Heat Pump Summer Preparation Guide for Vancouver
Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Schedule professional heat pump servicing before summer: clean both indoor and outdoor coils (winter debris on outdoor coil, dust on indoor coil), check refrigerant charge (may have decreased during winter), test the reversing valve for proper cooling mode switching, check condensate drain for blockages, and clean or replace the indoor unit filter.
Cooling Mode Test
Before hot weather arrives, test the system in cooling mode: set the thermostat 10°C below room temperature and verify cold air comes from vents within 5 minutes. Listen for the outdoor unit startup. Check that the condensate drain is flowing (water should drip from the drain line). If the system does not cool or makes unusual noises, call for service before a heat wave.
Efficiency Optimization
Clean the outdoor coil with a gentle garden hose spray (from the inside out). Straighten any bent coil fins with a fin comb. Clear vegetation from around the outdoor unit — maintain 24 inches clearance. Replace the air filter. Set the thermostat to 24-25°C during the day. Use ceiling fans to improve comfort without lowering the thermostat. These steps improve cooling efficiency by 10-25%.