more about the installation or maintenance of a heat pump? Feel free to contact us or visit us. We have a heat pump on display that you can see up close.
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