Galaxy Heating & Air provides professional heat pump maintenance throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with NATE-certified specialists. Bi-annual tune-ups cost $149-$249 and prevent 95% of breakdowns while extending equipment life by 5-10 years. Comprehensive service includes testing in both heating and cooling modes, reversing valve inspection, coil cleaning, refrigerant checking, and detailed performance reports.
Where Can I Get Heat Pump Maintenance Near Me?
Keep your heat pump running efficiently year-round with professional maintenance in Pleasant Hill, Oakland, San Francisco, and throughout the Bay Area. Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning provides comprehensive heat pump tune-ups that prevent breakdowns, maximize efficiency, and extend equipment life.
Why Do Homeowners Trust Galaxy for Heat Pump Maintenance?
- Year - Round Heat Pump Maintenance SpecialistsBecause heat pumps work 12 months a year providing both heating and cooling, they require more frequent and comprehensive maintenance than traditional single-season systems. Our NATE-certified technicians understand heat pump technology inside and out, including the complexities of reversing valves, defrost cycles, and dual-mode operation. We've maintained hundreds of heat pump systems throughout Pleasant Hill, Oakland, and San Francisco for over 20 years.
- Bi - Annual Service Prevents Costly BreakdownsUnlike furnaces or air conditioners that rest half the year, your heat pump works constantly. We recommend maintenance twice annually-spring before cooling season and fall before heating season-to catch small issues before they become expensive failures. Studies show that regular heat pump maintenance prevents up to 95% of breakdowns and extends system life by 5-10 years.
- Comprehensive Testing in Both Heating and Cooling ModesMany HVAC companies only test heat pumps in the current season's mode, missing problems that only appear during heating or cooling. We test your system thoroughly in both modes during every visit, checking reversing valve operation, defrost cycle functionality, refrigerant charge in both directions, and performance optimization for maximum efficiency year-round.
- Expertise with All Heat Pump Brands and TypesCarrier, Trane, Lennox, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu - we maintain them all. Our technicians receive ongoing training on the latest heat pump technologies including variable-speed systems, cold-climate heat pumps, and smart controls. Whether you have a traditional ducted system or ductless mini-splits, we provide expert maintenance tailored to your specific equipment.
- Maintenance Plans with Real BenefitsOur maintenance plan members enjoy bi-annual tune-ups, priority emergency scheduling, member-only repair discounts (typically 10-15% off), no overtime charges for emergency calls, and automatic service reminders so you never miss critical maintenance. Plans pay for themselves through prevented repairs and improved efficiency.
- Detailed Reporting and Honest RecommendationsAfter every maintenance visit, you receive a detailed written report documenting our findings, measurements, and recommendations. We'll alert you to any components showing wear or efficiency loss, but we never pressure you into unnecessary repairs. Our goal is to keep your heat pump running reliably and efficiently for its full lifespan.
Why Should You Trust Our Certifications & Warranties?
We're proud to hold exclusive certifications from the industry's most respected manufacturers and organizations, backed by comprehensive warranty protection for your peace of mind.
American Standard Platinum Dealer
Elite customer care certification - less than 3% of contractors nationwide
Diamond Elite Mitsubishi Authorized
Highest level factory certification for installation excellence
5-Year Labor Warranty Included
Every installation includes comprehensive labor coverage - 10-year extended available
BBB A+ & Diamond Certified
Top ratings for business excellence and customer satisfaction
What Heat Pump Maintenance Services Do You Offer?
Bi - Annual Heat Pump Tune-Ups
Because heat pumps work year-round, we recommend maintenance twice annually-spring for cooling season and fall for heating season. This comprehensive service ensures peak efficiency and reliability in both modes, catching issues before they become costly repairs.
- Complete visual inspection of indoor and outdoor units
- Test system operation in both heating and cooling modes
- Clean outdoor condenser coils and fins for optimal heat transfer
- Clean or replace air filters for proper airflow
- Check and calibrate thermostat accuracy and settings
- Inspect all electrical connections and tighten as needed
- Measure refrigerant pressures and temperatures in both modes
- Test reversing valve operation and defrost cycle functionality
- Lubricate moving parts and test capacitors and contactors
- Detailed written report with findings and recommendations
Heat Pump Performance Optimization
Beyond basic maintenance, we optimize your heat pump for maximum efficiency. This includes reversing valve testing, defrost cycle verification, refrigerant charge optimization, airflow balancing, and thermostat calibration for both heating and cooling modes.
- Reversing valve testing to ensure proper mode switching
- Defrost cycle verification and timer adjustment
- Refrigerant charge optimization for peak efficiency
- Airflow measurement and balancing throughout the home
- Temperature differential testing in both modes
- Auxiliary heat lockout temperature optimization
- Condensate drain cleaning and verification
- Outdoor coil cleaning for maximum heat exchange
- Indoor coil inspection and cleaning as needed
Heat Pump Maintenance Plans
Join our maintenance plan for bi-annual heat pump tune-ups, priority emergency service, member-only repair discounts, no overtime charges, and automatic service reminders. Plans ensure your heat pump receives the consistent care it needs for reliable year-round operation.
- Two comprehensive tune-ups annually (spring and fall)
- Priority scheduling for emergency repair calls
- 10-15% discount on all repair services
- No overtime or after-hours charges for emergency service
- Automatic service reminders so you never miss maintenance
- Extended parts and labor warranties on plan repairs
- Detailed maintenance history tracking for your system
- Peace of mind knowing your heat pump is professionally maintained
Ductless Mini - Split Maintenance
Ductless heat pumps require specialized maintenance including indoor unit cleaning, filter servicing, outdoor unit inspection, and refrigerant verification. Our technicians are trained on all major brands including Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu.
