The heat pump heats or cools poorly in one operating mode
Year-round system confidence
Heat Pump Service & Seasonal Performance Review
A heat-pump service framework that accounts for both heating and cooling operation, with attention to airflow, refrigeration performance, defrost behaviour and controls.
Maintenance or active fault
Know which problem the appointment needs to solve.
Seasonal service reviews both sides of a heat-pump system where conditions allow. A loss of heating or cooling, an error code or suspected refrigerant fault requires targeted diagnosis and may not be resolved by routine cleaning alone.
The outdoor unit ices excessively or defrost behaviour seems abnormal
Auxiliary heat runs more than expected or energy use changes sharply
A new noise, odour, leak or control error appears
The visit starts with the actual intent.
Seasonal service reviews both sides of a heat-pump system where conditions allow. A loss of heating or cooling, an error code or suspected refrigerant fault requires targeted diagnosis and may not be resolved by routine cleaning alone.
Make the larger decision with evidence.
A repair decision should consider the complete matched system, refrigerant circuit, controls, age, warranty, cold-weather capacity and the availability of compatible parts. Replacement planning should also account for electrical capacity and current rebate rules.
See what's included
A clear service scope before the visit.
The booked appointment covers the confirmed service scope. If diagnosis reveals a separate repair or part, the customer should receive an explanation and price before authorizing additional work.
Heating and cooling operating review where conditions permit
Outdoor and indoor equipment inspection
Applicable accessible cleaning
15-point heat-pump framework
Clear findings and next-step explanation
Equipment-specific · not generic
The heat pump 15-point framework.
Each point explains what is reviewed and why it matters. Accessibility, equipment design, operating conditions and manufacturer requirements determine the exact steps completed.
- 01Service
System identification
Confirm the heat-pump configuration, indoor equipment and the customer's comfort concern.
- 02Performance
Thermostat and controls
Review mode selection, set points and system response.
- 03Performance
Heating and cooling sequence
Observe available operating modes when outdoor conditions and equipment controls allow.
- 04Safety
Electrical disconnects
Inspect accessible disconnects, wiring and connection condition.
- 05Condition
Contactors and capacitors
Review accessible electrical components and measurements where applicable.
- 06Cleaning
Outdoor coil
Inspect coil condition and clear appropriate accessible buildup within the confirmed scope.
- 07Condition
Outdoor fan and motor
Check fan operation, mounting, noise and visible wear.
- 08Condition
Line set and insulation
Inspect accessible refrigerant piping, insulation and support.
- 09Condition
Refrigerant-circuit indicators
Look for visible evidence or operating data that suggests further leak or charge diagnosis.
- 10Performance
Operating temperatures and pressures
Evaluate applicable system readings within qualified scope and suitable conditions.
- 11Performance
Defrost operation
Review defrost controls and available operating evidence; a live defrost cycle may not occur during every visit.
- 12Cleaning
Indoor coil and condensate
Inspect accessible indoor coil, pan and drainage components.
- 13Performance
Filter and airflow
Review filter condition and obvious restrictions affecting delivered air.
- 14Performance
Auxiliary or backup heat
Where installed, review the call and response of auxiliary heat within the service scope.
- 15Service
Final cycle and report
Document mode, measured performance, findings and recommended next steps.
This framework communicates B.C HVAC's intended service structure. The assigned qualified professional confirms the safe, applicable and accessible work for the specific installation. It is not a substitute for the equipment manufacturer's service instructions.
A visible next step
How diagnosis becomes an informed decision.
The booked scope, any repair and any replacement estimate remain distinct so the customer can see what is being authorized.
- 01
Identify the configuration
Confirm whether the system is ducted or ductless, its backup heat and which mode is affected.
- 02
Review the full system
Indoor airflow, outdoor operation, controls, defrost evidence and qualified refrigeration measurements are considered together.
- 03
Choose the appropriate route
The result may be maintenance, a separately quoted repair or a replacement assessment—each is presented as a distinct scope.
Before you book
Questions customers ask.
Plain answers about price, scope, safety and what happens if the service identifies a repair.
Does a heat pump need annual maintenance?
Regular professional maintenance helps keep filters, coils, drains, electrical components and operating controls under review. Frequency should also follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Is there a heat-pump service rebate?
FortisBC currently lists a heat-pump service rebate for eligible customers. Confirm the current program rules directly with FortisBC before relying on it.
Can the technician test both modes in any weather?
Not always. Outdoor temperature, controls and equipment protection logic can limit meaningful testing of one mode during a visit.
Independent customer guidance
Use authoritative sources for safety and program rules. B.C HVAC does not control utility rebates or provincial qualification requirements.