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What to Expect During Heat Pump Maintenance

Written by Island Ductless | Sep 12, 2025 12:30:00 AM

One of the best parts about owning a ductless heat pump is the peace of mind it brings—quiet comfort, filtered indoor air, and lower energy bills all year long. But just like your car needs an oil change, your heat pump needs a yearly tune-up to keep everything running smoothly.

That’s where our Annual Maintenance Program comes in. It’s a simple step that protects your investment, extends your warranty, and helps you avoid those surprise breakdowns on the hottest or coldest days of the year.  Professional heat pump maintenance once a year keeps your system efficient, clean, and under warranty.  Expect a full system cleaning, system performance checks, filter service guidance, and early issue detection—plus extended labor warranty, discounts and priority service when you join Island Ductless’s Annual Maintenance Membership program.

Why annual maintenance matters

Heat pumps don’t “create” heat; they move it—so airflow, cleanliness, and proper sensors/controls are everything. When dust, pet hair, or grime builds up on coils and filters, performance drops, energy use rises, and components work harder than they should.

Regular maintenance helps you:

  • Maintain peak efficiency (and comfort)
  • Lower energy use and utility costs
  • Reduce the chance of mid-season breakdowns
  • Extend equipment life
  • Keep manufacturer and labor warranties in force

PNW timing tip: In the Pacific Northwest, you can schedule maintenance any time of year. We recommend checking to be sure you've had maintenance in the last 10-12 months, before your next heavy-use season, so your system is ready to go.


What we do during a maintenance visit (what’s included)

When Island Ductless performs your annual service, here’s what’s included:

  • Outdoor unit deep clean – Remove debris, clean the coil and cabinet, verify fan operation, check clearances
  • Indoor heads/air handler cleaning – Clean coils, inspect/drain pans and lines, check blower operation
  • Filter service – Inspect, clean standard reusable filters; check any optional “organic/odor” filters and replace if needed (if purchased)
  • Performance & safety checks – Electrical connections, sensors/thermistors, startup/shutdown behavior, temperature split, refrigerant performance checks (non-invasive)
  • Remote Controllers – New batteries in remote(s), confirm modes/schedules, homeowner tips for best efficiency
  • Report & recommendations – You’ll receive notes on system condition and any items to watch

 

Filters: how often to clean?

Most ductless/mini-split systems use reusable mesh filters. Check monthly and clean whenever they look dirty.

Homes with pets, smoke events, or heavy use may need more frequent cleaning. Optional odor or allergen filters (if installed) are replaced per manufacturer guidance.

Wildfire smoke note: Mini-splits circulate indoor air and filter particulates. Increasing regular filter cleaning is highly recommended to maintain air quality during smoke events.

 

Quick FAQs: Annual Heat Pump Maintenance

How often should I service my heat pump?
Once a year.  Double check it's done ahead of your heavy-use season and keep filters clean in between.

What’s included in professional maintenance?
Coil and cabinet cleaning, filter service, drain line service, performance checks, controllers/battery updates, and a condition report.

Do mini-splits bring in outside air?
No. They recirculate and condition indoor air through filters and coils.

Will skipping maintenance affect my warranty?
It can. Many warranties require regular professional service. Our annual maintenance membership provides a 7-year labor warranty and keeps the 12-year parts/compressor coverage on track.

Can I clean the filters myself?
Yes—most are reusable. Check monthly and clean when visibly dirty.

When is the best time to schedule in the PNW?
Any time works; beating the seasonal rush ensures you’re ready when temperatures swing.

 

 

The Ductless Heat Pump Homeowner’s Guide

Your step-by-step resource for choosing, designing, and installing the right system.

Choosing the Right Heat Pump System & Contractor (Start here — the complete guide)

What to Expect During the Proposal Process

What to Expect During Installation

What to Expect During Maintenance 

 

Coils & “organic” buildup—why cleaning matters

  • Coils: Clean coils exchange heat more efficiently. Dirty outdoor coils can trigger more defrost cycles in winter and reduce efficiency.

  • Organic buildup: Dust, pet hair, and plant matter can collect in pans and on coils. Removing them helps maintain airflow, indoor air quality, and efficiency.

 

DIY vs. pro maintenance

DIY you can do: Rinse and dry reusable filters, keep the area around the outdoor unit clear, and gently wipe the unit exterior.

Leave to pros: Coil cleaning, electrical checks, drain pan/line service, sensor checks, performance diagnostics, and safe handling of system components.

 

Membership perks (Annual Maintenance Program)

When you enroll in our Annual Maintenance Program, you receive:

  • Priority scheduling for service calls
  • 10% off add-on productes
  • 10% off parts
  • 10% off labor on repairs
  • Automatic annual reminders & scheduling assistance
  • Extended labor coverage:
    Annual Maintenance Membership program participation extends your labor warranty to 7 years from the date of your install (in addition to the 12-year manufacturer parts/compressor warranty). 

 

Signs you shouldn’t wait to schedule

  • Lower heating or cooling output than usual
  • Unusual noises or persistent odors
  • Ice buildup on the outdoor unit outside of defrost cycles
  • Water leaks or musty smells at indoor heads
  • Rapid cycling or unexpected shutdowns

Ready to schedule your annual maintenance?


Trusted local professionals delivering sustainable comfort — that’s the #IslandDuctlessDifference.


Annual maintenance is the final step in keeping your heat pump investment reliable for years to come.

Missed the earlier parts of the guide?

With maintenance complete, you’ll have confidence knowing your system is cared for from day one and supported for the long haul.
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