The First Things to Check
When to do this: If your heat pump isn't providing heating or hot water, or isn't turning on at all. Run through these four checks before trying anything else.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Check the Thermostat:
- Ensure it's set to 'Heat' or 'Auto' mode.
- Check that the target temperature is set several degrees higher than the current room temperature.
- If the thermostat is battery-powered, replace the batteries.
- Make sure the timer or schedule is correct and hasn't been accidentally changed.
- Check the Power:
- Go to your main consumer unit (fuse box) and check if the switch labelled 'Heat Pump' or similar has tripped. If it has, try resetting it once. If it trips again immediately, do not touch it and call an engineer.
- Check the dedicated power isolator switch for the outdoor unit (often a large red switch on an external wall). Ensure it is switched to the 'ON' position.
- Check the Outdoor Unit:
- Make sure the area around the outdoor fan unit is completely clear. Remove any leaves, twigs, snow, or garden furniture that could be blocking airflow. There should be at least two feet of clear space around the unit.
Have your heat pump serviced
An easy way to help maintain the longevity of your heat pump is to have it serviced annually. Not only does this meet the requirements of the guarantee terms and conditions, but it also ensures optimum efficiency and performance.
The Outdoor Unit During a Cold Winter
If you notice your heat pump is iced up or covered in snow, this is perfectly normal and generally nothing to worry about.
Heat pumps have been tested in different climates such as cold weather, high-speed winds and heavy rainfall, so you can be rest assured that your heat pump will operate efficiently and have been tested in climates of down to -25° degrees, so they are designed to last in very cold conditions.
Understanding the Defrost Cycle: It is normal for a heat pump to develop a thin layer of frost during operation in winter. The system will automatically run a 'defrost cycle' every so often to melt this. During this cycle, the fan will stop, and you might hear a hissing noise and see steam coming from the unit. This is normal and usually lasts 5-10 minutes.
Insulating any exposed pipework surrounding your heat pump can help to reduce your overall energy consumption, especially in the winter months.
How to Reset Your Heat Pump
When to do this: If the system is unresponsive, displaying a non-critical error code, or after a power cut. A simple reset can often resolve minor software glitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Find the Power Switches: Locate the main circuit breaker for the heat pump in your consumer unit and the external isolator switch near the outdoor unit.
- Power Down: Turn the power off at both the circuit breaker and the isolator switch.
- Wait: Leave the system powered down for at least 15 minutes. This allows the internal electronics to fully discharge and reset.
- Power Up: Turn the isolator switch back on first, followed by the circuit breaker in the consumer unit.
- Restart: The system will take a few minutes to restart. Check the control panel to see if the error has cleared.
Pro-Tip: If an error code appears, take a photo or write it down before resetting. If the reset doesn't fix the issue, this code will be vital information for your engineer.
