Maintenance of geothermal and aerothermal systems: practical guide 2025

The efficiency and durability of renewable air conditioning systems depend on professional and regular maintenance. By 2025, with the advancement of European regulations and the technical complexity of heat pumps, optimising these processes has become a key requirement for maximising savings and avoiding costly repairs. This guide details the best practices for maintaining geothermal and aerothermal systems, adapted to the latest technical standards and user needs in the UK.

Maintenance of geothermal systems

Essential preventive tasks

1. Inspection of the collection circuit (every 6-12 months):
   • Control of the heat transfer fluid pressure (1.5-2 bar).
   • Antifreeze analysis: pH between 7.5-9 and concentration >25% to prevent corrosion.
   • Detection of leaks in buried pipes by means of leak tests at 6 bar.
2. Heat pump maintenance:
   • Cleaning of filters and exchangers (every 3 months).
   • Compressor check: electrical consumption ≤4.5 kW for 12 kW thermal equipment.
   • Software update to optimise COP (Coefficient of Performance).
3. Performance monitoring:
   • Flow temperature: 35-40°C for heating, 14-18°C for cooling.
   • Minimum acceptable COP: 4.2 in winter, 5.0 in summer.

Costs and frequency

⚠️ Common problems:

• Drop in COP due to leaks in the circuit (15-20% loss in efficiency).
• Limescale build-up in open intakes (reduces heat transfer by 30%).

Aerothermal System Maintenance

Mandatory Annual Protocol (RITE)

• Legal: Inspections every 2 years for equipment <12 kW and annually for >70 kW.
• Technical:
  • Cleaning of outdoor units: remove pollen, leaves and dirt that reduce air flow.
  • Refrigerant gas check (R32/R290): pressure 8-12 bar in heating mode.
  • Calibration of temperature sensors (maximum permissible error: ±0.5°C).

Performance optimisation

• Parameter adjustment:
  • Outlet temperature in heating mode: 45-55°C for radiators, 35-40°C for underfloor heating.
  • Optimum Delta T: 5-7°C between inlet and outlet.
• Integration with home automation: Time programming to avoid peaks in electricity demand.

Comparative Costs

Comparison of Geothermal vs Aerothermal: Costs and Effort

5 Key Tips for Users

1. Set up smart alerts: Connect your system to IoT platforms such as Ecoforest Smart to receive notifications of faults.
2. Document each service: Request detailed technical reports with pressure, temperature and consumption measurements.
3. Combine with renewable energies: Install photovoltaic panels to reduce electricity costs by up to 70%.
4. Demand certifications: Only hire technicians with RITE and Fluorinated Gas Handler licences.
5. Take advantage of subsidies: In 2025, the REPowerEU Plan will cover up to 40% of the maintenance costs for hybrid systems.

When do they require professional maintenance?

• Geothermal: If the COP drops below 3.5 or there are fluctuations >2°C in the indoor temperature.
• Aerothermal: If the outdoor unit emits metallic noises or consumption increases >20% without a change in use.

In both cases, contact Ecoforest’s technical service for an accurate diagnosis.

Recommended articles

1. Geothermal heat pumps: Technology and specifications
2. Aerothermal energy: How it works and available models
3. Geothermal energy vs aerothermal energy: Which one to choose?
4. 2025 guide to subsidies for renewable air conditioning
5. Integration of geothermal energy with photovoltaics: Success stories

Maintaining your geothermal and aerothermal systems is not an expense, but an investment in efficiency. With this guide and the support of Ecoforest, you will guarantee optimal performance for decades, turning your home into a model of sustainability and energy savings.