The short answer
An annual heat pump service in the UK typically costs in the region of £150 to £300, broadly comparable to a gas boiler service, though it varies by installer, system type and whether you hold a service plan. The service is an annual check that keeps the system running efficiently and is usually a condition of the manufacturer's warranty — skipping it can invalidate cover that often runs 5 to 7 years or more. A service covers checking refrigerant pressures, electrical connections, the heat exchanger and condensate drainage, cleaning the outdoor unit coil, and confirming controls and flow temperatures are set correctly. Some homeowners also do simple upkeep themselves — clearing leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit — between professional services.
Heat pump servicing is a small annual cost, but it matters for efficiency and warranty. Knowing what the service includes — and what you can do yourself — helps you judge a service plan fairly.
Heat pump servicing
- Typical annual service cost£150–£300
- FrequencyUsually once a year
- Comparable toA gas boiler service
- Warranty linkAnnual service often required to keep cover valid
- Typical warranty length5–7 years or more
What an annual heat pump service covers
A professional heat pump service is a planned annual check by a competent engineer. It typically includes:
- Refrigerant circuit check: confirming pressures are correct and there are no signs of leakage. (Work on the refrigerant circuit itself requires an F-Gas qualified engineer.)
- Electrical checks: inspecting connections, controls and safety devices.
- Outdoor unit: cleaning the coil/fins, clearing debris, and checking the fan and casing.
- Heat exchanger and water side: checking the plate heat exchanger, system pressure, expansion vessel and any filters or strainers.
- Condensate drainage: ensuring the condensate from the outdoor unit drains away and is protected against freezing.
- Controls and settings: confirming flow temperatures, weather compensation and timings are set for efficient operation.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-off annual service | £150–£300 | Varies by installer and system |
| Service plan (annual, spread) | Monthly fee | Bundles service with cover |
| Gas boiler service (for comparison) | ~£80–£150 | Generally cheaper than a heat pump service |
| Self-maintenance (clearing debris) | £0 | Keep the outdoor unit clear between services |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: Energy Saving Trust; MCS installer guidance. Actual cost depends on installer, region and system type.
Why the annual service matters
The service is worth more than the small annual cost for two reasons:
- Warranty protection: manufacturers commonly require an annual service by a competent engineer as a condition of the warranty. A heat pump is an expensive item, so keeping a 5-to-7-year (or longer) warranty valid is a strong reason not to skip it.
- Efficiency: a fouled outdoor coil, incorrect settings or a slowly leaking refrigerant charge all reduce the SCOP, quietly raising running costs. The service keeps the system performing as designed.
One-off service or a service plan?
You can pay for servicing in two ways, and the right choice depends on how you prefer to budget:
- One-off annual service: you book and pay for a single service each year, typically £150–£300. This is straightforward and you stay in control of who carries it out, but you pay the full amount in one go and arrange the booking yourself.
- Service plan: many installers offer an annual plan paid monthly, which spreads the cost and often bundles in the service plus some level of breakdown cover or priority call-out. A plan can be convenient and helps ensure the service actually happens each year (which protects the warranty), but it is worth reading what is and is not included before committing.
What you pay also varies with a few factors: the system type (a split system with a separate refrigerant circuit can involve more checks than a monobloc), the installer or region, whether the engineer is the original installer (who knows the system) or a new contractor, and whether any parts or refrigerant top-up are needed beyond the standard service. A standard service with nothing extra needed sits within the typical range; remedial parts are quoted on top.
What you can do yourself between services
Some simple upkeep keeps the system healthy between professional visits and costs nothing:
- Keep the outdoor unit clear: remove leaves, debris and snow from around the unit so air can flow freely through the coil. Restricted airflow lowers efficiency and makes the fan work harder than it needs to.
- Maintain clearance: do not let plants, fences or stored items crowd the outdoor unit. Manufacturers specify minimum clearances around the unit for good airflow, and crowding it gradually reduces performance.
- Watch system pressure: most systems have a pressure gauge on the water side; a reading that has dropped noticeably can indicate the system needs topping up or has a small leak worth investigating.
- Keep internal grilles and filters clear: if your system has any accessible filters or strainers on the heating circuit, your installer can show you whether and how to check them.
- Note unusual noise or behaviour: a new rattle, the unit running constantly, reduced heat output or frequent defrost cycles in mild weather are all worth reporting to your installer rather than ignoring.
This homeowner upkeep does not replace the professional service — particularly anything involving the refrigerant circuit or electrics — but it helps the system run efficiently and reduces the chance of avoidable problems. The division is simple: the homeowner keeps the unit clean and clear and watches for changes, while the annual professional service handles the refrigerant, electrical and water-side checks that need a qualified engineer.
Set against the value of the equipment, the annual service cost is small. A heat pump is a several-thousand-pound system expected to last 15 to 20 years, and the service both protects that investment and keeps running costs down by ensuring the system stays at its designed efficiency. A neglected heat pump can quietly drift to a lower SCOP as the coil fouls or settings slip, raising electricity bills by more than the cost of the service that would have prevented it. Viewed that way, the annual service is less an expense than a way of preserving both the warranty and the efficiency you paid for when the system was designed — which is why it is the one piece of heat pump spending it rarely pays to skip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally have to service a heat pump every year?
There is no legal requirement to service a domestic heat pump annually, but the manufacturer's warranty usually requires it. Because heat pumps are expensive and warranties typically run several years, an annual service by a competent engineer is strongly advisable to keep cover valid and the system efficient.
Is a heat pump service more expensive than a boiler service?
Usually a little more. A boiler service often costs around £80–£150, while a heat pump service is commonly £150–£300. The difference reflects the additional checks involved — including the refrigerant circuit, outdoor unit and water-side components. Service plans can spread the cost over the year.
Can I service a heat pump myself?
You can do basic upkeep — keeping the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris and watching for unusual noise — but the full annual service should be done by a competent engineer. Anything involving the refrigerant circuit requires an F-Gas qualified engineer, and DIY servicing will not satisfy a warranty condition that requires a professional service.
Sources & further reading
- Energy Saving Trust — air source heat pumps (maintenance)
- MCS — find a certified heat pump installer
- Heat Geek — heat pump running and maintenance guidance
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific home. They are guidance, not a quotation or guaranteed saving.