Heat Pump Services - FAQs

The standard answer to this question is ten years (could explain why the longest heat pump warranty period is a ten year warranty). But can they last longer? Yes, they can. To get the longest life out of a heat pump there are two things to consider; 1) quality of initial install and 2) whether the system will be properly maintained. 

​

Routinely, as a service technician, I will encounter a 15-year-old system running like a champ, and the same brand, a mile down the road, can look like it’s ready for the scrap yard after only five years of use. Regardless of the naysayers, have your planned maintenance done at each change of season. When considering a properly installed system, this is why some people love their heat pump, while others who do not provide proper maintenance for their system, may not be fully satisfied with its performance. Always utilize skilled technicians and reliable companies to keep your heat pump running for many years at its optimum efficiency.

The frequency with which you should have your ductless heat pump deep cleaned varies per household. Never have your heat pump heads cleaned unless they need it. A skilled HVAC technician can tell you if your heat pump indoor heads need to be cleaned, and more importantly if they do not. Skilled technicians know exactly what to look for to make that determination. Pets, smoking, and general cleanliness of the home, in that order, will determine how often your system will require a deep clean.

To effectively clean your mini split ductless heat pump, specialized equipment is required. A deep cleaning when done properly, will return your system back to what it was like when it was brand new. Always avoid companies which only clean heat pumps. More often than not, a fully staffed heating and cooling company will charge the same amount, and even sometimes less, to provide deep cleaning services. Should something go wrong in the cleaning process, having skilled technicians doing this work assures the ability to resolve any problems that present themselves during the deep cleaning.

Deep cleaning ductless heat pumps is definitely necessary to keep them operating at their designed efficiency and capacity to heat and cool. Skilled HVAC technicians will evaluate and look for two specific things. First, is build up of dirt and or pet dander on the blower wheel in the unit. The blower fan wheel is factory balanced and this material building up on the blower wheel of your heat pump, will take the wheel out of balance, causing a slight wobble as the wheel turns. This wobble is the beginning of the end, for the bearings in your blower motor. Left operating like this for too long, will cause the motor to get louder and louder over time, and eventually failing. The second thing your technician will look for is evidence of black mold. Some of the systems we have cleaned leave us covered in mold particles by the time the deep cleaning is complete. But, to date, we have never encountered an instance where we could not return a dirty heat pump head to new condition! Black mold is a serious health hazard and maintaining your system ensures you never have to deal with this problem in your home.

Cost is dependent on how many indoor heads you have. Apollo charges $149.99 + tax for outdoor unit and one indoor head. Add $49.99 + tax for each additional indoor head. If you have more than one outdoor unit (single zone) for the same residence, the cost is a total of $149.99 + tax plus $49.99 + tax per each head after the first included head. Any questions or clarifications on this pricing, do not hesitate to give us a call at 902-233-2685