Heat Pump Problems Homeowners Ignore

Heat pumps and air conditioning systems are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home — but only when they’re properly maintained.

At ATL Heat Pumps, we regularly see homeowners (and businesses) unknowingly reduce performance, increase power bills, and shorten the lifespan of their systems simply because they don’t realise what proper servicing actually involves.

If your air con is leaking, blowing warm air, smelling strange, or taking longer than it used to, chances are one of the issues below has been ignored for too long.

Mistake #1: Only Servicing the Heat Pump When It Breaks

One of the most common assumptions is that heat pumps only need attention when something goes wrong.

In reality, most problems build up slowly:

• Dust and grime restrict airflow

• Drains partially block before leaking

• Coils lose efficiency over time

• Components work harder than they should

By the time your heat pump is leaking water, struggling to cool, or making strange noises, it’s already overdue for a service. Annual servicing is preventative — it catches small issues before they become expensive breakdowns during peak summer or winter.

Mistake #2: Thinking “Filters Cleaned” Means “Serviced”

Yes — filters should be cleaned regularly. Homeowners should absolutely do this.

But here’s the important part: A filter clean is not a heat pump service.

The biggest performance issues usually sit where you can’t see them:

• Internal fan barrels

• Coils

• Drainage systems

• Airflow components

A proper service involves opening the unit and checking what’s happening inside — not just wiping what’s visible. See what we include in our comprehensive service.

What We Actually See Inside “Regularly Serviced” Units

We recently serviced a commercial heat pump that was described as being “serviced annually” by another provider.

Once we opened it up, the reality was very different.

• Filters had been cleaned

• Internal fan barrel was heavily clogged

• Coils and airflow paths were coated in dirt and buildup

• The system was working far harder than it should have been

This level of contamination doesn’t happen overnight — it builds up over years of incomplete servicing.

After identifying the issue, the client approved an additional deep clean. Once completed, the unit was:

• Cooling properly again

• Running more efficiently

• Producing cleaner, healthier airflow

• No longer straining under the dirt load

A filter wipe isn’t a service — and this is exactly why.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Early Warning Signs

Heat pumps give warning signs long before they fail — but many homeowners don’t realise what they’re seeing.

Common signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

• Leaking or dripping water

• Warm or weak airflow

• Musty or dusty smells

• Noisier operation

• Longer heating or cooling times

• Longer-than-usual defrost cycles

These are usually caused by restricted airflow, dirty components, or drainage issues — all of which are fixable with proper servicing if caught early.

Mistake #4: Running an Inefficient System Without Realising It

An unserviced heat pump doesn’t just perform worse — it costs more to run.

When internal components are dirty:

• The system works harder

• Power usage increases

• Heating and cooling take longer

• Wear and tear accelerates

Many homeowners don’t realise their rising power bills are linked directly to an inefficient heat pump. A professional service often restores performance immediately and helps keep energy costs under control.

Mistake #5: Overlooking Air Quality Inside the Home

Your heat pump circulates air throughout your home every day.

If it’s dirty, it can also circulate dust, allergens, mould, and bacteria — especially in well-insulated homes.

Regular servicing improves indoor air quality, which is particularly important for allergy sufferers, families, and workplaces.

Why Professional Heat Pump Servicing Matters

Annual heat pump servicing helps:

• Improve heating and cooling performance

• Maximise efficiency and reduce power bills

• Extend the lifespan of the system

• Maintain healthier indoor air

• Prevent costly breakdowns

• Keep manufacturer warranties valid

At ATL Heat Pumps, our comprehensive service includes:

• Internal and external cleaning (not just filters)

• Fan barrel, coil, wiring, and drainage checks

• Airflow and performance testing

• Early fault detection and honest advice

Is Your Heat Pump Acting Up?

If you’re noticing:

• Leaks or drips

• Warm or weak airflow

• Strange smells or noises

• Slow heating or cooling

Our team can offer heat pump troubleshooting over the phone and, if needed, arrange a professional on-site service.

Book Your Heat Pump Service With ATL

Maintaining your heat pump is essential for efficiency, air quality, and longevity.

A well-serviced system keeps your home comfortable year-round while reducing energy costs.

Heat pump servicing from $139.95

Residential and commercial servicing available. All major brands supported.

If your system looks clean on the outside, that doesn’t mean it’s clean on the inside.

Book your heat pump service today and keep small issues from becoming big ones.

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