GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP SERVICING FOR CONDOMINIUMS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Many condominiums today are equipped with geothermal heat pumps. These systems are highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and offer long-term cost savings—but like any HVAC equipment, they need proper maintenance to stay reliable. Here’s a quick, easy guide for condo owners, residents, and property managers.
How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work in Condos?
In condo buildings, each suite typically has its own in-suite geothermal heat pump unit. While the building taps into the stable underground temperature, the unit inside the suite handles heating and cooling individually for each resident. Since these units often run year-round, routine servicing is essential.
How Often Do They Need Maintenance?
Geothermal heat pumps in condominiums should receive professional maintenance 2 to 4 times per year, depending on the building’s schedule and usage. The basic rule:
Spring and Fall Checks: At a minimum, two full system check-ups per year.
Filter Changes Every 3 Months: This is one of the most important steps in keeping your unit running properly.
Who Handles the Filter Changes?
Responsibility depends on your building:
If the Condo Corporation owns the units: The corporation may handle filter changes as part of the building's routine maintenance plan.
If the units are assigned to individual suites: The resident is usually responsible for changing the filters every 3 months.
Regardless of ownership, keeping the filters clean benefits everyone:
Better air quality (especially important if you have pets or do a lot of cooking)
Less dust buildup
Lower chance of equipment failure
Longer lifespan for the system
What Happens During a Professional Service Visit?
A typical service includes:
Cleaning the coil surfaces
Inspecting electrical connections
Verifying thermostat and controls
Clearing and cleaning condensate drains
Inspecting for any leaks or abnormal noises
Visually checking for signs of refrigerant leaks (without attaching gauges)
Important Note on Refrigerant Checks
We do not routinely check refrigerant pressures on in-suite condo heat pumps.
These systems are critically charged—attaching gauges can result in refrigerant loss, which can actually cause problems if the system was otherwise operating normally.
Sychem mechanics will only check refrigerant levels if there’s a valid concern of a leak. Signs that may indicate low refrigerant include:
The unit isn’t heating or cooling despite the compressor running
Ice forming on the coil
Visual signs of oil or dye at the coil connections
In these cases, proper leak detection steps are followed to protect the system and avoid unnecessary refrigerant loss.
The Bottom Line
Geothermal heat pumps are a fantastic option for condo living, but like any system, they need regular care. Staying on top of filter changes and professional maintenance helps ensure year-round comfort, minimizes costly repairs, and protects your investment. At Sychem, we specialize in geothermal systems for condominiums and work directly with property managers and residents to keep every unit running at its best.