Heat Pump Maintenance

Your air filter captures dust, dirt, pet hair, and other particulates. A clogged filter can block airflow, causing your heat pump and inside unit to work harder to maintain your comfort. This reduced energy efficiency can lead to increased energy bills and potentially costly heat pump repairs.

Every home and HVAC system is different, but in general, you should change your HVAC air filter every 30-90 days to maintain system health and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Your smart thermostat may remind you to do this, or you can set an alert on your smartphone. Higher quality, thicker filters may need to be changed less often than thinner 1” filters.

First, find out where the filter is located in your system and then follow these steps. If you have any questions, contact your local Trane Dealer.

• Turn off your air handler or furnace.
• Remove old filter.
• Insert correctly sized new filter (make sure you follow the air flow arrows).
• Turn the furnace or air handler back on.

For more details on filter maintenance and selecting the right filter, check out these blogs.

• HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Guide
• HVAC Filters By Number: MERV 8 vs MERV 11 vs MERV 13
• HVAC Air Filter Myths, Debunked

Schedule a preventative maintenance checkup with your local dealer twice a year. The best time to schedule is in the fall before winter weather arrives and in the spring before AC season. Here’s what your dealer may do during your heat pump service appointment. Keep in mind that they may need to schedule another appointment for repairs.

• Check all ducts, filters, blower, condenser fan motor, indoor coil, and outdoor coil for dirt and other obstructions.
• Clean coils if needed (may need a separate service visit).
• Confirm that your heat pump is receiving adequate airflow.
• Check refrigerant levels. (reworded)
• Check for refrigerant leaks and replace any lost refrigerant.
• Inspect the reversing valve
• Check the defrost control operation (in the fall only)
• Inspect electric terminals, and, if necessary, clean and tighten connections, and apply non-conductive coating.
• Lubricate motors and inspect belts for tightness and wear.
• Check for correct electric control, making sure that heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling and vice versa.
• Inspect the heat pump’s condensing unit base-pan drain holes and remove debris.
• Verify sensors are working properly.

The cost of professional heat pump maintenance is similar to AC maintenance in the spring. Heat pump maintenance in the fall may be less than the cost of furnace maintenance due to the differences between the two systems. According to Forbes, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for these tune-ups. Your cost may be less if you have an HVAC maintenance plan.

Here are a few common problems and quick fixes to try if your heat pump isn’t working properly.

Problem: Heat pump won't turn on.
Solution: Check that your thermostat is set to heat (especially if it’s the first time using it) in winter and cool in spring.

Problem: Low air flow.
Solution: Check your air filter. It may need to be replaced. Ensure returns are unobstructed and supply registers are open.

For more heat pump troubleshooting tips, check out our Heat pump troubleshooting guide.

In general, a heat pump can last about 15 years, but it can last longer with regular maintenance. By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your heat pump and help ensure efficient operation while maintaining comfort.

• Change your filters regularly, every 30-90 days.
• Schedule routine maintenance checks.
• Clear debris away from the outdoor unit.
• Install a programmable or smart thermostat to help maximize efficiency and reduce energy usage.

For specific tips and details about how to maintain and service your Trane heat pump model, visit our User Guides page. You’ll find details and helpful information for all our heat pumps.