Heat Pump Maintenance & Repair: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Key Takeaways

• Regular heat pump maintenance helps your system last longer and prevents costly surprises.
• Common heat pump repair issues include refrigerant leaks, frozen coils, or electrical problems.
• Most experts recommend professional service twice a year.
• Maintenance plans like MintCare take the stress out of scheduling upkeep.
• Repairs can keep a newer system running, but replacement makes more sense once units are old or inefficient.

Heat pumps are everywhere these days. They’ve become a go-to option for heating and cooling because they’re efficient, versatile, and can work in a wide range of climates. But here’s the thing: a heat pump doesn’t take care of itself. Without regular attention, performance drops, energy bills creep up, and sooner or later you’ll be calling for a repair.

The good news is that most issues can be prevented or at least caught early, if you stay on top of routine maintenance. Let’s break down what matters most.

Why Maintenance Matters

Unlike a traditional furnace or AC that rests part of the year, a heat pump usually runs all year. It cools in the summer, heats in the winter, and rarely gets a break. That constant use takes a toll.

According to the Department of Energy, simple maintenance can reduce energy use by as much as 10-25%. That’s a big deal when utility rates are high. It also helps extend lifespan. A well-maintained heat pump can last 15 years or more, while a neglected system may start giving you trouble much earlier.

Bottom line: maintenance isn’t optional if you want reliability.

What’s Actually Involved in Heat Pump Maintenance?

A tune-up from a licensed tech usually covers the basics you’d expect, like:

• Replacing or cleaning filters
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Washing coils and fans
• Lubricating moving parts
• Making sure the thermostat is calibrated
• Inspecting wiring and electrical connections

Homeowners can handle some of the basics (like swapping filters every month or two), but the more technical items like refrigerant levels, electrical checks need a professional.

If remembering to book service feels like one more thing on your already full plate, that’s where MintCare helps. It’s a yearly plan that includes tune-ups, filter replacements, repair discounts, and priority service so you don’t get stuck waiting in line during peak season.

When Repairs Come Into Play

Even with the best maintenance schedule, you’ll eventually run into repairs. The most common heat pump repair calls usually involve:

• Refrigerant leaks that cause weak performance
• Frozen outdoor coils
• Electrical issues, like bad relays or wiring failures
• A reversing valve that won’t switch between heating and cooling
• Strange sounds: grinding, rattling, or hissing noises that never seem “normal”

Sometimes these are quick fixes. Other times, they’re warning signs your system is getting close to retirement. The key is not to ignore them. A small repair can keep the system running for years, while delaying service often means a bigger bill later.

How Often Should Heat Pumps Be Serviced?

Most HVAC pros recommend twice a year: once in spring, once in fall. That way, your system gets checked before the busiest seasons hit.

Skipping service doesn’t mean the unit stops working tomorrow but it does mean efficiency drops slowly over time. You’ll notice longer run cycles, higher bills, or uneven heating and cooling. All those little signs add up.

Repair or Replace?

This is the question homeowners hate but can’t avoid: when is it smarter to replace instead of repair?

• Stick with repairs if the system is under 10 years old and hasn’t had many issues. A new capacitor or fan motor is usually worth it.
• Think about replacement if the system is 12+ years old, repair costs are piling up, or efficiency has dropped so much that bills are noticeably higher.

The average lifespan of a heat pump is about 10-15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If you’re near the top of that range and calling for repairs every summer or winter, it may be time to run the numbers.

With Mint Home, you can get both options on the table. If repair makes sense, we’ll handle it. If replacement is smarter, we’ll give you an instant quote so you can plan with confidence.

Why Maintenance Pays for Itself

It’s easy to see maintenance as just another expense, but it almost always saves money. Here’s how:

• Cleaning coils or unclogging drain lines during a tune-up costs far less than replacing a burnt-out compressor.
• Spotting electrical problems early prevents damage to other system parts.
• A system running efficiently uses less power, which shows up as lower monthly bills.

Think of it like a car. You wouldn’t skip oil changes and expect the engine to last. The same logic applies to your heat pump.

Stress-Free Maintenance with MintCare

Our MintCare plan makes heat pump maintenance simple. For one yearly price you’ll get:

• Two seasonal tune-ups
• New filters
• Priority service when you need it most
• Discounts on repairs
• A system that’s ready for summer heat or winter cold

It’s designed for homeowners who want reliable comfort without the hassle of remembering service dates or stressing over sudden breakdowns.

So, is heat pump maintenance worth it?

Your heat pump is one of the hardest-working systems in your home. Keep up with heat pump maintenance, take care of repairs when they pop up, and you’ll enjoy years of efficient heating and cooling. Skip maintenance, and you’ll likely face higher bills and premature replacement.

If your system needs attention, schedule a diagnostic today. Or learn more about how MintCare keeps everything running smoothly.

For additional reading, check out the Energy.gov guide to heat pumps.