- Deep cleaning of indoor unit evaporator coils and blower wheels
- Filter cleaning or replacement for each indoor unit
- Condensate drain pan and line cleaning
- Remote control battery replacement and testing
- Outdoor unit coil cleaning and inspection
- Refrigerant pressure and temperature verification
- Multi-zone system balancing for even comfort
- Electrical connection inspection and testing
- Performance testing in both heating and cooling modes
How Does Heat Pump Maintenance Work?
We don't just provide service and leave. Our process is detailed, methodical, and designed for long-term performance.
Scheduling & Arrival
Getting started is easy:
- • Schedule bi-annual tune-up (spring and fall recommended)
- • Receive confirmation with technician name and arrival window
- • Heat pump specialist arrives fully equipped
- • Technician introduces themselves and explains the process
Bi-annual maintenance is critical for heat pumps that work year-round.
Comprehensive Inspection & Testing
Our thorough heat pump tune-up includes:
- • Test system operation in both heating and cooling modes
- • Check reversing valve operation and defrost cycle
- • Verify auxiliary heat operation
- • Inspect and tighten all electrical connections
- • Test capacitors and contactors
- • Check refrigerant pressures in both modes
- • Verify proper airflow and temperature differential
We test all unique heat pump components for reliable year-round operation.
Cleaning & Optimization
We clean and optimize your heat pump:
- • Clean or replace air filters
- • Inspect and clean outdoor coils
- • Inspect and clean indoor coils
- • Clean condensate drain
- • Lubricate moving parts as needed
- • Test thermostat accuracy and settings
Clean coils and proper maintenance ensure peak efficiency in both modes.
Report & Recommendations
You receive complete transparency:
- • Detailed written report of all findings
- • Photo documentation of any issues found
- • Honest recommendations prioritized by urgency
- • Answer all your questions about your heat pump
- • Schedule next bi-annual maintenance
We never upsell-only honest recommendations for reliable operation.
When Should You Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance?
Heat pumps work harder than any other HVAC system, providing both heating and cooling year-round with no seasonal rest periods. This constant operation makes regular preventive maintenance absolutely critical for reliability, efficiency, and longevity. We recommend bi-annual heat pump maintenance-once in spring before cooling season begins and once in fall before heating season starts. This proactive approach prevents 95% of breakdowns, maintains peak efficiency, ensures warranty compliance, and can extend your heat pump's lifespan by 5-10 years. However, if it's been more than six months since your last tune-up, or if you notice any of these warning signs, schedule maintenance immediately to prevent larger problems:
- It's Been More Than 6 Months Since Your Last Tune-UpHeat pumps should receive maintenance twice annually due to their year-round operation. If you've gone longer than six months without professional service, efficiency has likely decreased, components are wearing faster, and small issues may be developing into larger problems. Regular maintenance is also required to maintain most manufacturer warranties, so falling behind can void your coverage.
- Reduced Heating or Cooling PerformanceIf your heat pump isn't keeping your Pleasant Hill or Oakland home as comfortable as it used to, or takes longer to reach the desired temperature, it's crying out for maintenance. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, clogged filters, or worn components reduce capacity significantly. Maintenance restores performance and prevents the system from working harder than necessary, which wastes energy and shortens equipment life.
- Noticeable Increase in Energy BillsHeat pumps are exceptionally efficient when properly maintained, but PG&E bills that creep upward without changes in usage patterns indicate declining efficiency. Dirty coils reduce heat transfer by 30% or more, low refrigerant forces longer run times, and worn components draw more power. Maintenance typically reduces operating costs by 10-25% by restoring peak efficiency.
- Ice Buildup That Persists or Occurs During CoolingLight frost on the outdoor coil during winter heating is normal, but heavy ice accumulation that doesn't melt after defrost cycles indicates problems with the defrost control, low refrigerant, airflow restrictions, or reversing valve issues. Ice during cooling season is never normal and requires immediate attention. Schedule maintenance to diagnose and correct the cause before the coils sustain damage.
- Auxiliary Heat Running Frequently or ConstantlyElectric auxiliary heat should only activate during extremely cold weather (below 30-35°F) or briefly during defrost cycles. If your heat pump relies on auxiliary heat constantly-indicated by dramatically higher electric bills or a "AUX HEAT" light on your thermostat - the heat pump isn't functioning properly. This is extremely expensive and often indicates low refrigerant, compressor issues, or reversing valve problems.
- You Recently Purchased the Home or Don't Know Service HistoryIf you've recently moved into a home with a heat pump and don't know when it was last serviced, schedule maintenance immediately. Previous owners may have neglected the system, and hidden problems could be developing. A comprehensive tune-up establishes a baseline for system performance, identifies any existing issues, and gives you peace of mind about your HVAC investment.
What Are the Benefits of Heat Pump Maintenance?
- Year - Round Efficiency - Optimize performance in all seasons
- Prevent Breakdowns - Catch issues before they cause failures
- Lower Energy Bills-Well-maintained systems use less energy
- Extend Equipment Life - Regular maintenance adds years
- Maintain Warranty - Most warranties require annual maintenance
- Priority Service - Members get priority during emergencies
- Peace of Mind - Know your system is ready for any weather
Where Do You Provide Heat Pump Maintenance Services?
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with professional heat pump maintenance services. Click on your city to learn more about local service:
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