You have just invested in a brand-new, energy-efficient heat pump, fitted by a qualified technician. Your Auckland home is now set up perfectly for four seasons of comfort, from warding off the humid summer heat to handling the chill of a cold winter morning. The best heat pump installers in Auckland will tell you a little secret: the longevity and efficiency of your system from that point on depends on what you do after your installation team has packed up and left.
At Exotic Electricals, with years of experience servicing homes and businesses across Auckland, we know our job isn’t finished the moment your system kicks on. We are passionate about helping you ensure the best performance, efficiency and longevity from your investment. This post-installation period isn’t an afterthought; it’s your golden opportunity to maximise year-round comfort and energy savings. Let’s dive into the key care tips that will keep it running smoothly for the long haul.
The Essential DIY Maintenance You Can’t Skip
Think of these tasks as the regular servicing your car needs, but for your climate control system. A few minutes of your time can prevent a world of performance issues down the line.
1. The Visual Check-Up: Before turning on the unit, give both your indoor and outdoor units a quick check. Ensure that no furniture, curtains, or other obstructions block the airflow from the indoor unit. For the outdoor unit, check that leaves, overgrown shrubs, or debris haven’t piled up around it. This is a critical first step that costs nothing but a moment of your time.
2. Gentle Filter Cleaning: This is, hands down, the single most important DIY task you can perform for your heat pump’s health. Most models have a filter that slides out from behind the front panel.
- Frequency: We recommend checking it every two weeks and cleaning it at least once a month during peak usage seasons.
- How-to: Gently vacuum the filter to remove dust, or rinse it with lukewarm water. Let it air dry completely before reinserting it. A clean filter ensures powerful airflow, improves air quality, and prevents the system from overworking, which directly lowers your power bill.
Staying on top of these simple checks and filter cleans is the best way to maintain day-to-day efficiency. However, a deeper clean is necessary to fortify your system against Auckland’s intense seasonal demands.
Seasonal Deep Cleaning: Preparing for the Demand Ahead
Auckland’s climate, with its humid, intense summers and prolonged winter chills, demands a bit more from your heat pump. That’s why we recommend a seasonal deep clean to prepare it for the upcoming peak demand.
- Outdoor Units: The outside condenser unit is exposed to the elements, so remove any significant vegetation. Use a soft brush to dislodge dirt from the fins gently, then rinse the unit with a garden hose on a gentle spray setting. Before you start, always turn off the power to the unit at the isolation switch.
- Indoor Units: With power turned off to the indoor unit, wipe down the external casing with a soft, damp cloth and gently wipe the louvres, which are the white plastic blades that change the direction of the air movement. This step will keep dust from blowing back into space.
The Non-Negotiable: Why Annual Professional Servicing is a Must
A properly operating heat pump should run relatively quietly. As the best Heat Pump Installers in Auckland, we encourage our clients to notice when things change. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to act:
- Reduced Cooling or Heating: If your heat pump is no longer cooling or heating as effectively as it used to, it may indicate a refrigerant leak or a restriction in the system.
- Strange Noises: Grinding, rattling or squealing noises are never normal and often indicate a mechanical failure that requires attention.
- Ice on the Coils: If you see ice on the coils in the summer or on the outdoor unit during winter, it is a sign of a refrigeration or airflow issue.
- Increased Utility Bill: If you notice a sudden increase in your power bill, your heat pump may be struggling to operate efficiently.
When you notice any of these red flags, it’s a clear sign your system needs professional attention.
A Great Installation is the First Step to Easy Care
While your regular DIY maintenance is necessary, it does not replace the importance of having it checked by a professional. You can compare this to going to the dentist: you brush and floss daily, yet you still seek a hygienist to clean and check your teeth thoroughly every year.
An annual service by a technician, such as our team of qualified professionals at Exotic Electricals, involves more than just cleaning the equipment. We conduct a complete health check of the equipment, which includes:
- Checking and topping levels of refrigerant according to manufacturer specifications.
- Checking electrical parts to ensure they operate safely and correctly.
- Flow and pressure readings are measured to verify satisfactory performance.
- Cleaning internal components that cannot be addressed in regular home maintenance.
This preventative practice not only maintains peak efficiency but also catches small issues before they become large, costly repairs. For our commercial clients with multiple units, this proactive approach enables planned, budget-friendly servicing that integrates seamlessly with your facilities management.
Your Partner in Home Comfort, Not Just a Service Provider
At Exotic Electricals, we offer you far more than just the initial installation. As the best heat pump installers in Auckland, we see ourselves as your partner for the long game of creating a smarter, safer and more comfortable place to live.
Your heat pump is a significant investment. By following these care tips and partnering with us for annual servicing, you’re protecting that investment and ensuring years of reliable comfort and efficiency. Ready to give your heat pump the expert care it deserves? Contact the Exotic Electricals team today.
