I just read an article in the paper about a lot of heat pumps needing service calls due to a recent cold weather pattern we've had. Is it common for heat pumps to need frequent servicing?
I don't think so - most heating/cooling systems need more attention (from sitting dormant for part the year as they weather changes from hot to cold and back again and the functionality is turned on after being dormant. I have a HP never had it serviced and it is going on 14 years old. I suspect it is near end of life and my unserviced heat exchanger in the house (except for cleaning the coils occassionally) is 35 years old and full of antiquated relays and other components....I am sure when one or the other goes it will be the whole new system installed inside and out....
They don't need frequent servicing, but just like any other piece of mechanical equipment, they will last longer and function better with regular maintenance. I try to have my residential heating cooling system serviced every year, at around the end of the cooling season and before the start of heating season. (Hopefully, the two seasons don't come too close together. )
The problem with a heat pump is it works all year as opposed to a split system. Working twice as much each year as a stand alone A/C unit you can expect it to require more attention. It is that simple.
