Heat pump checklist: twice-a-year care for year-round comfort
A heat pump heats in winter and cools in summer, so it works almost all year. That's why it needs a check before each season, not just once.
Updated October 2026 by the Green Core Heating & Air teamBecause a heat pump heats and cools, check it twice a year: in spring before cooling season and in fall before heating season. Keep the filter clean, clear the outdoor unit, clean the vents and test both heating and cooling. The Department of Energy recommends a professional service at least once a year. We recommend a spring and fall visit for systems that run year-round.
Simple steps that keep your heat pump running well
No tools needed. These quick habits help your heat pump or mini split heat and cool efficiently.
Every month
5 minutes- Check the air filterENERGY STAR says to check it monthly. The Department of Energy says to clean or change it at least every 3 months, or as your manufacturer recommends.
- Clean mini split filtersDuctless indoor units have washable filters. Pop them out, rinse, let them dry and put them back, following your manual.
- Keep the outdoor unit clearClear leaves, weeds and clutter. Keep plants trimmed back so air can flow.
Every spring and fall
About 30 minutes- Put in a fresh filterStart each season with a clean one.
- Clean the vents and returnsVacuum supply and return grilles and straighten any bent fins.
- Rinse the outdoor coil gentlyTurn the power off first, then rinse with a garden hose if it looks dirty. Never use a pressure washer.
- Check the condensate drainMake sure the drain line is dripping outside when the system runs, and the pan isn't holding water.
- Test the season aheadIn spring, test cooling. In fall, test heating. Warm or cool air should come out within a few minutes.
- Replace thermostat batteriesIf your thermostat uses them.
What a heat pump tune-up covers
These checks need gauges and training. They follow the Department of Energy's list of what a technician should check.
- Check ducts, filters, blower and indoor coil for dirt and blockages
- Measure airflow
- Check refrigerant charge and look for leaks
- Inspect, clean and tighten electrical connections
- Lubricate motors and check belts
- Test the defrost cycle
- Make sure heating and cooling can't run at the same time
- Check the thermostat
Call us if you notice
- Ice that stays on the outdoor unitLight frost that clears during defrost is normal. Ice that builds up and stays is not.
- Not heating or cooling wellOften a filter, airflow or refrigerant problem.
- Water dripping from a mini split headUsually a clogged drain.
- Error code on the thermostat or unitWrite it down. It helps us diagnose faster.
- Short cycling or new noisesParts wearing out or a sizing problem.
- Higher bills with no change in useYour system may be working harder than it should.
Let us handle both seasonal tune-ups
These plans include a spring and fall visit, which is what a year-round heat pump needs. Ductless systems have their own plans.
Comfort Plus
For furnace, AC or heat pump systems.
- A cooling-focused spring visit and a heating-focused fall visit
- Everything in Essential Care
- Standard filter included and installed at each visit
- Outdoor coil cleaned once a year
- No diagnostic fee, a bigger repair discount and a 72-hour scheduling guarantee on work days
Total Comfort
For furnace and AC systems, or heat pumps. Our most complete plan.
- Comprehensive spring and fall tune-ups, inside and out
- Outdoor coil deep-cleaned at both tune-ups
- We bring and swap your filter every quarter
- No diagnostic fee, a repair discount and a 48-hour scheduling guarantee on work days
- An extra year of warranty on repairs, and the plan transfers if you sell your home
Mini Split Comfort Plus
For ductless mini split systems.
- Spring and fall tune-ups
- Washable filters cleaned and reinstalled at each visit
- Condensate pan tabs installed at each visit
- Outdoor coil rinsed once a year
- No diagnostic fee, a repair discount and a 72-hour scheduling guarantee on work days
Mini Split Total Comfort
For ductless mini split systems.
- Comprehensive spring and fall tune-ups
- Filters cleaned four times a year
- Blower fan cleaned in place and outdoor coil deep-cleaned at both tune-ups
- No diagnostic fee, a repair discount and a 48-hour scheduling guarantee on work days
- An extra year of warranty on repairs, and the plan transfers if you sell
Quick answers
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
The Department of Energy recommends a professional service at least once a year. Because heat pumps heat and cool, we recommend a spring and a fall visit.
Is it normal for my heat pump to steam or frost in winter?
Yes. In cold, damp weather the outdoor unit runs a defrost cycle and may give off steam. Ice that keeps building up is not normal.
How often should I clean my mini split filters?
Check them often and rinse them when dirty, following your manual. Our Mini Split Total Comfort plan cleans them four times a year.
Can I cover my heat pump outdoor unit?
No. Unlike an AC-only unit, a heat pump runs in winter and needs open airflow year-round.
Book your heat pump tune-up
We'll get your heat pump or mini split ready for the season ahead.
(707) 988-5858Book a tune-up