One of the questions that doesn’t get asked often enough when people are researching heat pumps is: what happens after installation? Specifically, what does it cost to keep the system running well, and how often does it need attention?
It’s a practical question, and the answer is reassuring for most homeowners.
Heat pumps need less maintenance than boilers.
A gas boiler needs an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The service typically costs £80 to £150 and involves checking the burner, heat exchanger, flue, seals, and controls. Gas combustion creates byproducts and wear that need regular inspection.
A heat pump has no combustion. There’s no burner, no flue, and no heat exchanger fouling from combustion gases. The system is cleaner by nature, and the main mechanical components — the compressor, fan motor, and pump — are designed for long service intervals.
Manufacturers typically recommend an annual service for a heat pump, but the scope of that service is generally less intensive than a boiler service.
What does a heat pump service involve?
A typical annual heat pump service covers:
• Checking refrigerant levels and pressure — the refrigerant circuit is closed and shouldn’t lose charge, but any drop indicates a leak that needs addressing.
• Inspecting the outdoor unit — clearing debris from the fan and heat exchanger fins, checking the condition of electrical connections and weather sealing.
• Checking the indoor components — the circulation pump, expansion vessel, pressure gauge, and any filters in the system.
• Verifying the controls — checking that the thermostat, programmer, and weather compensation settings are correctly configured for the season.
• Inspecting the hot water cylinder (where applicable) — including the anode rod, which protects the cylinder from corrosion and typically needs replacing every two to five years.
The whole service usually takes one to two hours. It doesn’t require a Gas Safe engineer — heat pump maintenance can be carried out by an appropriately qualified refrigeration or heat pump engineer, which is a different qualification.
What does it cost?
Annual heat pump servicing typically costs between £100 and £200 depending on the size and complexity of the system and the contractor you use. This is broadly comparable to a boiler service, sometimes slightly more.
Many installers offer service plans or maintenance contracts that include annual servicing and priority call-out. These can provide good value and peace of mind, particularly during the warranty period when keeping up with manufacturer-recommended servicing may be a condition of the warranty.
What about the refrigerant?
Heat pumps use refrigerant — a controlled substance that requires F-Gas certified engineers to handle. Any work involving the refrigerant circuit (checking levels, recharging, or repairing leaks) must be carried out by someone with F-Gas certification. This is a legal requirement, not a recommendation.
In practice, the refrigerant circuit rarely needs attention in a healthy system. If your engineer finds low refrigerant pressure during a service, the priority is to locate and fix the leak rather than simply topping up — adding refrigerant without addressing the source of the leak is both expensive and environmentally irresponsible.
What about the outdoor unit in winter?
The outdoor unit is designed to be outside in all weathers. It doesn’t need to be covered or protected in winter — in fact, covering it would prevent it from working. Snow can accumulate on or around it during heavy snowfall, and if the unit is buried in a drift it can struggle to draw air. Keeping the area around it clear during significant snowfall is the only seasonal task you really need to think about.
The unit handles frost internally through its defrost cycle, as described elsewhere. You don’t need to do anything to manage this.
How long does a heat pump last?
A well-maintained air source heat pump has a design life of 20 years or more. The compressor is typically the component most likely to need replacement, and a compressor replacement (if needed at all) usually costs £1,000 to £2,000 including labour — less than the cost of a complete new boiler.
The outdoor unit casing and fan motor are exposed to the elements, but modern units are built to withstand UK weather without significant corrosion issues over their service life. Keeping the unit clear of debris and ensuring there’s good airflow around it are the main things you can do to support long-term reliability.
Should you take out a service plan?
A service plan that includes annual servicing and covers call-outs can offer genuine value, particularly in the first few years when you’re still getting to know the system. The typical cost is £15 to £25 per month, which covers servicing and gives you a single number to call if anything unexpected happens.
Whether it’s worth it depends on your appetite for dealing with things reactively versus having the reassurance of cover. For a heating system that’s your sole source of warmth in winter, many homeowners find the peace of mind worthwhile.
Wise Energy Solutions offers annual servicing and maintenance plans for heat pump installations across Blackpool, Preston, and Burnley. Whether we installed your system or not, we can provide the qualified servicing your heat pump needs to keep running efficiently for years to come.
📞 Want to arrange servicing for your heat pump? Call 01253804151 or visit wiseenergy.co.uk.