A heat pump runs for cooling and for heating, so it deserves a check before each season, roughly spring and fall. Tucson leans toward cooling, with about 2.6 cooling degree days for every heating degree day, but winter use still counts. Climate Pros Tucson matches you with licensed local pros for the maintenance visit.

Why does a heat pump need more attention than an AC-only system?

It works year-round, so it wears year-round. An AC sits idle through winter. A heat pump in a Tucson basin home still runs on cool mornings and evenings, even though fewer than 12 nights a year fall to 32F or lower. The reversing valve and the defrost parts get use that an AC-only system never sees.

What can you do yourself?

  • Filter. Replace it on the interval printed on it, and check it more often during dusty stretches.
  • Outdoor unit. Clear debris and keep plants back so air can move. Dust storms during the monsoon coat the coil, so read how to clean AC coils in Tucson.
  • Drain. Look at the condensate line and the pan for standing water.
  • Thermostat. Confirm it switches cleanly between heat and cool.

What does a pro check?

A tune-up visit usually covers the electrical connections, the refrigerant charge, the coils, the blower, the drain and the reversing valve. Ask the pro for a written list of what they measured. Only pros with EPA Section 608 certification can service equipment that could release refrigerant.

Is there a TEP rebate for maintenance?

TEP’s Efficient Home Program lists an AC tune-up rebate through participating contractors. As listed by TEP in October 2026, it’s up to $160 total: $80 for a refrigerant charge repair, $40 for indoor coil cleaning and $40 for outdoor coil cleaning. TEP lists it as an AC tune-up, so ask TEP at 866-473-8761 or the contractor whether your heat pump’s visit qualifies before you book. Amounts change.

What about warranties?

Read the written warranty and keep it with the receipt. Federal law generally forbids tying coverage to particular parts or services unless they’re provided at no charge or under an FTC waiver. Ask the pro whether service visits affect your manufacturer coverage. Our guide to whether a maintenance plan is worth it covers the contract questions.

What if the system is near Mount Lemmon?

At higher elevations the heating load grows. Mount Lemmon sees about 53 nights a year at or below 32F, so backup heat is a question for the pro there. See HVAC near Mount Lemmon and Summerhaven. For basin homes, see heat pump service, HVAC maintenance and the Tucson HVAC hub.

When to call us

When you’re ready to book a spring or fall check, we’ll match you with a licensed local pro. Call (520) 353-2520 and we’ll match you with a licensed local pro.