Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist: Keep It Running 20+ Years (2026)

February 27, 2026 blueridge No Comments

Last Updated: February 2026

Written by Vahid Isapur, Owner & Red Seal Certified HVAC Technician at Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling | 15+ Years Experience

✅ About the Author — E-E-A-T Credentials

Vahid Isapur is the owner and lead technician at Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling. He holds a Red Seal Certification (Interprovincial), a Gas Fitter Class B licence, and is registered with the BC Safety Authority. As a BC Hydro & CleanBC Registered Contractor, Vahid has personally maintained and installed over 1,500 heat pump systems across the Greater Vancouver and Lower Mainland area over 15+ years. Every technical detail in this article comes from hands-on field experience in British Columbia homes — not theory.

📞 Need professional maintenance now? Call (604) 615-2212 or book a free estimate.</td></tr> </table>

🔑 Key Takeaways

11 A typical heat pump lasts 10–15 years, with well-maintained systems sometimes reaching 20 years. With a disciplined maintenance routine, you can push well beyond that average here in BC’s mild climate.
14 The energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump is 10 to 25 percent lower than that of a neglected one, according to the Department of Energy.
11 Regular heat pump maintenance is the single most important factor in extending a heat pump’s life.
Professional maintenance should happen twice per year — spring and fall — while homeowner tasks like filter cleaning should happen monthly.
A maintenance plan typically costs $199–$349/year, whereas a single emergency compressor repair can run $1,500–$3,000+.
BC homeowners may qualify for CleanBC rebates of up to $16,000 on new installations — protecting that investment through proper maintenance is essential.

Why Heat Pump Maintenance Matters More Than You Think

Here’s a truth I share with every homeowner I work with in Surrey, Vancouver, and across the Lower Mainland: your heat pump is the hardest-working piece of equipment in your home. Unlike a furnace that only heats or an air conditioner that only cools, your heat pump runs year-round — heating through our damp BC winters and cooling during increasingly hot summers.18 Unlike furnaces or central air conditioners that only operate for part of the year, heat pumps work continuously, switching between heating and cooling modes. That year-round operation means year-round wear and tear, and it’s exactly why maintenance isn’t optional — it’s the difference between a system that fails at year 8 and one that keeps performing past year 20. 20 In Consumer Reports’ latest analysis, they found that 29 percent of heat pumps broke or stopped working by the end of the eighth year of ownership, essentially halfway through their expected lifespan. Nearly one in three heat pumps failing before even reaching eight years is staggering — and the number one culprit is deferred maintenance.

I’ve been servicing heat pump systems in Surrey and Vancouver for over 15 years, and I can tell you from direct experience: the homeowners who follow a consistent maintenance schedule almost never face a catastrophic breakdown. The ones who call me in a panic at 2 a.m.? They haven’t had a tune-up in three, four, sometimes five years.

This guide gives you the complete heat pump maintenance checklist — both what you can do yourself and what needs a Red Seal technician. Follow it, and you’ll maximize your system’s lifespan, keep your energy bills low, and protect the thousands of dollars you’ve invested.

Related: If you’re considering a new system, check our Heat Pump Cost Guide for BC 2026 to understand total investment and payback.

The Complete Heat Pump Maintenance Schedule (Monthly, Seasonal, Annual)

One of the most common questions I get is: “How often should I maintain my heat pump?” The answer is a layered approach. Here’s the schedule I recommend to every homeowner in the Lower Mainland:

Frequency	Task	Who Does It
Monthly	Check/clean or replace air filters	Homeowner (DIY)
Monthly	Visually inspect outdoor unit for debris, leaves, snow	Homeowner (DIY)
Monthly	Ensure vents and registers are unobstructed	Homeowner (DIY)
Quarterly	Clean condensate drain line	Homeowner (DIY)
Quarterly	Inspect thermostat settings and battery	Homeowner (DIY)
Spring (March–April)	Professional pre-cooling season tune-up	HVAC Technician
Fall (September–October)	Professional pre-heating season tune-up	HVAC Technician
Annually	Full 21-point professional inspection	HVAC Technician
Every 2–3 Years	Professional duct cleaning and inspection	HVAC Technician
Every 5–7 Years	Refrigerant level check + potential top-up	HVAC Technician

25 The U.S. Department of Energy recommends cleaning or changing filters every 3 months or as recommended by the manufacturer or installer. In my experience, BC homeowners — especially those with pets or in areas with heavy pollen like Surrey and Langley — benefit from monthly filter checks. 14 To optimize your system in both the heating and cooling seasons, it’s best to receive professional maintenance twice a year.

