Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist for Vancouver Homeowners

Annual heat pump maintenance costs $180-$240 in Metro Vancouver — and it pays for itself 2-3x over through preserved efficiency, longer compressor life, and avoided repair calls. Here is the full checklist: what you can DIY, what needs a pro, and the realistic schedule.

Free in-home consultation. Free written quote. TSBC-licensed installers. Call (604) 359-1081 or request a quote online.

Monthly homeowner tasks (5 minutes)

• Visually inspect the outdoor unit — leaves, snow, debris around the base.
• Listen for unusual sounds (rattling, grinding, hissing).
• Check the indoor filter and clean or replace if visibly dirty.
• Confirm the condensate drain is clear and not staining the wall below the indoor unit.

Quarterly tasks (15 minutes)

• Replace or wash the indoor air filter.
• Vacuum dust off the outdoor coil fins with a soft brush attachment.
• Rinse the outdoor coil with a low-pressure garden hose (top-down).
• Verify the disconnect switch is functioning and the unit panel is secured.

Annual professional service ($180-$240)

• Refrigerant charge verification using gauges (factory pressures).
• Combustion analysis (dual-fuel only) on the gas furnace.
• Electrical test: capacitor microfarads, contactor wear, breaker amp draw.
• Indoor coil deep clean if access allows (usually every 2-3 years).
• Outdoor coil deep clean with coil cleaner solution.
• Drain pan and condensate line flush with biocide tablet.
• Filter dryer inspection and replacement if needed.
• Blower wheel inspection (ducted systems).
• Thermostat calibration and software update.
• Final efficiency test: delta-T across coil at multiple stages.

Coastal home (saltwater within 1 km)

Add a second annual rinse and consider gold-fin or e-coated outdoor coil at purchase time. Coastal homes in West Van, White Rock, Tsawwassen, Steveston, and waterfront Burnaby benefit dramatically from this.

When to call CANRO outside of annual schedule

• Heat pump short-cycling (on/off every 3-5 minutes).
• Indoor unit blowing cold air in heating mode for > 15 minutes.
• Visible ice buildup on the outdoor unit that does not clear with a defrost cycle.
• Tripped breaker recurring.
• Hissing, gurgling, or refrigerant smell.
• Water pooling under indoor unit.

CANRO maintenance plans

We offer 1-year and 2-year maintenance plans that include 1-2 annual visits, priority scheduling, 10% off any repairs, and a written annual report. Plans run $189-$329 for ducted systems.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

CANRO Heating & Cooling — TSBC Class-A gas-fitting licence · Red Seal HVAC certified · WorkSafeBC and liability insured · 4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews · Serving Metro Vancouver since 1999.