5 Effective Heat Pump Maintenance Tips

Your heat pump is an efficient comfort system that provides your preferred temperatures without the need for constant maintenance. Since it only moves heat instead of generating it, it requires less upkeep compared to a furnace. However, to ensure your unit stays in good shape, there are things you need to do.

Keeping your heat pump properly maintained is essential to its effortless operation and long lifespan. The Department of Energy estimates that the difference between the energy consumption of a regularly serviced heat pump and a severely ignored unit varies from 10 percent to 25 percent. This is why maintenance is a critical part of owning a heat pump.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Dellwood MN. We are experts at providing professional maintenance for heat pumps, making sure they don’t let you down when you need them most.

Here are some steps you can take to keep your heat pump running smoothly.

Check the filter.

Filters are the easiest part of your HVAC system to maintain, all you have to do is either clean or replace them (depending on the unit). However, they perform a crucial task toward keeping you and your family comfortable. They protect your system from unwanted dust, debris, and other elements that can impede your unit’s performance. A clogged filter can cause several problems to your HVAC system, one of which is compromised airflow, resulting in overheating. This issue causes faster deterioration of the unit’s internal parts and brings about a significant increase in your utility bills. To avoid these problems, be sure to clean or replace your air filters at least once every 30 days.

Check your home for drafts and leaks.

Whatever the season, you wouldn’t want to waste energy due to leaks or cracks in your ductwork. Even tiny holes let out heated air while letting the cool air from the outside enter your home (or the other way around during hot months). We recommended you have a professional inspect your entire duct network for drafts, leaks, and the quality of your insulation. When your home is properly insulated, you can worry less about wasting money on leaking precious conditioned or heated air.

Keep your heat pump clean.

Regular cleaning plays a part in the overall performance of your heat pump, including its operational safety. Simple things like dusting and wiping off dirt can go a long way. Therefore, check the outdoor coils and make sure they are clean and debris-free. You can do this by manually cleaning the outdoor unit and using a blower fan — but do not forget to turn the unit off before doing so.

Prune surrounding plants and shrubs.

Proper airflow is needed to ensure your heat pump performs smoothly. You can achieve this by keeping the surrounding area free of dirt and clutter. So, remove any debris that can affect your system’s airflow. Prune plants and shrubs at least two feet from all sides of the outdoor unit. Doing this as needed will help keep your heat pump working as efficiently as possible.

Ask a professional to maintain your heat pump at least once per year.

Annual professional maintenance is the best way to ensure your system works as it should. During the maintenance schedule, the technician will thoroughly inspect your entire heat pump and detect possible issues. This maintenance check improves the overall performance of your system, which results in greater comfort, lower monthly utility costs, and a longer lifespan.

During the maintenance session, the technician will give your heat pump a tune-up. He will clean all parts, lubricate moving parts if necessary, and inspect the system for possible issues. You can avoid unusual smells, loud sounds from the unit, expensive repairs, and parts replacement if you allow your heat pump to receive this kind of pampering annually.

Boost Your Heat Pump’s Performance

To get all of the benefits mentioned above, be sure to schedule a professional heat pump maintenance with Four Seasons Air Specialists. We have teams of seasoned and knowledgeable HVAC professionals that can ensure your heat pump works in the most energy-efficient ways. We are your reliable White Bear Lake heating and air conditioning company.