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Air Source Heat Pump Service: A Guide for UK Homeowners

Air-Source-Heat-Pump-Service-A-Guide-for-UK-landlords
Table of Contents

An air source heat pump (ASHP) is the most efficient way to heat your home at present. However, it needs regular servicing to work well. Without maintenance, heat pumps may not work for a long time.

In this blog, we will explain why servicing your ASHP is important, the procedure to maintain it, and what checks should be done. We’ll also talk about the cost of servicing and how you can get a free ASHP with free installation service.

Importance of Regularly Servicing ASHPs

Your ASHP may have been running well if you periodically serviced it properly to avoid incurring high costs for maintenance services. Every day, dirt and debris can block airflow which can lead to energy costs being increased while reducing operational efficiency. Life of a heat pump is extended by regular maintenance. 

A simple annual servicing can help nip small issues in the bud before they escalate into more complicated ones later on. What’s more, a well-serviced ASHP not only keeps your house warm but also saves your hard-earned cash that would have gone towards paying for heating bills all through the winter months.

Maintenance and Cleaning Air Source Heat Pumps

The best way to ensure that your ASHP is functioning optimally is through two main types of servicing: checking heat pumps and checking heating systems. Both are important to ensure proper functioning of every part of an air source heat pump (ASHP).

Maintenance and Cleaning Air Source Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Checks

Check for Obstruction to Airflow

Ensure that nothing is blocking ambient air around the heat pump unit from entering inside the system. For example, the fan may not work well because of leaves, debris or even snow which can obstruct its normal rotation. To ensure that your heating system runs optimally, you must get rid of those blocks.

Checking the Condensate Drain

Likewise make sure there is no blockage in the condensate drain. Water should drain away easily; this prevents water damage or mold from forming if it gets blocked. Keeping this drain clear helps avoid bigger problems.

Flexible Hose Condition Analysis

Over time, your ASHP’s flexible hoses can wear out. Check for cracks or leaks. Hose leaks lead to low efficiency and even water damage over time.

Pipe Insulation Condition

Inspect the insulation around pipes in your house. If you do not take good care of it, as over time the insulation may be affected which can lead to heat losses and higher costs of energy bills. It is advisable that you replace any damaged insulations immediately to ensure that your system remains functioning more efficiently.

Ensure Checking Refrigerant

Low refrigerant levels impact on how well your heat pump is able to heat the house. It is therefore advisable to check for refrigerant levels very year. If they are on the low side, a technician should refill it to acceptable levels.

Ensure Correct Remote Control Settings

Always double-check if remote control settings are correct before they are used. If not set properly, then heat pumps might not work efficiently or effectively at all hence causing discomfort in homes while at the same time consuming a lot of energy.

Heating System Checks

Checking the Expansion Vessel

An expansion vessel helps manage the pressure within your heating system. Therefore make sure it works well all the time to avoid any faults that could lead someone with such a device losing their sense functioning within its confines or even death itself due constant exposure to such circumstances during operation.

Pressure Relief Valve

Verify whether the pressure relief valve functions properly or not because if it is broken, excess stress may cause damage on system parts leading to failure in part of system performance.

Optimum Concentration of Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent

An adequate amount of anti-corrosive & anti-freezing agent is necessary for your heating equipment; if there aren’t enough then complaints about rust and freeze-ups may come while too much charges also lessen effectiveness.

Clean the Magnetic Filter

Magnetized filters extract dirt and debris; keep cleaning them periodically so that your water system doesn’t clog up over time.Save yourself from consistent choking problems through regular filter cleanings.

Heating & Hot-water Control Settings

First things first check if your heating controls and hot-water settings are appropriate. Optimized energy settings will be beneficial when saving on costs. Take note which one suits you best.

Check for Any Leak in System

Leaks in your system can cause water damage and reduce heating efficiency. Check for leaks regularly and fix them immediately to avoid further issues.

Annual Cost of Servicing an Air Source Heat Pump

The average annual air source heat pump service cost in the UK is between £150 and £300. Your location and the service provider determine the prices. It is an extra cost with great benefits since it keeps your air source heat pumps (ASHP) working well while saving you more money on expensive repairs.