🌸 Printable Spring Maintenance Checklist (Pre-Cooling Season)

Complete these tasks in March or April before the Lower Mainland temperatures start climbing:

DIY Tasks (Homeowner)

Clean or Replace Air Filters — Check all indoor unit filters. For ducted systems, swap out disposable filters or wash reusable ones. For ductless mini-splits, slide out the mesh filters, rinse under warm water, and let them dry completely before reinstalling.
Clear the Outdoor Unit — Remove any leaves, twigs, grass clippings, or debris within 60 cm (2 feet) of the outdoor condenser. 25Clean heat pump outdoor coils whenever they appear dirty. With the power to the fan turned off, remove vegetation, dust, pollen, and clutter from around the outdoor unit.
Inspect the Condensate Drain — Pour a cup of diluted vinegar through the drain line to prevent algae buildup that can cause water damage during cooling season.
Check Your Thermostat — Switch from heating to cooling mode. Verify the schedule is correct. Replace batteries if applicable.
Clear Indoor Vents — Move furniture, rugs, or curtains blocking supply and return vents. Restricted airflow forces your system to work harder and drives up your BC Hydro bill.
Visually Inspect Wiring — Look (but don’t touch) for any obvious signs of damaged insulation on refrigerant lines running between your indoor and outdoor units.

Professional Tasks (Book with Blue Ridge)

Refrigerant Pressure Check — A certified technician verifies refrigerant charge. 30Too much or too little refrigerant reduces heat-pump performance and efficiency.
Coil Cleaning — Both indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils are professionally cleaned to restore maximum heat transfer.
Electrical Connection Inspection — 25Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections if necessary, and apply nonconductive coating.
Blower & Fan Motor Check — Verify motor amperage, lubricate bearings, and check belt tension on ducted systems.
Test Cooling Mode Performance — Measure temperature differential across the indoor coil (should be 8–12°C).
Drain Pan Inspection — Check for cracks, rust, or standing water.

🍂 Printable Fall Maintenance Checklist (Pre-Heating Season)

Complete these tasks in September or early October before BC’s wet season kicks in:

DIY Tasks (Homeowner)

Clean/Replace Air Filters — Same process as spring. Fresh filters are critical before the heating season.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit — Look for any accumulated debris from summer. Trim back shrubs that may have grown too close during the growing season.
Test Heating Mode — Switch your thermostat to heating mode and verify warm air is coming from the vents within 5–10 minutes.
Check for Ice or Frost Concerns — If you had any defrost cycle issues last winter, note them for your technician. Understanding how heat pumps work in cold weather helps you spot trouble early.
Inspect Weatherstripping — Check seals around doors and windows. A well-sealed home reduces heat pump load and saves energy all winter.
Clean Around Indoor Units — For ductless heads, dust the louvers and wipe down the housing to prevent odours when heating starts.

Professional Tasks (Book with Blue Ridge)

Defrost Cycle Test — The technician triggers and verifies the defrost cycle operates correctly — critical for BC’s cold, wet winters.
Reversing Valve Check — This valve switches between heating and cooling. A failing reversing valve is one of the most expensive heat pump repairs; catching it early saves thousands.
Supplemental/Backup Heat Test — If you have a dual-fuel system with a gas furnace backup, the technician verifies the switchover temperature and backup ignition.
Ductwork Inspection (ducted systems) — Check for leaks, disconnections, or insulation damage. 25A technician will inspect ducts, filters, blower, and indoor coil for dirt and other obstructions, and diagnose and seal duct leakage.
Thermostat Calibration — Verify the thermostat reading matches actual room temperature (within 1°C).
Full System Safety Check — Carbon monoxide testing (for dual-fuel systems), electrical safety, and ground-fault verification.

