This climate control system consumes little electricity, takes advantage of the energy from the air and allows heating, cooling and domestic hot water in a single system. But, like any technical installation, a minimum of aerothermal maintenance must be given. It is simple, especially if we compare it with traditional systems. There is no combustion, there are no chimneys, no hazardous waste is generated and component wear is lower. Even so, that does not mean you can completely forget about your equipment.
Let us see what maintenance is done to an aerothermal system, what tasks you can do yourself and which ones must always be left in the hands of professionals.
The importance of maintaining your aerothermal system
One of the main reasons to perform aerothermal maintenance is to maintain energy efficiency. A clean and well adjusted system consumes less electricity to produce the same amount of heat or cold. This translates directly into savings on the electricity bill.
Another fundamental aspect is the prevention of breakdowns. Many serious incidents start as small problems: a dirty filter, incorrect pressure or a poorly adjusted connection. Detecting them in time prevents much more expensive repairs in the future. In addition, maintenance contributes to extending the useful life of the equipment. A well cared for aerothermal installation can easily exceed 20 years of operation, something that is only possible if it is checked periodically.
We must also take into account comfort and safety. A poorly maintained system can lose performance, generate strange noises or not provide the right temperature when you need it most. In the case of domestic hot water, poor maintenance can even affect water quality.
Aerothermal maintenance that you can do yourself
One of the great advantages of aerothermal energy is that part of its basic maintenance can be done by the user themselves, without advanced technical knowledge. These small tasks help keep the system in good condition between professional checks.
Filter cleaning
Depending on the system (fancoils, refreshing underfloor heating, indoor units), filters can accumulate dust, lint and dirt over time. If they are dirty:
- The system loses efficiency
- Electrical consumption increases
- Air quality is reduced
The general recommendation is to check them every 1 or 2 months and clean them when necessary. Usually it is enough to remove them and wash them with warm water, letting them dry well before putting them back.
Check the outdoor unit
It is advisable to visually check that:
- There are no accumulated leaves, dust or dirt
- There are no obstacles that hinder the entry or exit of air
- The fan turns normally
It is not about dismantling anything, but keeping the area clean and clear, something that significantly improves equipment performance.
Be attentive to prevent breakdowns
Many breakdowns can be detected in time simply by paying attention to the usual operation of the system. Some warning signs are:
- Strange noises or vibrations
- Loss of performance in heating or cooling
- Sudden increase in electrical consumption
- Error messages on the display
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is best not to ignore it and contact a technician before the problem gets worse.
Annual aerothermal maintenance tasks by professionals
Although the user can perform some basic tasks, there is a fundamental part of aerothermal maintenance that must always be done by a qualified professional, usually at least once a year. These checks guarantee that all components work correctly and comply with current regulations.
Outdoor unit
The technician deeply checks and cleans the key elements of the outdoor unit, which is the heat exchange coil, the fan and the coil. It is checked that there is no embedded dirt, corrosion or deformations that can reduce performance. A clean coil allows efficient heat exchange and prevents compressor overexertion.
Hydraulic circuit
The hydraulic circuit is in charge of distributing heat or cold throughout the home. During maintenance, connections and joints, automatic and manual bleeders, safety valves and any possible water leak are checked. A small leak can cause pressure loss, system malfunction and long term damage if not detected in time.
Indoor unit
In addition to the filters that the user can clean, the professional checks:
- General condition of the indoor unit
- Correct operation of fancoils or emitters
- System response to temperature commands
With all this it is ensured that the temperature is homogeneous throughout the home.
Pressure and temperature level control
One of the key points of technical maintenance is the control of system pressures and temperatures. The technician verifies that the hydraulic circuit pressure is adequate, that the supply and return temperatures are within optimal values and that there are no performance losses.
DHW tank
In systems with domestic hot water production, the DHW tank requires a specific check. This is fundamental to guarantee the durability of the tank and the quality of the hot water, so it is checked:
- Insulation condition
- Possible signs of corrosion
- Leaks or moisture accumulation
Water Treatment
Poorly treated water can cause scaling, reduce system performance and damage internal components over time, so water treatment is quite key in aerothermal maintenance. Here, the technician evaluates the hardness of the water, the possible presence of lime and the need for protective additives.
Our tips for your aerothermal maintenance
After analyzing what aerothermal maintenance is like, here we leave you our 5 practical tips so you can get the most out of your installation:
- Do not neglect small periodic tasks. Cleaning filters makes a big difference.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear all year round.
- Schedule an annual professional check, even if the system seems to work fine.
- Keep a record of maintenance and checks.
- Adjust temperatures reasonably, since this way you not only save energy, you will also reduce system wear.
Is it worth hiring a maintenance service for aerothermal energy?
Is it mandatory to hire maintenance? Under everyone responsibility, no, but it is highly recommended.
An aerothermal maintenance contract usually has a moderate cost and offers several clear advantages, such as the annual professional check, priority in case of breakdown, a longer useful life of the system and the savings it brings you in the long term in repairs. Considering the investment involved in an aerothermal installation, protecting it with adequate maintenance is a smart decision in our opinion.
