Consumer advice centers are receiving increasing reports of sharply rising maintenance costs for new heat pumps. Maintenance costs are sometimes exceeding €630 (gross). This is particularly concerning because specialist companies often present this service as a prerequisite for manufacturer-provided services, for example, stating: “The manufacturer insists on annual maintenance of the system to maintain the warranty.” This means that the high initial cost is not a one-time expense, but rather recurs at short intervals. This can significantly reduce the cost advantage of the technology. At the same time, affected customers report that regional companies are refusing to perform maintenance on systems not installed by the customer. These companies often refer customers to manufacturer partners, making it difficult to compare or negotiate prices. (spiegel: 04.03.26)
Maintenance Costs as a Price Driver in Manufacturer Service
Reinhard Schneeweiß, energy expert at the Saarland Consumer Center, reports: “We’ve been hearing about individual cases for years,” while emphasizing: “This phenomenon isn’t typical for heat pumps.” However, it often becomes noticeable where the manufacturer organizes the service. Schneeweiß says: “In such cases, one can certainly suspect that the tightly calculated purchase prices for the systems are being offset over the years by maintenance costs.” This logic shifts the risk, because after installation, the negotiating power decreases, while the operator often has no choice but to accept the terms.
Many customers pay because regular servicing by qualified professionals signals security, while the technology remains difficult for laypeople to verify. At the same time, companies often decline service if they haven’t installed the system themselves, which is why the market is becoming increasingly competitive. This makes it easier to charge high prices, even though the service isn’t necessarily more complex.
What does maintenance entail – and why are the prices still rising?
Maintenance often consists simply of checking the system. The service technician checks the supply and return lines, verifies leaks, and inspects the refrigerant circuit. They also read operating data such as heating curves, temperatures, and power consumption. Dirty filters and supply and exhaust air ducts are cleaned if necessary, while the error log provides information about malfunctions. Daniel Keller, energy consultant at Munich Energy Specialists GmbH, sums up the cost driver: “If there are no issues, the travel to the customer’s location is often the most expensive part.”
This is precisely why digital solutions could help. Schneeweiß advises seeking out companies that access key data and error logs online, as this reduces the need for on-site visits. Many systems support this technically, but not many companies consistently offer it, which keeps the infrastructure expensive.
Warranty Conditions: A Sense of Obligation Meets Cost Reality
The crucial distinction is between statutory warranty and guarantee, as this determines the rules of the game. The statutory warranty is valid for two years. The seller may not attach additional conditions to it, such as paid maintenance or use of a specific service center. A guarantee is voluntary, and manufacturers can link it to certain requirements, similar to inspection models in the automotive industry.
According to Keller, many manufacturers offer an extended five-year guarantee. However, this often only applies if the system is registered within three to six months of installation, if regular maintenance is performed, and if complete documentation is maintained. Typical maintenance intervals are 12 to 16 months. Some manufacturers require personnel with specific training for this, which narrows the choice of service providers among specialist companies and can easily increase maintenance costs.
Cost Framework and Contracts: The Key Factors Lie Before the Purchase
Laura Vorbeck of the Rhineland-Palatinate Consumer Center cites a price range of “from just over €200 to more than €400” for an on-site inspection of a typical system in a single-family home. There’s practically no upper limit. Offers below €300 are becoming rarer, and the shortage of skilled tradespeople is also driving up prices. This makes maintenance the second major expense after electricity, and it’s precisely where the return on investment is determined.
A maintenance contract can provide relief because the company schedules appointments and sometimes prioritizes contract customers. However, it can also create obligations that make price comparisons difficult. Therefore, maintenance intervals, qualification requirements, and price tiers should be agreed upon in writing during the initial quote phase to prevent maintenance costs from becoming a permanent financial shock.