Heat pumps are an excellent energy-efficient solution for heating and cooling New Zealand homes, but proper maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Whether you're a tenant or landlord, understanding heat pump care responsibilities can save money, prevent costly repairs, and ensure comfortable living conditions year-round.

1. Why Heat Pump Maintenance MattersRegular heat pump maintenance can reduce energy costs by up to 15%, extend equipment lifespan, and prevent common issues like mould and dampness. For property managers, well-maintained heat pumps also mean fewer emergency repair calls and happier tenants.
   
2. Make sure it's cleanCleaning the filter in your heat pump is super important to help your machine run more efficiently. You should ideally clean your heat pump filters once a month, or more frequently if they're particularly dirty.
   
3. How to clean your heat pump filtersRemove the internal filters on your heat pump and vacuum them, then place them back. Ensure the external unit is always free from any leaves as they can cause the unit to stop working efficiently.
   
4. Know your temperaturesSet your heat pump temperature to 18 degrees or above to help fight damp and mould, but below 21 degrees to save on power. The higher the temperature, the more energy the heat pump will use.
   
5. Don't run your heat pump constantlyA lot of people believe that keeping a heat pump running 24/7 is an efficient, cost-effective way to heat their home. But in fact, that idea is actually a myth and you will use more energy. It's much better to just run your heat pump when you're at home. Doing that will also save you money on your electricity bill.
   
6. Got a timer? Use itThere's nothing like getting home, or waking up to a nice, warm home in winter. If your heat pump has a timer, you can set it to turn on just before you get home or before you wake up in the morning. Doing this also means you'll be less tempted to crank the heat pump at a high temperature when you get home or wake up to a cold house.
   
7. Know who's in charge of whatWhen it comes to the heat pump, landlords are responsible for maintaining it, tenants, you're responsible for keeping it clean. If there are any problems with the heat pump make sure you tell your landlord as soon as possible before organising any maintenance.