Heat pump hot water systems are the most efficient and cheapest way to heat water for your home. Regular servicing and a few simple checks can help maximise efficiency, extend the life of the unit and protect your warranty.
A high-quality heat pump should provide many years of reliable performance with relatively minimal upkeep – but understanding your maintenance requirements is important.
General Heat Pump Hot Water Maintenance
Most heat pump hot water systems require only basic ongoing maintenance. Homeowners can often carry out some simple checks themselves, while scheduled services may be recommended every five years or so.
Keep Ventilation Areas Clear
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the surrounding air. For the system to operate efficiently, the airflow around the unit must remain unobstructed.
Leaves, dirt, cobwebs, garden growth, and stored items should be kept away from the air intake and discharge areas. Restricted airflow can reduce efficiency, increase running costs, and place unnecessary strain on the compressor.
It’s also a good idea to occasionally inspect the evaporator coil and fan area for debris build-up.
Check Drainage
Heat pumps produce condensation during operation, both from the condensate drain and the PTR drain. This water must drain away correctly.
Owners should periodically check that the condensate drain is clear and water is draining freely.
Owners should check this while the unit is operating (that is, making a noise). The unit should not drain or leak while it is not working.
Blocked drains can lead to water damage, corrosion, and in severe cases if water is not draining at all, can build up in the heat pump and cause the unit to malfunction.
Flush The Tank Periodically
Over time, sediment and mineral build-up can accumulate inside the tank, particularly in areas with harder water.
Many manufacturers recommend flushing the tank approximately every five years as part of a major service. This helps remove sediment build-up, maintain heating efficiency, improve water quality and ultimately extend the life of the system.
Some systems may require more frequent flushes depending on water quality and the tank protection method used.
PTR Valve Maintenance
One of the most-forgotten maintenance tasks on any hot water system is operating the PTR valve.
The PTR valve (Pressure & Temperature Relief valve) is designed to release pressure if the system experiences excessive temperature or pressure.
Homeowners are generally advised to operate the PTR valve every six months. Regular operation helps prevent pressure build-up and ensures the valve is functioning correctly. If pressure cannot be relieved properly, it can place significant stress on the tank over time.
Operating the PTR valve is typically a simple process:
- Carefully lift the PTR valve lever for a few seconds.
- Allow water to discharge through the drain line.
- Release the lever and ensure the valve reseats correctly.
Most hot water systems allow homeowners to perform this maintenance themselves, while others require a licensed plumber or service technician.
Owners should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations, including standing back from the PTR drain to ensure they aren’t splashed with hot water.
Understanding Tank Protection
All hot water systems need to be protected from corrosion. Over time, a unit will rust and the tank will crack if it is not protected. There are three main ways a tank is protected from corrosion.
Many glass-lined tanks use a sacrificial anode.
A sacrificial anode is a metal rod designed to corrode (or “sacrifice” itself) instead of the tank. Over time, the anode gradually degrades and must eventually be replaced. We need to periodically check that the anode is still there, performing as it is supposed to.
If the anode is not replaced when required, the tank may become vulnerable to corrosion and premature failure.
- Impressed Current Anodes (eg: Aquatech)
Some systems use an impressed current anode. Rather than sacrificing metal over time, these systems use a small electrical current to protect the tank from corrosion.
Impressed current systems are often considered a more advanced solution compared to traditional sacrificial anodes and require less maintenance (and less ongoing costs!)
- Stainless Steel Tanks (eg: Reclaim stainless steel)
Stainless steel tanks provide corrosion resistance through the tank material itself.
Because they do not rely on sacrificial anodes, they generally require very little ongoing tank maintenance.
Premium stainless steel systems are often regarded as some of the lowest-maintenance heat pump options available.
Maintenance Should Be Considered Before You Buy
When comparing heat pump hot water systems, many people focus only on the upfront purchase price. However, long-term maintenance requirements can significantly impact lifetime performance and the true cost of ownership.
A cheaper system at the beginning may ultimately cost more over time if it requires more maintenance: more frequent visits from a plumber will cost more, as well as being a hassle to remember and co-ordinate. There’s also a risk of a warranty being voided if maintenance requirements are not met.
This is an important consideration that many buyers overlook.
Manufacturer Requirements
Some manufacturers allow owners to perform basic maintenance tasks themselves, such as operating the PTR valve.
Others may stipulate that maintenance must be completed by a licensed trade professional to maintain warranty coverage.
For example, some models from Emerald technically require maintenance to be performed by a licensed professional. In practice, this may mean arranging and paying for a plumber every six months simply to operate the PTR valve and document maintenance.
If these requirements are not followed, there is a potential risk of warranty disputes or reduced warranty coverage.
The Right Heat Pump Setup Requires Little Maintenance
A well-designed heat pump hot water system generally requires very little maintenance.
We should periodically:
- ensure airflow is clear and unobstructed
- check drains are working properly;
- operate the PTR valve every six months;
- service the unit every five years (or however often is required by the manufacturer)
Systems that use sacrificial anodes may require additional maintenance and replacement costs over time. By contrast, systems with impressed current anodes or stainless steel tanks often have lower maintenance requirements.
Top-quality systems such as those from Reclaim Energy, which use stainless steel tanks, are widely regarded as some of the lowest-maintenance heat pump hot water systems available, with very few ongoing servicing requirements beyond routine checks and periodic general servicing.
When choosing a heat pump hot water system, it’s important to consider not just the upfront price, but also the long-term maintenance obligations, servicing costs, and warranty requirements that will apply throughout the life of the unit.
For more, take a look through SolarQuotes’ hot water heat pump reviews portal to work out which system suits your needs.
About Tim Johnston
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