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Aerotermia Ibizaa Climai Group project

Heat pump maintenance and repair in Ibiza: prices

In short

A heat pump needs little maintenance, but not none. The RITE requires it to be done by an authorised maintenance company, at minimum intervals. This guide explains what a service includes, which faults are common and what to ask.

Author: Climai Group technical teamTechnical review: Climai GroupUpdated:

What maintenance does a heat pump need?

Much less than a boiler: there is no burner, no flue and no fuel. But a heat pump runs many hours a year and should be checked so it does not lose performance.

Two factors matter in Ibiza: the salty air near the sea, which is hard on the coils and casings of outdoor units, and the dust and pollen that build up on the coil in summer.

What does the RITE say?

The Regulation on Thermal Installations in Buildings sets these rules:

  • Who: maintenance is done by an authorised maintenance company (art. 26.1).
  • How: following the preventive maintenance programme in the installation's user and maintenance manual (art. 26 and IT 3.3).
  • Contract: mandatory from 70 kW of thermal output (art. 26.6). A home rarely reaches that.
  • Log: every operation and repair is recorded, and the owner keeps it for at least five years (art. 27).
  • Energy efficiency inspections: only for installations above 70 kW, every 4 years (IT 4.2 and IT 4.3).

Table 3.1 of the RITE sets the minimum intervals. Some examples:

EquipmentHomesOther uses
Hot water heat pump up to 12 kW4 years2 years
Hot water heat pump from 12 to 70 kW2 yearsYearly
Air conditioning up to 12 kW4 years2 years
Air conditioning from 12 to 70 kW2 yearsYearly
Installations above 70 kWMonthlyMonthly

These are legal minimums. The installation manual and the manufacturer's warranty terms may ask for more frequent services. R290 units also have refrigeration safety requirements: see R290.

What does a service include?

CheckWhat is done
Outdoor unitCleaning the coil and fan, checking the casing and corrosion
Condensate drainMaking sure defrost water drains freely
Hydraulic circuitPressure, bleeding and expansion vessel condition
FiltersCleaning the water filter and, if fitted, the magnetic filter
Water qualityChecking the inhibitor if needed
Hot water cylinderAnode, if fitted, and anti-legionella function
ElectricalConnections, protection and consumption
ControlsHeating curves, schedules, sensors and software updates
OperationFlow and return temperatures, and alarm log

How much does it cost?

ServicePrice
Routine service for a home[DATO PENDIENTE]
Service for a villa with several units[DATO PENDIENTE]
Annual maintenance contract[DATO PENDIENTE]
Call-out and fault diagnosis[DATO PENDIENTE]
Hourly repair rate[DATO PENDIENTE]

Which faults are common?

SymptomFrequent causes
Too little heating or coolingDirty coil, blocked filter, wrong curve setting, low pressure
Unit stops with an alarmInsufficient water flow, faulty sensor, electrical fault
Ice on the outdoor unit that does not clearDefrost or drain problem
Noise or vibrationDirty fan, loose mountings, air in the circuit
Lukewarm hot waterCylinder setting, anti-legionella function or anode
Higher consumption than usualOverdue maintenance, backup heater running too much

The price of a repair depends on the part and whether it is under warranty. We give it after diagnosis.

How do you compare maintenance contracts?

  1. What each visit includes: ask for the list of operations.
  2. How many visits a year and in which months.
  3. Breakdowns: whether the contract covers call-outs, labour or priority.
  4. Parts: whether they are charged separately.
  5. Authorisation: the company must be an authorised maintainer and, for R290 units, meet the refrigeration requirements.
  6. Log: the operations must be recorded, as the RITE requires.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a heat pump be serviced?

The maintenance programme is set by the installation's user and maintenance manual. The RITE sets minimum intervals by equipment type and output: in homes, for example, every 4 years for hot water heat pumps and air conditioning up to 12 kW. Many manufacturers ask for more frequent services to keep the warranty.

Can I do the maintenance myself?

You can do the basics the manual describes, such as keeping the outdoor unit clear. Maintenance of the installation must be done by an authorised maintenance company, under article 26 of the RITE.

Is a maintenance contract mandatory?

The RITE requires one from 70 kW, which is unusual for a home. Below that, an authorised company maintains the installation without a contract required by the RITE. For R290 units, the refrigeration safety regulation adds its own requirements: see the R290 page.

How much does a service cost?

[DATO PENDIENTE: precio de la revisión periódica de Climai Group]

Do you service units you did not install?

[DATO PENDIENTE: si Climai Group mantiene y repara equipos instalados por otros, y de qué marcas]

How quickly do you respond to a breakdown?

[DATO PENDIENTE: plazo de respuesta de Climai Group ante averías]

Are periodic inspections required?

The RITE's periodic energy efficiency inspections apply to installations above 70 kW, every 4 years. A typical home does not reach that output.

Sources

  1. Royal Decree 1027/2007, Regulation on Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE): arts. 26 and 27, IT 3.3 (table 3.1) and IT 4.2 · BOE ·
  2. Royal Decree 552/2019, Safety Regulation for Refrigeration Plants and Installations (IF-20) · BOE ·

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