Maximise Winter Warmth: Essential Heat Pump Prep for Kiwi Homes

The days are getting shorter, the mornings are crisper, and that familiar chill in the air signals one thing for Kiwi households: winter is here. For many of us, the heat pump is the undisputed champion of home comfort, quietly working to keep our living spaces warm and inviting, but also at healthy temperatures for our family. But just like preparing your car for a long road trip, your heat pump needs a good check over and possibly a little tender loving care before it embarks on its busiest season.

Ignoring your heat pump until the frosty mornings hit can lead to unexpected performance issues,  , and a less-than-toasty home just when you need it most. The good news is that with a few simple steps and a bit of proactive heat pump care, you can ensure your system runs efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively all winter long.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential heat pump maintenance homeowners should undertake, share valuable winter heat pump tips to maximise your warmth and minimise your energy consumption, and explain why investing in professional servicing is a smart move for your family's comfort and your wallet. Let us get your home ready for a warm, worry free winter!

Why Winter Prep for Your Heat Pump Matters in NZ

Think of your heat pump as the lungs of your home, breathing in cold air and exhaling warmth. Just like lungs need to be clear to function optimally, so does your heat pump. Over time, dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate in the indoor and outdoor units, reducing their efficiency and putting strain on their components.

Neglecting regular heat pump maintenance can lead to:

• Reduced Efficiency: A dirty heat pump has to work much harder to achieve the desired temperature, consuming more electricity and driving up your power bills.

• Increased Wear and Tear: Overworking components leads to faster degradation, shortening the lifespan of your heat pump and potentially leading to costly repairs.

• Poor Air Quality: Indoor units laden with dust, allergens, bacteria and even mould can circulate stale or unhealthy air throughout your home, impacting your family's health.

• Unexpected Breakdowns: The last thing you want on a freezing winter night is your heat pump giving up the ghost. Regular checks can help identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems.

• Higher Running Costs: An inefficient heat pump is simply more expensive to run. Proactive care is an investment that pays off in lower energy bills.

DIY Heat Pump Maintenance: Simple Steps You Can Take

While professional servicing is essential, there are several straightforward heat pump care tasks you can easily do yourself to keep your unit ticking along nicely.

1. Clean Your Filters Regularly (The Most Important Step!)

This cannot be stressed enough. Dirty filters are the number one culprit for heat pump inefficiency and poor airflow. They restrict the amount of air that can pass through the unit, forcing it to work harder and use more energy.

• How often? Ideally, check your filters every two months, especially during peak heating season. If you have pets or allergies, or if you use your heat pump frequently, a monthly check and clean wouldn’t go amiss.

• How to do it:

  • Safety First: Always turn off your heat pump at the isolator switch before you start.

  • Locate the filters: They are usually behind the front panel of your indoor unit.

  • Gently remove them: Wiggle to loosen them from their tracks, then pull down gently. Most simply slide out.

  • Clean them: For reusable filters, gently vacuum off loose dust, then rinse them under warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.  

  • Allow to dry: Make sure reusable filters are completely dry before reinserting them to prevent mould growth.

  • Reinsert and Power On: Slide the filters back into place, close the panel, and turn the power back on. Listen for any unusual sounds which could indicate the filters have not been reinstalled correctly.

2. Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor unit works tirelessly, absorbing heat from the outside air. It is exposed to the outside elements and can easily become a home for algae, ants, wasps, cockroaches, spiders and their cobwebs, leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and many others.

• Clear the Area: Ensure there is at least 20 cm of clear space around all sides of the outdoor unit for optimal airflow. Trim back any overgrown bushes or vegetation.

• Remove Debris: Gently remove any grass (kikuyu loves to grow through the fan area if left untrimmed for long enough) visible leaves, dirt, or other blockages from the top and sides of the unit. You can use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

• Check the Fins: The metal fins (which look like a radiator) can accumulate dirt. If they appear dirty, you can gently spray them with a garden hose. Never use a high-pressure washer, as this can damage the delicate metal the fins are made of and prevent them from working as they should.

• Check for Ice/Snow (for South Islanders during deep winter): If you experience heavy snow or ice, ensure the outdoor unit is not completely buried or encased in snow or ice. A heat pump has a defrost cycle, but excessive build-up will hinder its operation. Never chip away ice with sharp objects as you may damage the soft metals or plastic underneath; instead, gently melt it with warm water.

3. Check Indoor Vents and Registers

Ensure that no furniture, curtains, or other items are blocking your indoor vents. Blocked vents restrict airflow, making your heat pump less effective and leading to uneven heating. Make sure all registers are open.

4. Listen and Look for Anything Unusual

Get to know the normal sounds and sights of your heat pump. If you notice any of the following, it is time to investigate or call a professional:

• Unusual Noises: Grinding, squealing, rattling, buzzing, or hissing sounds.

• Strange Smells: A burning odour, a musty smell, or a strong chemical scent.

• Visible Leaks: Any water dripping from the indoor unit or a wet patch appearing above your ceiling in the case of a ducted system. Dripping from the outdoor unit however is normal, but make sure it is able to run somewhere to drain safely.

• Uneven Heating for ducted systems: If you notice some rooms are warm while others are cold it could mean a duct has come loose or your system’s airflow needs balancing.