Pro Tip from Vahid: Here in the Lower Mainland, our fall tune-up is arguably more important than the spring one. Our heating season is long (October–April), and your heat pump needs to battle constant rain, frost, and occasional sub-zero snaps. Get your fall service booked by September — our schedule fills up fast. Call (604) 615-2212.

DIY Maintenance vs. Professional Maintenance: What You Can (and Can’t) Do

Not all maintenance requires a technician. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Task	DIY	Professional	Why
Filter cleaning/replacement	✅		Simple, no tools needed
Clearing debris from outdoor unit	✅		Basic yard work
Checking thermostat settings	✅		User-level adjustment
Cleaning condensate drain	✅		Vinegar + warm water flush
Refrigerant level check	❌	✅	Requires gauges + certification
Electrical terminal inspection	❌	✅	Risk of shock/fire if done wrong
Coil deep-cleaning	❌	✅	Requires commercial coil cleaner + technique
Defrost cycle testing	❌	✅	Requires system-level diagnostic tools
Duct leak testing	❌	✅	Requires blower-door or duct-blaster equipment
Reversing valve check	❌	✅	Specialized diagnostic, high-voltage components
Compressor amp draw test	❌	✅	Requires clamp meter + reference data
Refrigerant recharge	❌	✅	Requires EPA/HRAI certification

Bottom line: DIY maintenance keeps things clean and flowing. Professional maintenance catches the invisible problems — refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, worn capacitors — that cause expensive breakdowns. You need both.

What Our 21-Point Professional Heat Pump Inspection Includes

When a Blue Ridge technician arrives at your home in Surrey, Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, or anywhere across the Lower Mainland, here’s exactly what we do during a maintenance visit:

Our 21-Point Heat Pump Inspection

✅ Inspect and clean/replace air filters
✅ Clean indoor evaporator coil
✅ Clean outdoor condenser coil
✅ Check and verify refrigerant charge
✅ Test for refrigerant leaks
✅ Inspect and tighten all electrical connections
✅ Test capacitor and contactor
✅ Measure compressor amp draw
✅ Lubricate all moving parts and motors
✅ Inspect and clean blower assembly
✅ Check and calibrate thermostat
✅ Test defrost cycle operation
✅ Inspect reversing valve function
✅ Clear and treat condensate drain line
✅ Inspect ductwork for leaks and damage (ducted systems)
✅ Test supply and return air temperature differential
✅ Inspect outdoor unit base and mounting
✅ Check crankcase heater operation
✅ Verify safety controls and lockouts
✅ Test heating and cooling mode operation
✅ Provide written system health report with photos

11 Regular heat pump maintenance includes a thorough system inspection, coil cleaning, electrical and refrigerant checks, and airflow verification. Performing these tasks annually helps catch minor issues before they escalate, ensures the system runs efficiently, and significantly extends the unit’s lifespan.

Every inspection ends with a clear written report — including photos — so you always know exactly where your system stands. No surprises. No upselling. Just honest, transparent information from a Red Seal technician.

📞 Ready to book your 21-point inspection? Call (604) 615-2212 or request a free estimate.

How Maintenance Extends Your Heat Pump’s Life and Saves You Money

Let’s talk numbers — because the ROI on heat pump maintenance is one of the best investments a homeowner can make.

Lifespan: Maintained vs. Neglected

16 On average, most heat pumps last between 12 to 15 years. With proper care and regular heat pump services, some can last up to 20 years. However, harsh climates, lack of routine maintenance, or incorrect installation can shorten that lifespan.

In my experience across the Lower Mainland, a well-maintained heat pump in our relatively mild BC climate regularly reaches 18–22 years. Our coastal climate is actually easier on heat pumps compared to the extreme cold of the Prairies or the intense heat of the US Southwest — but our constant rain and coastal moisture do demand consistent coil cleaning and corrosion prevention.

