Heat Pumps & Spring Maintenance: What Contractors Need to Know
As homeowners transition their heat pumps from heating to cooling, HVAC contractors have an opportunity to ensure systems run efficiently before summer. Routine maintenance extends equipment life, prevents costly breakdowns, and helps customers avoid rising energy costs. Seasonal servicing also builds trust and strengthens client relationships.
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) reports heat pumps are two to four times as energy efficient as other space heating systems. Likewise, ASHRAE highlights that seasonal maintenance prevents efficiency losses and avoids premature system failures.
Key spring maintenance tasks
Winter can leave heat pumps covered in debris, affecting performance. A thorough cleaning of the outdoor unit ensures proper airflow and efficiency. Removing leaves, dirt, and any blockages from the coils prevents energy waste and system strain. A dirty coil can reduce efficiency by up to 30%, making this a simple but essential task.
Call your local, trusted, professional HVAC contractor to check refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant often signals leaks, which can strain the system and increase energy costs. The EPA mandates that leaks exceeding 10% of a system’s annual charge must be repaired, making early detection crucial for compliance and performance. Modern inverter-driven heat pumps adjust compressor speed dynamically, reducing wear and improving efficiency.
Filters should be cleaned or replaced to maintain airflow and indoor air quality. Energy Star recommends checking filters every three months or more frequently in homes with pets or high dust levels. Electrical connections and thermostat settings should also be inspected to ensure proper operation during the cooling season. Smart thermostats can help optimize performance by adjusting settings based on weather and occupancy.
Another critical step is testing the condensate drainage system. Blocked drains can cause water damage and impact efficiency. Condensate drain issues are one of the most common causes of moisture-related HVAC problems, making this a priority in seasonal servicing.
Educating homeowners and expanding business
Many homeowners underestimate the impact of routine maintenance. Contractors who take the time to explain how seasonal servicing improves efficiency and extends equipment lifespan position themselves as trusted advisors. Offering a service plan can encourage regular checkups and ensure consistent system performance year after year.
Thanks to defrost cycles and compressor technology advancements, cold-climate heat pumps now maintain 100% efficiency down to -20°C, dispelling concerns about their winter performance. Addressing these misconceptions with homeowners can increase confidence in heat pump reliability.
Spring maintenance isn’t just about system upkeep—it’s also an opportunity to generate recurring revenue and build customer loyalty. Some HVAC businesses offer discounted spring service packages to secure long-term service agreements before peak summer demand. With electrification policies driving more homeowners toward heat pumps, contractors emphasizing maintenance and efficiency will remain ahead in the market.
