Heat pump maintenance and cleaning
Heat pump maintenance is ideally done once a year by a refrigeration technician, in spring or fall, while the owner cleans the filters every few weeks. HVAC MTL services heat pumps of every brand in Montréal, Laval and the South Shore, with custom plans for one or several units.
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Why maintain your heat pump
Regular maintenance protects your comfort and your investment
A heat pump moves a large volume of air every day, summer and winter. Dust, pet hair and cooking grease build up in the filters, on the coil and in the blower wheel.
The unit then has to work harder to reach the set temperature: it uses more energy, heats less well in deep cold and gets noisier. A clean heat pump heats better, cools better and lasts longer.
What your heat pump maintenance includes
Every visit follows the same method, whether the unit is wall-mounted, multi-zone or central. At the end, we explain what we found and what to keep an eye on.
Filters
Removal, washing and drying of filters; replacement of disposable filters on central systems.
Indoor coil
Cleaning of the wall unit’s coil with a suitable cleaner, without damaging the fins.
Blower wheel
Cleaning of the blower wheel, often the cause of odours, blown dust and vibration.
Drain pan and condensate line
Pan cleaning and drainage check to prevent water leaking down the wall.
Outdoor unit
Outdoor coil wash, debris removal and check of the stand and its height above the snow line.
Refrigerant pressures
Reading of operating pressures and temperatures to detect a leak or low charge.
Electrical connections
Tightening and inspection of connections, disconnect switch and wiring between units.
Defrost and sensors
Check of the defrost cycle and temperature sensors, essential for good winter heating.
One or two visits a year
Scheduled at your convenience, in spring and fall.
Visit report
Same checklist for every unit and a summary of recommendations.
Warranty and lifespan
Many manufacturers call for regular maintenance: keep your service records.
Condos & buildings
Contracts for condo boards and managers.
Learn more
Frequency and timing
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
We recommend one professional visit per year. A heavily used unit, installed in a kitchen or in a home with pets, may need more frequent cleaning.
Spring: before cooling season
A cleaning removes the dust built up all winter and gets the unit ready for heat waves. It’s also the right time to check the outdoor unit after the snow.
Fall: before heating season
We check the defrost cycle, the sensors and the outdoor unit’s clearance so your heat pump heats efficiently through the cold snaps.
You, day to day
Rinse the wall unit’s filters in lukewarm water every few weeks, let them dry, and keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and leaves.
DIY or professional maintenance
What you can do, and what’s a job for the technician
The refrigerant circuit must only be opened by a qualified technician. Always switch off the power before removing the filters.
| Task | Yourself | HVAC MTL technician |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse the wall unit’s filters | ||
| Clear the outdoor unit (snow, leaves) | ||
| Deep-clean the indoor coil | ||
| Remove and wash the blower wheel | ||
| Clean the drain pan and condensate line | Partly | |
| Measure refrigerant pressures | ||
| Check electrical connections | ||
| Check defrost and sensors |
Your heat pump needs servicing if…
These symptoms often point to a dirty unit. If they persist after cleaning, see our heat pump repair page.
It heats or cools less well
Airflow drops and the room takes longer to reach the set point.
Musty or dusty smell
A common sign of a dirty blower wheel or drain pan.
Water dripping from the wall unit
The drain is often clogged; cleaning solves most cases.
Higher electricity bill
A dirty unit runs longer for the same comfort.
In the field
Units we install and maintain
Gree, Stelpro, Ouellet, Elios, Moovair or another brand: our technicians know these units. See our video tips for routine care too.
Frequently asked questions
Heat pump maintenance questions
Frequency, cost, warranty: what our clients ask before booking their heat pump maintenance.
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
One professional visit a year is enough for most residential heat pumps, ideally in spring or fall. Between visits, rinse the wall unit’s filters every few weeks and keep the outdoor unit clear.
How much does heat pump maintenance cost?
The price depends on the number of units, their type (wall-mounted, multi-zone, central) and access. We offer custom plans: describe your setup and we’ll send your price within 24 hours.
Is maintenance required to keep the warranty?
Terms vary by manufacturer, but many call for regular maintenance. Read your warranty certificate and keep your service invoices: you may be asked for them when making a claim.
How long does a maintenance visit take?
It depends on the number of units and their condition. We give you a time estimate when booking, and we protect and clean the work area before leaving.
Do you service heat pumps you didn’t install?
Yes, we service wall-mounted, multi-zone and central heat pumps of every brand, whoever installed them.
My heat pump gives off steam in winter — does it need servicing?
Not necessarily: a cloud of steam for a few minutes is the defrost cycle, which is normal. If the outdoor unit stays covered in ice or the unit stops heating, have it checked.
Need help with the process?
Talk to an HVAC MTL expert and find out which rebates you qualify for
Our specialists guide you every step of the way: from choosing your heat pump to submitting your rebate application. Get a free assessment and a personalized quote within 24 hours, with no obligation.
We serve:
- Montréal
- Laval
- Many South Shore cities
A local team based in Montréal’s Sud-Ouest, serving the whole island, Laval and the South Shore.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Free assessment and quote, no obligation
- Certified technicians · RBQ 5845-4109-01