Because heat pumps handle both heating and cooling, we recommend maintenance twice a year — once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. Each visit covers the full system:

• Refrigerant level check: Low refrigerant reduces efficiency and can damage the compressor. We check levels and inspect for leaks
• Coil cleaning: Dirty indoor and outdoor coils reduce heat transfer and force the system to work harder. We clean both coils to restore peak efficiency
• Defrost cycle test: The defrost cycle prevents ice buildup on the outdoor unit in winter. A malfunctioning defrost board is one of the most common heat pump failures — and one of the easiest to prevent with regular testing
• Reversing valve check: The reversing valve switches the system between heating and cooling modes. We verify it’s operating correctly to prevent mode-switching failures
• Electrical connections: We tighten all connections, check capacitors, and test contactors for signs of wear or arcing
• Thermostat calibration: We verify the thermostat is reading accurately and communicating properly with the heat pump and any auxiliary heating
• Air filter inspection: We check and replace the filter if needed — restricted airflow is the fastest way to reduce heat pump efficiency
• Auxiliary heat test: For dual-fuel and hybrid systems, we verify the backup heating (gas furnace or electric strips) activates properly when needed