Your heat pump has been working hard all winter keeping your home warm. Before you switch it to cooling mode for summer, a little preparation goes a long way toward preventing breakdowns — especially during a heat wave when technicians are booked solid.
Here's exactly what to do.
Your Spring Heat Pump Checklist
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
This is the single most impactful thing you can do. A dirty filter makes your system work harder, reduces efficiency, and can cause the unit to overheat and fail. Check it monthly, replace it every 1-3 months depending on usage and whether you have pets.
2. Clean the Outdoor Unit
After winter, your outdoor condenser unit may have debris, leaves, or dirt built up in the fins. Turn the power off at the disconnect box first. Use a garden hose to gently rinse the fins from the inside out. Never use a pressure washer — it will damage the delicate fins.
3. Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
Vegetation, fencing, or stored items too close to the outdoor unit restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Maintain at least 18-24 inches of clearance on all sides. Trim back any bushes or plants that grew during spring.
4. Check the Condensate Drain Line
In cooling mode, your heat pump removes humidity from the air and drains it away. If the condensate drain line is clogged, water can back up and damage your system or cause water leaks in your home. Check that water is draining properly when the system is running.
5. Test the System Before You Need It
Don't wait for the first hot day to find out your cooling mode isn't working. Switch your thermostat to cooling mode on a mild spring day and run it for 15-20 minutes. Confirm it's blowing cool air and that the outdoor unit is running.
6. Check Your Thermostat Settings
If you have a smart thermostat, update your summer schedule now. Set the temperature a few degrees higher when you're away and cooler when you're home to balance comfort and energy savings.
7. Book a Professional Tune-Up
Most manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to keep your warranty valid. A certified Grove Mechanical technician will check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, coil condition, and overall system performance — catching small issues before they become expensive failures.
When to Call a Professional
Book a service appointment if you notice: reduced airflow, ice forming on the indoor or outdoor unit, unusual noises, the system running constantly without reaching your set temperature, or a sudden spike in your electricity bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my heat pump in BC?
Annual maintenance is recommended — ideally in spring before cooling season. A professional tune-up includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, inspecting electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and testing system performance. Grove Mechanical's GroveCare maintenance plan covers annual service with priority scheduling.
Can I clean my heat pump myself?
Yes — homeowners can safely clean or replace air filters monthly, clear debris from around the outdoor unit, and gently rinse the outdoor coils with a garden hose. Refrigerant checks, electrical inspections, and coil cleaning with chemicals should be done by a licensed technician.
Why is my heat pump not cooling as well as it used to?
The most common causes are a dirty air filter, low refrigerant (indicating a leak), dirty evaporator or condenser coils, or an outdoor unit that's obstructed. Start with the filter. If the problem persists after cleaning, call Grove Mechanical for a diagnostic — 604-371-4949.
What temperature should I set my heat pump to in summer?
Most BC homeowners find 22–24°C comfortable in summer. Setting the thermostat lower than 20°C forces the system to work harder and can cause the coils to freeze. Running the system at a consistent temperature is more efficient than turning it on and off throughout the day.