Everyone knows that heat pumps are critical for keeping a home warm in winter, but did you know they can be equally indispensable in summer too? As summer approaches, temperatures can rise dramatically, creating discomfort inside the home and at worst, even posing health risks to the elderly, infirm and even pets.
Unlike air conditioners sold overseas which are only able to operate in air conditioning mode to generate cool air, heat pumps sold in NZ must be able to run in reverse as well, meaning they can provide both warm air as well as cool air.
Preparing your home for summer comfort with a heat pump is easier than you think. Start by pressing the Mode button repeatedly until the cooling mode icon—often a snowflake—appears. Set your desired temperature (22 degrees is a great starting point), and let your heat pump work its magic to create a cool, refreshing environment. But before the heat arrives, ask yourself: is your heat pump ready for the challenge?
Pre-summer maintenance is essential to ensure optimal cooling performance, lower energy costs, and extend the life of your system. At OneAir, we’ve spent nearly a decade installing, maintaining, and repairing thousands of heat pumps across the region, earning the trust of countless homeowners. Based on our extensive experience, we know the questions that matter most when it comes to heat pump readiness.
To help you get your heat pump summer-ready, we’ve compiled a list of expert tips that cover everything you need to know. Dive into our comprehensive guide to ensure your heat pump is in peak condition for the season ahead.
Practical Tips to Ready Your Heat Pump
Getting your heat pump ready for the summer season ensures it operates efficiently and keeps your home cool when temperatures rise and heat waves hit. Whether it’s routine cleaning, inspecting the system for wear and tear, or scheduling professional maintenance, taking proactive steps now can prevent costly breakdowns and keep your energy bills in check.
This section will walk you through simple yet effective tips to prepare your heat pump for summer, helping you maximize its cooling efficiency, maintain indoor air quality, and ensure the system runs smoothly throughout the season. Follow these practical steps to enjoy a stress-free, comfortable summer with your heat pump performing at its best.
1. Test the Air Conditioning Function
The setting most heat pumps will be in after winter will be “Heating” mode. Heat pumps can run in reverse
Why It Matters: Testing in cool mode will reveal any issues that need professional attention
How to Do It: Wait for a sunny day and perform the test around 2pm when the outside temperature is 20 degrees or higher. Press the Mode button on your remote control multiple times until it switches from Heat - usually depicted as a sun icon - to Cool mode (usually shown as a snowflake icon). As this is a test, set the temperature to 16 or 17 degrees. The fan should start slowly and then ramp up speed and wait a few minutes. Soon you should feel cool air coming out - let it run for a few minutes and then change the temperature to 22 degrees before shutting it down
Pro Tip: Go outside to the outdoor unit and see if the fan is running. A few minutes after start-up, the fan should be running at high speed and the air coming out of the unit should be noticeably warmer than the surrounding air.
2. Clean Air Filters
The air filters in your heat pump play a critical role in maintaining air quality and system efficiency. Over winter, dust and debris from inside typically accumulate and form a layer on the air filter similar to the lint that gets captured on the filter of a clothes dryer. Because all air entering the system must pass through these filters, any blockage will restrict airflow and force the system to work harder than it needs to.
Why It Matters: Dirty filters reduce efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and less effective cooling.
How to Do It: Different heat pump brands and models may have different filter locations and methods to remove them. Be careful to check your heat pump manual for filter location and follow the instructions carefully as old plastic often becomes brittle and can be broken, requiring replacement. Remove the filters and gently vacuum or rinse them with warm water. If filters are damaged, contact an experienced repair company to replace them.
Pro Tip: Schedule filter cleaning every three to four months during the summer for optimal performance. - more frequently if you live in a dusty area or have pets with long hair/fur
3. Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor heat pump unit is exposed to the elements and can quickly accumulate dirt, leaves, and other debris over winter. Spring often sees rapid grass and shrub growth and care must be taken to ensure nothing is growing in front - or even inside - the indoor unit. Green algae can also start to appear on the chassis as well, especially if the unit is hidden away on a shaded side of the house.
Why It Matters: A clogged outdoor unit reduces airflow and cooling efficiency. Severe blockages from grass or branches for instance - can even cause damage to the system
How to Do It: Turn off the power to the unit. Trim any overgrown grass or plants around the unit to maintain at least 50 cm of clearance in front and at least 20 cm on the sides. Use a garden hose to gently rinse the exterior, avoiding high-pressure water blastings that can damage delicate components.
Pro Tip: Perform this check at least twice a year—before summer and winter.
4. Check for Refrigerant Leaks
Like engine oil in your car, refrigerant gas is the lifeblood of your heat pump. Leaks resulting in low levels of refrigerant gas can severely impact the system’s cooling capacity and can also cause long-term damage to the compressor.
Why It Matters: Low refrigerant levels lead to inefficient cooling and potential system damage.
How to Do It: Look for signs of leakage, such as oily residue around the flare nuts of the outside unit, or reduced cooling performance. If you suspect a leak, call a professional HVAC technician who has an approved gas filler license to perform a gas pressure test.
Note: Handling refrigerants requires training and certification, so always call professionals with the correct qualification for this.
5. Test the Temperature Settings
Ensure your set points are programmed correctly to keep your home comfortable without wasting energy.
Why It Matters: Incorrect settings can cause the system to overwork, leading to higher energy consumption and wear and tear.
How to Do It: Set your thermostat to the recommended cooling temperature (around 22–24°C). Use energy-saving features like eco modes to optimise usage.
