What Homeowners Should Know About Geothermal Maintenance in Winter

As temperatures drop across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, homeowners start relying on their heating systems more than ever. While geothermal heating is known for its reliability and low maintenance, a bit of seasonal attention can help keep your system running at peak efficiency all winter long.

Unlike traditional furnaces or air-source heat pumps, geothermal systems are protected underground — meaning they aren’t affected by freezing rain, frost, or coastal BC storms. Still, a quick winter checkup goes a long way toward ensuring comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Below is a simple, homeowner-friendly geothermal winter maintenance checklist to help you get the best performance during our colder, wetter months.

1. Winter Readiness Checklist for Geothermal Systems

Before winter fully sets in, homeowners should run through a few simple checks:

• Ensure your thermostat is programmed correctly for winter use
• Inspect and replace air filters
• Make sure vents and returns are clear of furniture or debris
• Check for unusual noises from the indoor unit
• Confirm that no breakers have tripped
• Verify proper airflow throughout the home
• Schedule annual professional maintenance (recommended once per year)

A few minutes of preparation in November or December can prevent unnecessary discomfort or downtime when temperatures fall.

2. Replace or Clean Geothermal Air Filters

Even with the incredible efficiency of geothermal heating, your system still relies on clean airflow to heat your home properly.

How often should geothermal filters be replaced?

Most homeowners should inspect filters every 1–3 months, especially during winter when the system runs more frequently.

Why does this matter in rainy BC winters?

With more time spent indoors and homes tightly sealed for warmth, dust and indoor air particles build up faster. Dirty filters can lead to:

• Reduced efficiency
• Higher hydro bills
• Poor airflow
• Uneven heating
• Strain on the heat pump

Replacing a filter is one of the easiest — and most impactful — steps for winter readiness.

3. Loop Fluid Check: Why It Matters in Winter

Your geothermal loop system circulates an antifreeze-based fluid underground, where it absorbs heat from the earth.

While loop systems are designed to last decades, the fluid inside them should be periodically tested to ensure:

• Proper freeze protection levels
• Correct fluid concentration
• No signs of contamination
• Optimal heat-transfer performance

When should loop fluid be checked?

A technician should test loop fluid during annual maintenance, ideally in the fall before winter heating season.

Proper loop fluid ensures your system runs efficiently even in cold snaps or prolonged rainy weather.

4. Thermostat Optimization for Maximum Winter Efficiency

Even the most advanced geothermal system can perform poorly if the thermostat is not set properly.

Best thermostat practices for BC winters:

• Avoid large temperature swings
• Keep the system on a steady, comfortable setting
• Use programmable schedules to match your daily routine
• Limit manual overrides, which can trigger auxiliary heat
• Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat compatible with geothermal systems

In a mild coastal climate like the Lower Mainland, small thermostat adjustments can translate into noticeable savings.

5. When to Call a Geothermal Technician

Geothermal heating systems are extremely reliable, but winter is not the season to ignore potential issues.

Homeowners should book a service call if they notice:

• Reduced or uneven heating
• Higher-than-normal energy bills
• Unusual noises from the heat pump
• Frequent thermostat resets
• Poor airflow
• Short cycling or long run times
• Sudden drops in system efficiency

If it feels like something isn’t right, a technician can diagnose and resolve the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

BC Homeowners Trust West Coast Geothermal

As a local geothermal specialist serving Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and the entire Lower Mainland, West Coast Geothermal provides:

• Annual geothermal maintenance
• Winter system optimization
• Loop system inspections
• Repairs and performance tuning
• New geothermal installations

Whether you’re preparing for winter or looking for long-term reliability, our team is here to help keep your home warm, efficient, and worry-free.