Keep your ground-source heat pump running within safe pressure and concentration ranges all year round.
Written Visit Summary
Itemized Quote
Local Contractor
What Goes Wrong
The checks that a general HVAC visit skips
A routine HVAC call covers the indoor unit. Geothermal maintenance covers the full fluid circuit, and that gap is where faults develop.
Drifting Glycol Mix
Propylene glycol concentration drops gradually over time and shows no symptom until a sharp cold snap causes freeze damage to the loop.
Concentration Test
A refractometer test confirms the glycol-to-water ratio is within the manufacturer’s specified range before the Puget Sound heating season.
Slow Pressure Loss
Loop pressure can decline over months without triggering an alarm, masking a small leak until flow drops enough to cause poor heating.
Logged Pressure Check
Static loop pressure is measured and logged each visit, so a gradual trend is caught and traced before it becomes a repair call.
Fast-Clogging Filters
Older Seattle homes with forced-air ductwork accumulate dust faster, and a clogged filter strains the circulation pump and reduces heat transfer.
Interval-Based Filter Check
Filter condition is checked against the recommended replacement interval for the specific unit, not assumed to be fine since the last visit.
Intermittent Faults
A loose electrical connection at the control board causes faults that are hard to reproduce during a repair call but easy to find during a scheduled visit.
Connection Inspection
Every electrical connection at the control board and terminals is checked and tightened as part of the standard maintenance sequence.
What’s Covered
Maintenance checks covered in a service visit
Each item below is part of the standard annual visit sequence.
Loop Pressure Check
Static pressure is measured and logged to catch any gradual decline that signals a developing leak in the ground loop.
Antifreeze Concentration Test
Propylene glycol concentration is tested to confirm it sits within the manufacturer’s specified freeze-protection range.
Coil Cleaning
The heat exchanger coil is cleaned to restore heat transfer efficiency and prevent the unit from running longer than necessary.
Air Filter Replacement
The filter is inspected and replaced on the recommended interval, accounting for dust load in homes with forced-air ductwork.
Condensate Drain Line Clearing
The drain line and pan are cleared to prevent water backup that can damage the cabinet and trigger a safety shutoff.
Refrigerant Pressure Check
Refrigerant pressure is measured against the rated operating range for the specific unit model to confirm the charge is correct.
Thermostat Calibration
Setpoint accuracy is verified against actual output.
Circulation Pump Inspection
Flow rate and pump operation are checked for wear.
Electrical Connection Tightening
All control board terminals are inspected and secured.
Written Visit Summary
Findings and any early-wear notes are documented.
Stay Ahead of Faults
What Happens During a Geothermal Maintenance Visit
A system that seems to be running fine can still be operating outside safe pressure and concentration ranges.
A maintenance visit begins with the ground loop: the contractor checks static loop pressure and tests propylene glycol concentration, which should stay within the manufacturer’s specified range to prevent freeze damage. A concentration that has drifted low, common in older Seattle homes that have never been serviced, will not show any obvious symptom until temperatures drop sharply. Loop pressure readings are logged so any gradual decline is caught early.
Inside the unit, the coil is cleaned, the air filter is replaced or inspected, and the condensate drain line is cleared. Older Seattle homes with forced-air ductwork tend to accumulate dust faster, so filter condition is checked against the recommended replacement interval rather than assumed to be fine. Refrigerant pressure is measured and compared to the rated operating range for the specific unit model.
The visit closes with electrical connection checks and thermostat calibration. A loose connection at the control board can cause intermittent faults that are hard to trace during a repair call but straightforward to catch during a scheduled visit. The contractor notes any components showing early wear and provides a written summary, so you have a record before the Puget Sound heating season begins.
Why Choose Us
Why choose us for geothermal maintenance in Seattle?
We take your enquiry and schedule a geothermal visit that follows a documented sequence and provides a written summary every time.
Documented Visit Record
Every visit ends with a written summary of findings, so you have a clear record of loop pressure, glycol concentration, and component condition.
Itemized Quote Before Work
Any repair or part replacement is quoted separately and in writing before the contractor proceeds, no surprise charges after the visit.
Geothermal-Specific Contractors
Every visit is specific to ground-source heat pumps, not general HVAC, so the ground loop and fluid circuit get proper attention.
Pre-Season Scheduling
We arrange visits ahead of the Puget Sound heating season so loop pressure and antifreeze checks are done before cold weather arrives.
Suitable for Rental Properties
Annual scheduled visits suit Seattle rental properties and multi-unit buildings, reducing the risk of mid-tenancy breakdowns and call-outs.
How It Works
From enquiry to completed service visit in three steps
How often does a ground-source heat pump need a maintenance visit?
Most manufacturers recommend one full maintenance visit per year. A system that heats and cools year-round in Seattle’s climate benefits from a visit before the heating season starts, so any loop or heat exchanger issues are resolved before peak demand.
What happens if I skip maintenance for a year or two?
Antifreeze concentration can fall outside the rated range, leaving the loop vulnerable to freezing. Heat exchanger deposits accumulate and reduce heat transfer, raising operating costs. Catching these issues late often means a repair call rather than a routine service visit.
Does maintenance affect my federal tax credit or Seattle City Light rebate eligibility?
Federal tax credits apply to installation, not ongoing maintenance. Seattle City Light rebate terms vary by program year. The maintenance visit can confirm current rebate conditions and whether documented maintenance records support any ongoing program requirements.
Will the contractor check the desuperheater during a maintenance visit?
Yes. If your system includes a desuperheater for water heating, the contractor checks its connections and flow as part of the itemized visit. Any wear is flagged in writing alongside the loop and heat exchanger findings.
How long does a typical maintenance visit take?
A full visit covering loop pressure, flow verification, antifreeze testing, filter replacement, and heat exchanger cleaning typically takes two to three hours. The contractor confirms rated capacity before leaving, so the visit length depends on what the checks reveal.
Can maintenance be arranged for a system installed by a different contractor?
Yes. We schedule a service visit for any ground-source system regardless of who installed it. The visit reviews available installation records and documents a baseline reading set.