Do I need an electrician or a plumber to fix an air source heat pump?

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If your air source heat pump has stopped working properly, you’re probably wondering one thing:

Who do I call to fix it?

And fair question. Heat pumps are a bit of a hybrid. Part heating system, part electrical kit. So the right person depends on what’s actually gone wrong.

In some cases, you’ll need an electrician. In others, a plumber or heating engineer. But because heat pumps combine both, the best option is often someone who works with heat pumps day in, day out.

Here’s how to tell who you might need and the signs it’s time to get things checked.

How air source heat pumps work

Air source heat pumps pull warmth from the outside air and use it to heat your home and hot water.

Unlike a gas boiler, they rely on both:

• Electrical parts like fans, controls, sensors, and compressors

• Pipework and water circulation to move heat around your home

So when something stops working, the fault could sit on either side of the system. Or sometimes both. Lucky you.

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When to call an electrician

You’ll usually need an electrician if the problem looks electrical. Think power, controls, wiring, or anything causing the system to trip out.

Your heat pump won’t switch on

If there’s no sign of life at all, it could be caused by:

• A tripped breaker

• Blown fuse

• Faulty wiring

• Power supply problems

• Failed control board

An electrician can safely test the system and work out what’s going on.

Your thermostat or controls aren’t behaving

Modern heat pumps rely heavily on digital controls and sensors. If your system is:

• Ignoring temperature settings

• Switching itself off

• Showing error codes

• Refusing to respond altogether

…there may be an electrical fault behind it.

Your fuse board keeps tripping

If the power cuts every time the heat pump starts running, don’t ignore it.

This could point to:

• Electrical overloads

• Short circuits

• Faulty internal parts

• Compressor issues

Definitely one for someone qualified. Not a “have a quick go yourself” situation.

The outdoor unit has stopped working

The outside unit contains motors, fans, and electrical components.

If you notice:

• Buzzing noises

• Fans not spinning

• Sudden shutdowns

…the fault may sit with the electrical side of the system.

How to find a good local electrician

In this guide we’ll give you tips to find a good electrician in your area, so that you can be confident you’ll hire someone you can rely on.

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When to call a plumber or heating engineer

If the issue affects heating, hot water, pressure, or pipework, you’ll usually want a plumber or heating engineer.

Your radiators aren’t heating properly

Cold spots or lukewarm radiators can happen because of:

• Air trapped in the system

• Low pressure

• Faulty pumps

• Blocked pipes

• Incorrect flow temperatures

A heating engineer can inspect the system and get things balanced properly again.

You’ve got no hot water

If the heat pump runs but your hot water doesn’t, the issue could involve:

• Hot water cylinders

• Valves

• Pumps

• Water circulation

A plumber or heating engineer should be able to track down the cause.

Your system is leaking

Leaks are never ideal. Especially indoors.

Common causes include:

• Loose fittings

• Damaged valves

• Pipework problems

• Frozen condensate pipes

And because water and electrical systems don’t exactly make great roommates, it’s worth getting leaks sorted quickly.

Your underfloor heating isn’t working properly

Some heat pumps connect to underfloor heating systems too.

If certain rooms stay cold, the issue may involve:

• Manifolds

• Pipe loops

• Pumps

• Zone controls

A heating engineer can test the system and pinpoint where things have gone off track.

When to call a heat pump specialist

In a lot of cases, the best option is a heat pump specialist.

That’s because heat pumps don’t work quite like traditional boilers. Someone with specific heat pump experience is more likely to understand:

• Electrical diagnostics

• Heating systems

• Heat pump controls

• Efficiency settings

• Refrigeration components

Which usually means less guesswork. And hopefully fewer return visits.

Whether you want to make an old home more energy efficient, learn more about air source heat pumps, or discover eco-friendly ways to heat your home, at Checkatrade, we're here to help.

Signs your heat pump might need repairing

It’s worth getting things checked if you notice:

• Higher energy bills

• Strange noises

• Reduced heating performance

• Ice build-up on the outdoor unit

• Water leaks

• Frequent shutdowns

• Error messages

• No heating or hot water

Small faults can turn into bigger repair bills if left too long. Bit like ignoring the weird noise your car’s been making for three months.

Can you fix a heat pump yourself?

There are a few basic checks you can safely do yourself, including:

• Resetting the system

• Checking thermostat settings

• Looking for tripped breakers

• Clearing leaves or debris around the outdoor unit

But you should never:

• Open electrical panels

• Attempt wiring repairs

• Handle refrigerant components

• Adjust system pressure without training

Heat pumps are specialist systems. Getting it wrong can damage the unit or affect your warranty.

What qualifications should a heat pump engineer have?

When hiring someone to repair your system, it’s worth checking for:

• Experience with heat pumps

• Manufacturer-approved training

• MCS certification

• Plumbing and heating qualifications

• NICEIC or NAPIT registration for electrical work

The right experience can make a big difference when it comes to diagnosing faults quickly and safely.

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Electrician or plumber? Here’s the short answer

If the problem involves:

• Power

• Wiring

• Controls

• Electrical faults

…you’ll probably need an electrician.

If it involves:

• Heating

• Hot water

• Leaks

• Pressure

• Pipework

…you’ll likely need a plumber or heating engineer.

But because heat pumps use both electrical and heating systems, a qualified heat pump specialist is often your safest bet for getting things sorted properly. A job done right, you could say.

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