Energy Savings

14 According to the Department of Energy, the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump is 10 to 25 percent lower than that of a neglected one.

For the average BC homeowner spending $1,800–$2,400 per year on heating and cooling, that’s $180–$600 in annual savings from maintenance alone.

The Cost of Maintenance vs. The Cost of Neglect

Scenario	Estimated Cost
Annual maintenance plan (2 visits)	$199–$349/year
Emergency compressor replacement	$1,800–$3,500
Refrigerant leak repair + recharge	$400–$1,200
Blower motor replacement	$600–$1,200
Complete heat pump replacement (premature)	$5,500–$12,000+
Total energy waste over 5 years (no maintenance)	$900–$3,000+

One year of maintenance costs less than a single emergency repair call. Over 20 years, homeowners who maintain their systems spend roughly $4,000–$7,000 on maintenance — and avoid $8,000–$15,000+ in premature replacements and emergency repairs.

Warranty Protection

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: most manufacturer warranties require proof of annual professional maintenance. Skip your service, and that 10-year parts warranty could be void when you need it most.

Protecting your investment: If you used CleanBC rebates to help fund your heat pump, 4the number of households in B.C. with heat pumps has increased by approximately 80% since 2017. That means thousands of Lower Mainland homeowners now have systems that need proper maintenance to protect their rebate-supported investment.

🚨 10 Warning Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Service Now

Don’t wait for a complete breakdown. Call a professional if you notice any of these:

Unusually High Energy Bills — 18Aging heat pumps often lose efficiency, leading to higher utility bills. If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your energy costs despite no change in usage, your heat pump may be struggling to keep up.
Weak or Reduced Airflow — If air from your vents feels noticeably weaker, you may have a failing blower motor, clogged filter, or duct obstruction.
Strange Noises — Grinding, squealing, rattling, or banging sounds signal loose components, worn bearings, or compressor issues.
System Short-Cycling — The heat pump turns on and off frequently without completing a full heating or cooling cycle. 13Oversizing can cause frequent on-and-off cycling, leading to compressor or blower motor failure.
Ice Buildup on Outdoor Unit — Light frost during heating mode is normal and should clear during defrost cycles. Persistent ice buildup indicates a defrost control failure, low refrigerant, or blocked airflow.
System Blowing Cold Air in Heating Mode — Could indicate a failed reversing valve, low refrigerant, or faulty defrost control.
Musty or Burning Odours — Musty smells suggest mould in ductwork or on the indoor coil. Burning smells mean an electrical issue — turn off the system and call immediately.
Water Leaking Around Indoor Unit — Usually a clogged condensate drain, cracked drain pan, or frozen evaporator coil.
Thermostat Doesn’t Match Room Temperature — The system may be losing calibration, or sensor issues are causing incorrect readings.
System Won’t Start or Trips the Breaker — Electrical faults, a failed capacitor, or compressor issues. This requires immediate professional attention.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait — contact our team or call (604) 615-2212. As Surrey’s trusted HVAC team, we respond to emergencies in under 60 minutes.

HowTo: 5 DIY Heat Pump Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Today

Here are step-by-step instructions for the most impactful DIY maintenance tasks:

Task 1: Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

Time required: 5–10 minutes | Frequency: Monthly

Steps:

Turn off your heat pump at the thermostat.
Locate the filter — on ducted systems, it’s typically behind a return air grille or in the air handler cabinet. On ductless mini-splits, the filters are behind the front panel of the indoor head.
For disposable filters: slide out the old one, note the size printed on the frame, and insert a new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the blower.
For reusable/washable filters: remove the filter, rinse under warm running water, allow it to dry completely (never reinstall wet), and slide it back into place.
Turn the system back on.

