Your heat pump can last 15 years or longer, so it’s important that you, along with your HVAC professional, make sure it’s always in good working order. Most of the maintenance tasks are doable by amateurs, though as with other appliances, some things should be left to a pro.
Yearly Maintenance Check
Your heat pump should be looked at at least once a year by an HVAC technician. Since a heat pump works in both the cool and warm seasons, you might want to have it checked twice a year. A professional looks for, finds, and repairs problems that would be overlooked by an amateur. They make sure that the refrigerant, which no amateur should handle, is at the right level. They lubricate the heat pump’s bearings, and they can test the thermostat and other controls. This not only supports the good working of your heat pump but saves you money in the form of lower energy bills.
Maintenance Habits You Can Adopt for Your Heat Pump
The habits that you can take on can be practiced monthly and seasonally. Here are some tasks:
- Check the air filters. Air filters are indispensable when it comes to your heat pump working well. Check them every month, and replace them if they’re dirty. Some filters last longer than others. The thicker they are, the longer they last. For example, air filters that are at least 4 inches thick can last as long as 6 months.
- Make sure the drain line is clear. Clogs in the heat pump’s condensate drain facilitate mold growth. They also subject your heat pump to water damage. Don’t forget to check the condensate pan, and keep it clean.
- Keep the outdoor unit in good shape. Keep your heat pump’s outdoor unit clean, and maintain a clearance of about 2 feet around it. You can also wash the outdoor coils with your garden hose. As for the fins in your heat pump, they’re fragile. You might want to leave their cleaning to an HVAC technician.
- Set the thermostat, then leave your heat pump pretty much alone. Fiddling with the thermostat stresses the system. You should also know that not all thermostats work well with heat pumps. Make sure you install a thermostat that’s heat pump compatible.
- Clear away snow or ice. After a winter storm, be sure to keep the outdoor unit free of significant snow or ice. The heat pump has a defrost mode that can handle a bit of frozen precipitation. However, a significant amount can cause the system to turn off or go to emergency heat mode.
Keeping your heat pump in good working order makes sure you’re comfortable in all seasons. If you have concerns or require heat pump services, contact Alaskan AC in Phoenix, AZ or Tucson, AZ.