Heat pumps are a great cost-saving and energy-saving addition to your home. Not only can these systems provide both heating and cooling capabilities, but they also save on energy by moving heat instead of generating heat during the colder months. This consumes much less energy.
Routine maintenance manages the life of your heat pump and decreases the chances of a breakdown. To learn more about heat pumps or to schedule a tune-up for your system, contact A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical today.
How often should I have my heat pump tuned up?
How you use your heat pump will dictate how often it needs maintenance. If you’re a snowbird and are usually only in Ocean Isle during the winter, having maintenance done in the fall is essential. Proper maintenance ensures your heat pump will be at peak condition when it’s working the hardest.
If you use your heat pump as a means to keep your home cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter, then you’ll want to have your heat pump tune-up twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.
Although this might seem like a lot to remember, the Department of Energy reports that the difference in energy consumption between a well-maintained unit and a neglected one ranges from 10-25%. Your energy savings will help make up for two heat pump maintenance appointments.
What’s included in a heat pump tune-up?
Heat pumps use high-voltage electricity and refrigerant chemicals, so regular heat pump maintenance is best performed by a professional. A seasonal heat pump inspection tends to last one and a half to two hours, depending on the work required. Here are the common checks and services that will be performed during your regular heat pump tune-up appointment:
- Inspecting ducts, the air filter, the blower, and the indoor coil for dirt and other obstructions
- Checking ducts for leaks and damage
- Checking refrigerant levels and stopping any leaks
- Confirming your heat pump is receiving adequate airflow
- Inspecting electric terminals, and cleaning and tightening electrical connections
- Initiating a defrost cycle, and checking for proper sequence
- Lubricating motors and inspecting belts for tightness and wear
- Correcting electric control to make sure the heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling
- Inspecting the heat pump’s condensing unit base-pan drain holes and removing debris
- Confirming correct thermostat operation.
Keep your heat pump healthy with these preventative steps
Being regular with your heat pump tune-up appointments is great, but it’s not enough to keep your heat pump in the best condition. Follow these tips to make sure your heat pump stays operational:
- Replace or clean air filters every 30 to 60 days.
- Check your heat pump for ice or snow buildup during the winter. If your heat pump cannot access outside air, it won’t work properly and may struggle to keep up with demand.
- Keep the area around your heat pump clear of grass, leaves, dirt, and other debris.
- Remove bushes or shrubs from around the heat pump. A heat pump should have 2 feet of clearance around it.
- Your heat pump should be elevated 4 to 8 inches off the ground for proper drainage. Make sure your unit does not sit below a leaking gutter so it does not collect water.
- Clean outdoor coils whenever they appear dirty
- Keep the supply and return registers clean and free of dust. Keep the vents open to keep the air flowing.
When should I schedule my heat pump tune-up?
Every year, heat pump tune-up appointments fill up fast. It’s best to call in the early spring and late summer or early fall. If you frequently forget, signing up for A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical's Cool Club could be a good solution. We’ll schedule your appointments for you so you never miss an important maintenance check. Give us a call today to learn more. For all of your air conditioning and heating system needs, including heat pump service, contact us today.