Air Source Heat Pump Servicing Procedure

An air source heat pump (ASHP) service entails inspecting and then maintaining it thoroughly so that throughout the year this system does its job effortlessly. Here’s everything that goes on during a typical ASHP service:

  1. Visual Inspection: The service starts with a visual inspection of the unit. The technician will check for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as damaged components, rust, or debris that might obstruct airflow.
  2. Airflow Check: The technician will ensure that nothing is blocking the airflow. This includes removing debris, leaves, or dirt around the outdoor unit. Blocked airflow reduces the efficiency of the heat pump, so this is a key part of the process.
  3. Cleaning the Heat Pump: The heat pump’s exterior and filters are cleaned to ensure maximum airflow and efficiency. Cleaning the filters is essential to prevent dust and dirt from clogging the system.
  4. Condensate Drain Check: The technician will check the condensate drain for blockages. If the drain is clogged, it will be cleared to ensure proper drainage and to avoid water damage.
  5. Flexible Hose Inspection: The flexible hoses are inspected for cracks, leaks, or wear. If any hoses are damaged, they will be replaced to prevent further problems.
  6. Refrigerant Level Check: The refrigerant levels will be checked to ensure they are within the recommended range. Low refrigerant levels can lead to inefficient heating and cooling, so this is an important step.
  7. Pipe Insulation Check: Insulation on the pipes is inspected for any damage. Damaged insulation is replaced to prevent heat loss and keep the system efficient.
  8. System Settings Check: The technician will check the remote control and system settings to ensure the ASHP is set up for optimal performance. This includes verifying the heating and hot-water control settings.
  9. Pressure and Safety Checks: The expansion vessel, pressure relief valve, and magnetic filter are checked to ensure they are functioning properly. Any faulty components will be repaired or replaced.
  10. Anti-corrosion and Anti-freeze Levels: The concentration of anti-corrosion and anti-freeze agents in the system will be checked. These help protect the system from rust and freezing in cold weather.
  11. Leak Test: The system is checked for any leaks in the pipes or connections. Leaks can reduce efficiency and cause damage, so it’s vital to address them immediately.
  12. Final Function Test: After all the checks and maintenance tasks are completed, the system is tested to ensure it is working correctly and efficiently. This includes running the system to ensure it heats the home properly.
  • Fibreglass insulation helps control room temperatures. It saves homes money on heating and cooling bills.
  • Fibreglass soundproofing can lower outside noise pollution by up to 50% and keep bad air in or out of your home.
  • Fibreglass is relatively cheap compared to other insulation products. However, it is free under GBIS.
  • Most types of plastic are treated with fire-resistant material. 
  • Fibreglass comes in different forms (batts, rolls, or loose-fill). This makes it ideal for various building parts, such as crawl areas, attics, or walls between studs.

Apply for Free Air Source Heat Pump Grant

Keep your home warm and energy-efficient with Air Source Heat Pump Grant

Check your Eligibility Now

Don’t Have an ASHP Yet? Apply for the ECO4 Grant!

In case you haven’t yet installed an air source heat pump (ASHP), there are possible sources of getting grants. ASHP installation would cost little or nothing at all with the ECO4 grant provided by the government aimed at empowering homeowners to save costs on their energy bills. So, you should check if you are eligible.

The Bottom Line

Air source heat pumps must be serviced regularly for them to work well. It prevents expensive repairs, always keeps the house warm and extends the system life span. A little bit of attention such as unblocking air flow, checking for leakage or making sure everything is set correctly can alter things famously. Without doubt, if ASHPS is yet to be in our possession, then it would make sense if one applies for ECO4 grant; this will enable them to reduce expenses while increasing their energy effectiveness at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

A minimum of one service should be done on air source heat pumps each year? Regular servicing allows the system to operate effectively thus avoiding expensive future repairs.

Consequently skipping periodic servicing will result in lowered efficiency levels that translate into increased power bills and weariness on their systems over time leading eventually to repairs that are too dear or even more than what one initially anticipated.

For homeowners, basic maintenance like removing all kinds of fins from clogged areas and adjusting controls may suffice? However, for effective performance a complete servicing session encompassing refrigerant levels tests as well as pressure testing should always done by an expert.

The cost of servicing an air source heat pump typically ranges from £150 to £300 per year. Prices depend on the service provider and location, but investing in regular servicing can save you money in the long term by preventing expensive repairs.

Get Your ECO4 Grant

Simply enter your postal code and answer a few questions, we’ll handle the rest!

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