Winter Heat Pump Tips for Optimal Performance and Efficiency

Beyond maintenance, how you operate your heat pump during the colder months can significantly impact its performance and your energy bills. Here are some top winter heat pump tips:

1. Set a Steady Temperature

Heat pumps are most efficient when they maintain a consistent temperature, rather than constantly cycling on and off. Avoid frequently adjusting your thermostat up and down. Find a comfortable temperature, (generally between 19°C to 21°C for heating) and let your heat pump do its job. Turning it down significantly when you leave the house and then cranking it up to maximum when you return a few hours later forces it to work harder and use more energy.

2. Utilise the Timer Function

If your heat pump has a timer, use it! Set it to warm your home about 30 minutes to an hour before you wake up or arrive home. This allows the system to gently bring the temperature up to your desired level efficiently, rather than having to blast it on high to catch up.

3. Avoid "Auto" Mode in Deep Winter

While "Auto" mode can be convenient, in the depths of winter, it is generally more efficient to keep your heat pump set to "Heat" mode. This prevents the unit from accidentally switching to cooling if the room temperature fluctuates when the sun comes out briefly.

4. Optimise Fan Speed and Louvre Position

For heating, a slightly higher fan speed can help circulate warm air more effectively throughout the room. While a lower fan speed might be quieter, it can also reduce the warm air being distributed. Experiment to find a comfortable balance between noise and effective heating. In heating mode, make sure your high wall or ceiling cassette louvres are angled so that they are directing the airflow downwards, as warm air naturally rises.

5. Consider Supplementary Heating Strategically

If you have other heating sources like a wood burner, use them strategically. If your heat pump is correctly sized, it should be able to heat your home comfortably. However, in exceptionally cold snaps, using additional heating  in the room you are occupying can provide an extra boost without overtaxing your heat pump. Just remember a heat pump is continuously recirculating the air inside the room, so the warmer that room is, the less electricity will be required to power the heat pump once the room is comfortable.

6. Draught-Proof Your Home

Even the most efficient heat pump will struggle to keep your home warm if heat is constantly escaping. Check for draughts around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. Use weather stripping, door snakes, and ensure curtains and blinds are closed at night to trap heat inside. Good insulation is key.

The Importance of Professional Heat Pump Care in New Zealand

While DIY maintenance is beneficial, it may not be possible for everyone. People who work and are busy at night and on weekends, or elderly people for whom climbing up a ladder to remove filters would be a health risk, have the option of calling in  a trained professional. The benefits of Annual professional heat pump care include:

• Thorough Cleaning and Inspection: Technicians can access and properly deep clean components you cannot, such as the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil, which are vital for efficient heat transfer. They will also clean and disinfect drainage systems to prevent blockages and water leaks.

• Refrigerant Level Check: Low refrigerant levels can severely impact your heat pump's heating capacity and efficiency. A technician can check and identify and repair any leaks before safely topping up refrigerant gas, if necessary.

• Electrical Checks: Trained technicians will inspect electrical connections, wiring, and components for wear and tear, ensuring safety and preventing potential electrical faults.

• Early Problem Detection: A trained eye and ear can pick up minor issues before they become major, costly breakdowns. This preventative approach saves you money and stress in the long run.

• System Calibration and Optimisation: Professionals can ensure your heat pump is running at its peak performance, often using specialised tools to measure airflow, temperature, and operating pressures.

• Warranty Compliance: Many heat pump warranties require regular professional servicing to remain valid.

Ideally, schedule your professional heat pump maintenance in autumn, before the full force of winter hits. This ensures your system is thoroughly checked and ready to perform when you need it most.

Common Winter Heat Pump Issues (and when to call the experts)

Even with good maintenance, sometimes issues arise. Here are a few common winter heat pump problems and when to call a professional:

• Unit Not Heating: If your heat pump is running, but not producing warm air, or only lukewarm air, it could be a refrigerant issue, a faulty compressor, or a problem with the reversing valve.

• Excessive Ice on Outdoor Unit: While some frost is normal, a heavy layer of ice that does not melt during the defrost cycle indicates a problem. This could be due to a low refrigerant charge, a faulty defrost sensor, or restricted airflow.

• Loud or Unusual Noises: Grinding, screeching, or persistent banging sounds almost always indicate broken part or a mechanical problem requiring immediate professional attention.

• Constantly Running or Short Cycling: If your heat pump runs non stop or turns on and off too frequently, it is a sign of inefficiency or a deeper issue that needs diagnosis.

• Higher-Than-Normal Power Bills (despite maintenance): If you have been diligent with cleaning filters and your bills are still soaring, it might indicate a decline in the heat pump's overall efficiency due to age or a component issue.

Your Partner in Winter Comfort in New Zealand

Preparing your heat pump for winter does not have to be a daunting task. Whether you are in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Waikato or Bay of Plenty, by incorporating simple DIY heat pump maintenance steps into your routine and scheduling annual professional heat pump care, you can enjoy a warm, energy efficient home throughout the colder months.

At OneAir, we are dedicated to helping Kiwi homeowners get the most out of their heat pump systems. Our certified technicians provide comprehensive servicing, expert repairs, and valuable advice to ensure your heat pump performs optimally, reliably, and efficiently through every New Zealand winter. We understand the importance of a healthy and comfortable home, and we are here to help you achieve it without breaking the bank.

Ready to get your heat pump winter-ready?

Contact OneAir  today to book your professional heat pump service. Let us help you ensure your system is running at its best, providing you with maximum warmth and peace of mind all season long. Call us at 0800-663-247 or email us at hi@oneair.co.nz to schedule your appointment. We are here to keep your home cosy and your power bills in check!