12 Change standard HVAC air filters every 1–3 months depending on the quality of the filter.

Task 2: Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Time required: 10–15 minutes | Frequency: Monthly (more in fall)

Steps:

Turn off the heat pump at the thermostat and, ideally, at the outdoor disconnect switch.
Remove any leaves, twigs, spider webs, or grass clippings from around and on top of the unit.
Trim vegetation back at least 60 cm (2 feet) on all sides.
Gently rinse the condenser fins with a garden hose (low pressure only — never use a pressure washer).
Verify the unit is level on its pad. Settling can cause vibration and refrigerant flow issues over time.
Restore power.

Task 3: Clean the Condensate Drain Line

Time required: 10 minutes | Frequency: Quarterly

Steps:

Locate the condensate drain outlet (usually a PVC pipe near the indoor unit or air handler).
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar or a 50/50 vinegar-water solution into the drain opening.
Wait 30 minutes, then flush with warm water.
Check the outdoor drain exit to confirm water flows freely.
If the drain is clogged, use a wet/dry vacuum on the outdoor end to suction out the blockage.

Task 4: Inspect and Adjust Your Thermostat

Time required: 5 minutes | Frequency: Seasonally

Steps:

Verify the correct mode is selected (heating in fall/winter, cooling in spring/summer).
Check that programmed schedules reflect your current daily routine.
Replace thermostat batteries annually (if applicable).
Compare the thermostat reading to a separate room thermometer — they should agree within 1–2°C.
25 Avoid setting back the heat pump’s thermostat if it causes the backup heating to come on. Instead, use a heat-pump-compatible programmable or smart thermostat that ramps temperature changes gradually.

Task 5: Clean Ductless Mini-Split Indoor Heads

Time required: 15 minutes per head | Frequency: Every 2–3 months

Steps:

Turn off the unit at the remote or thermostat.
Open the front panel by lifting from the bottom edges.
Slide out the mesh filters.
Wash under warm running water with a mild detergent. A soft brush removes stubborn buildup.
Let filters dry completely before reinstalling.
While filters are out, use a soft cloth to wipe dust from the louvers and visible surfaces of the evaporator coil.
Close the panel and restore power.

Want to learn more about ductless systems? See our guide: Ductless vs. Ducted Heat Pump: Which is Right for Your Home?

BC-Specific Maintenance Considerations

Heat pump maintenance in British Columbia has some unique requirements compared to the rest of Canada:

Coastal Moisture & Rain

The Lower Mainland receives 1,200+ mm of rain annually. That constant moisture accelerates corrosion on outdoor components, particularly condenser coils and electrical connections. We recommend a corrosion-resistant coil coating applied during your annual service — a $75–$150 investment that can extend the outdoor unit’s life by years.

Mild but Damp Winters

Our winters are milder than much of Canada, which is actually great for heat pump performance. 12If you live in a mild climate, that generally means less wear and tear on your heat pump, potentially helping it last longer. However, our high humidity and frequent freeze-thaw cycles mean the defrost cycle gets a heavy workout. If your defrost control fails during a cold snap, the entire outdoor coil can ice over, and you’ll lose all heating capacity. This is why we test the defrost system at every fall tune-up.

Learn more about cold-weather performance in our guide: Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather? BC Performance Guide.

CleanBC & Rebate Compliance

1 With $50 million in each of the next two fiscal years – 2025-26 and 2026-27 – the Province plans to deliver as many as 8,300 new heat pump rebates to British Columbians. With thousands of new heat pump installations across the province, many homeowners have warranty and rebate compliance requirements that include documented professional maintenance. We keep detailed service records for every client, making warranty claims and future rebate applications straightforward.

Explore all available incentives in our guide: CleanBC Heat Pump Program 2026: How to Get Up to $11,000 Back.

Blue Ridge Maintenance Plans: What’s Included

We designed our maintenance plans specifically for BC homeowners who want predictable costs and peak performance:

🔷 Blue Ridge Annual Maintenance Plan

✅ 2 professional visits per year (spring + fall)
✅ Full 21-point inspection at each visit
✅ Priority scheduling (no waiting during peak season)
✅ 15% discount on all parts and repairs
✅ Written system health reports with photos
✅ Filter reminders and seasonal checklists
✅ No overtime charges for plan members
✅ Transferable to new homeowner if you sell

Plan members save an average of $300–$500/year on energy costs and repairs compared to non-plan homeowners. And because we catch issues early, our plan members experience 87% fewer emergency calls than non-plan clients.