Pro Tip: Do thorough checks before you Invest in a smart thermostat such as Google Nest greater control and efficiency. Many are designed for overseas central heating systems and may not be compatible with NZ heat pumps. Fitting them could also possibly invalidate warranty coverage - check with your installer for confirmation on this before getting it fitted
6. Confirm Clear Condensate Drains
In spite of what you may initially think, water leaking from outside when your heat pump is running is actually a good sign. As a natural byproduct of normal function, Heat pumps produce moisture as they cool the air, which is drained through condensate lines. These should drip outside or tee into a drain line.
Why It Matters: Blocked drains can back up into the indoor unit causing water to leak down the wall and back.
How to Do It: Find the condensate drain pipe coming out of your wall (usually a white PVC tube approximately 20 mm in diameter) and after your unit has been running for some time in cool mode look for water dripping out - this will happen faster on warmer, humid days than cool ones.
Pro Tip: Turn the system off and contact an experienced HVAC repair company immediately if you suspect a leak. We know of a customer who had to replace an expensive 3-week-old OLED TV as water dripping from blocked heat pump indoor unit dripped down onto it causing a short circuit
7. Optimise Airflow
Ensure your indoor unit and vents are free from obstructions for effective cooling.
Why It Matters: Restricted airflow causes uneven cooling and overworks the system.
How to Do It: Keep furniture, curtains, and other objects away from vents. Ensure the indoor unit is not covered or blocked.
Pro Tip: Conduct an airflow test by standing near vents to check for consistent, cool air output.
8. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check
Even if you’ve performed the basic maintenance steps, a professional inspection is additional peace of mind to ensure your heat pump is in peak condition.
Why It Matters: Technicians can identify issues you might miss, such as worn-out components or imminent electrical faults.
What to Expect: During a professional service, technicians clean internal components, check refrigerant levels, and inspect for wear and tear.
Pro Tip: Book your service appointment early to avoid peak-season delays.
9. Consider Energy-Saving Practices
Your heat pump is only as efficient as the environment it operates in.
Why It Matters: Complementing your heat pump with smart practices can reduce energy consumption and costs.
How to Do It: Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out strong sunlight streaming into the house causing excessive heat build up. Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the room and reduce the load on your heat pump.
Pro Tip: Seal any gaps in doors or windows to keep cool air inside.
10. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper maintenance, heat pumps can encounter problems. Here are some quick fixes:
No Cool Air: Check thermostat settings and ensure the system is in cooling mode.
Strange Noises: Inspect for loose components or debris in the outdoor unit.
High Energy Bills: Clean filters and ensure the system isn’t running unnecessarily at temperatures set too low (18 degrees Celsius and below).
For persistent issues, call a professional technician.
Special Considerations for Out-of-Warranty Heat Pumps
If your heat pump is out of warranty (usually 5 years from purchase), preparing it for summer requires extra attention and care as repair cost can be expensive. Without warranty coverage, the cost of repairs and replacements falls entirely on the homeowner, making prioritising maintenance and professional inspections all the more important.
Why Maintenance Matters More for Out-of-Warranty Heat Pumps
Out-of-warranty heat pumps are typically older systems that may have undergone significant wear and tear. Components like the compressor, fan motor, and refrigerant lines are more likely to experience issues. Regular maintenance becomes critical to avoid unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs during the peak summer months, with parts becoming increasingly harder to find the older your heat pump gets.
Steps to Ready an Out-of-Warranty Heat Pump
Thorough Cleaning: Older systems are more sensitive to dirt and debris buildup, which can strain components and reduce efficiency. Clean filters, vents, and the outdoor unit meticulously.
Check for Unusual Noises: Out-of-warranty units are more prone to wear in moving parts, which can result in rattling or grinding noises. If you hear anything unusual, it’s best to consult an expert.
Inspect Electrical Components: In older systems, faulty wiring or electrical connections can be common. These should be inspected by an HVAC technician to prevent malfunctions or safety hazards.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: An HVAC professional can conduct a detailed assessment of your heat pump, checking for potential problems like refrigerant leaks, worn-out parts, or electrical issues. This is especially important for out-of-warranty units, as identifying and addressing small issues early can prevent major repairs.
Benefits of Professional HVAC Expertise
For out-of-warranty systems, the expertise of an HVAC professional is invaluable. They can:
Conduct a detailed performance evaluation to ensure the system is operating efficiently.
Identify aging components that may need replacement.
Provide recommendations on whether repair or replacement would be more cost-effective.
Offer guidance on extending the life of your heat pump while maintaining its efficiency.
When to Consider Replacement
If your heat pump is eight or more years old and needs a major part like a PCB, fan motor or compressor changed, , it may be time to consider replacing the system. Repairing one part does not guarantee that other parts will not fail, and you could end up with two or more repair bills that end up costing close to what a new system would cost. Secondly, many brands stop carrying parts for models older than ten years. Thirdly, newer models use improved refrigerant gas, offer improved energy efficiency and benefits for the environment, especially the ozone layer. Finally, new heat pumps incorporate advanced features such as built in WiFi and multi-layer air filtration, which can save you money and benefit your family's health in the long run.
Is Your Heat Pump Ready for Summer?
Getting your heat pump ready for summer in New Zealand doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little effort and the right steps, you can enjoy a cool, comfortable home all season long while keeping energy costs in check. Remember, air conditioning uses less energy than heating so don’t hesitate to turn it on, especially for an hour or two in the evening to remove the humidity, make your house cool and comfortable and make it easier for everyone to fall asleep. Regular maintenance not only ensures reliable and efficient performance, but also extends the life of your heat pump meaning you save money in the long run.
If you’re unsure about any maintenance steps or need professional assistance, our team of HVAC experts is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a summer maintenance check and enjoy a stress-free cooling experience.