Heat Pump Maintenance & Tune-Up — Bay Area

What's Included in Our Heat Pump Tune-Up

• Thermostat operation — verify heating and cooling modes respond correctly, check setpoint accuracy
• Air filter inspection — check condition and replace standard 1" filter if needed
• Airflow check — measure static pressure and supply/return temperatures to verify adequate airflow
• Indoor coil (evaporator) — inspect for dirt buildup, restrictions, and frost patterns
• Outdoor coil (condenser/heat exchanger) — inspect and clean coil fins, check for damage or debris
• Electrical connections — check all terminal connections, measure voltage and amp draws at key components
• Capacitors and contactors — test capacitor microfarad rating, inspect contactor for pitting or wear
• Blower motor and fan — inspect blower wheel, test motor operation and amp draw
• Condensate drain — clear and treat drain pan and line to prevent overflow or mold
• Heating mode operation — run system in heat mode, verify heat output and reversing valve operation
• Cooling mode operation — run system in cool mode, verify delta-T across coil
• Refrigerant performance check — measure suction and discharge pressures, check subcooling and superheat
• Defrost operation — verify defrost board and defrost termination sensor function (where applicable)
• Full written service report with findings and any recommendations

Why Heat Pump Maintenance Matters More Than You Think

Unlike a furnace or AC that operates only one season, a heat pump runs all year. That means more operating hours, more wear on electrical components, and more opportunities for small problems to develop. A neglected heat pump that runs 8–10 months a year will decline faster than one serviced annually.

Dirty coils reduce efficiency and force the compressor to work harder — the most expensive component in the system. A weak capacitor that could have been replaced for under $50 during a maintenance visit can take out the compressor motor if it fails mid-cycle. Catching these issues during a scheduled tune-up is the most cost-effective maintenance you can do.

Manufacturers also require documented annual maintenance to keep extended warranty coverage valid. We provide a written report after every visit.

Heat Pump Maintenance vs. AC Maintenance — What's Different

Heat pump maintenance covers everything in an AC tune-up plus the heating-mode-specific checks: reversing valve operation, defrost board and sensor testing, and heating mode performance verification. If your heat pump has been performing well in cooling but struggles to heat, the defrost system or reversing valve is often the starting point — and annual maintenance is when we catch those issues before they leave you without heat in January.

When to Schedule

Twice a year is ideal for a heat pump — once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. At minimum, once a year keeps the system in good shape. If your system hasn't been serviced in over a year, schedule now regardless of season.