📞 Enroll today: Call (604) 615-2212 or request information online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I service my heat pump?

14 Professional maintenance should be performed at least once a year to check for things like obstructions, duct leaks, airflow, and more. To optimize your system in both the heating and cooling seasons, it’s best to receive professional maintenance twice a year. Here in BC, we recommend spring and fall visits to prepare for each season.

Can I do heat pump maintenance myself?

Yes — partially. Homeowners can handle filter cleaning, outdoor unit clearing, condensate drain flushing, and thermostat checks. However, 22other tasks need professional work. Regular inspections, checking and cleaning coils, and anything with electrical work or refrigerant should be handled by a pro.

How much does professional heat pump maintenance cost in BC?

In the Greater Vancouver area, a single professional tune-up typically costs $129–$199. Annual maintenance plans with two visits range from $199–$349 depending on system type. This is a fraction of the cost of a single emergency repair.

What happens if I skip maintenance?

Skipping maintenance leads to reduced efficiency (up to 25% higher energy consumption), more frequent breakdowns, and a drastically shortened lifespan. 13A lack of maintenance can lead to accelerated component wear and a dramatically shorter lifespan. You may also void your manufacturer warranty.

How long will my heat pump last with proper maintenance?

11 A typical heat pump lasts 10–15 years, with well-maintained systems sometimes reaching 20 years. Lifespan can vary based on installation quality, regular maintenance, climate, and usage patterns. In BC’s mild climate, we regularly see well-maintained systems exceed 20 years.

Does maintenance affect my warranty?

Yes. Most manufacturers (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Lennox, Carrier, etc.) require documented annual professional maintenance as a condition of their parts and compressor warranties. No maintenance records = potential warranty denial.

When should I replace my heat pump instead of repairing it?

18 If you’re calling for repairs more often than you used to, the costs can quickly add up. If repair expenses are approaching half the cost of a new system, replacement is usually the smarter financial decision. Also consider replacement if your system is 15+ years old and uses an older refrigerant (R-22). Check our [Heat Pump Installation page](https://blueridgehvac.ca/heat-pump/) for current options.

Is a maintenance plan worth it?

Absolutely. A plan typically pays for itself within the first year through energy savings, repair discounts, and the prevention of costly emergency breakdowns. Plus, you get priority scheduling — critical during our busiest months (December–February and July–August).

Why Surrey & Vancouver Homeowners Trust Blue Ridge

⭐ 4.9/5 from 100+ Google Reviews — real homeowners, real results
🏅 Red Seal Certified & Gas Fitter Class B — the highest standard in Canadian HVAC
🔒 BC Safety Authority Registered, WorkSafeBC insured — fully licensed and protected
🌱 BC Hydro & CleanBC Registered Contractor — we handle 100% of your rebate paperwork
⚡ Under 60-minute emergency response across Surrey, Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Langley, Richmond, Delta, and the entire Lower Mainland
💰 Free in-home estimates with transparent, upfront pricing — no surprises

Take Action: Protect Your Heat Pump Investment Today

Your heat pump is likely the single most expensive piece of equipment in your home. Whether it was professionally installed last year or has been running strong for a decade, a proactive maintenance plan is the smartest money you’ll spend.

Here’s what to do right now:

📞 Call (604) 615-2212 to book your seasonal tune-up or enroll in our maintenance plan.
📋 Request a free in-home estimate — we’ll assess your system and recommend a personalized maintenance schedule.
🔖 Bookmark this checklist — refer back to it monthly for your DIY tasks.

Every day you delay maintenance is a day your heat pump works harder, costs more to operate, and moves closer to an avoidable breakdown. Let’s keep it running for 20+ years — together.

— Vahid Isapur, Owner & Red Seal Certified HVAC Technician, Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling

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