Is your heat pump keeping you and your loved ones comfortable? To get the best performance from your heat pump this season, and to save money on utility costs, read through these do-it-yourself heat pump maintenance tips, and follow up by calling a heating and cooling technician for professional maintenance.
Heat pump basics
Heat pumps move heat from one place to another area to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. For cooling, as the heat pump’s blower pulls air across the evaporator, the refrigerant inside extracts heat from your home. During this heat-exchange process, the resulting cooler air is circulated to your living spaces via the duct system. Heat pump maintenance is required, or your system may develop the following issues:
- Clogged evaporator coil.
- Dirty blower.
- Faulty electrical components, such as a worn contactor.
Professional preventive maintenance
Professional heat pump maintenance is important to prevent these issues, which may damage system components, as well as contribute to clogged drainage (with potential water damage). The following steps outline some of the procedures a heating and cooling pro will perform during heat pump maintenance:
- Clean the indoor evaporator, blower wheel and other components so that airflow is not restricted.
- Check electrical wiring, components and connections for function and signs of wear.
- Measure airflow.
- Check for refrigerant leaks.
- Check refrigerant levels.
Do-it-yourself tips
Your heating and cooling pro should communicate clearly with you about the condition of your system, and suggest any needed action. In between the maintenance visits, there are several easy steps that you can take to optimize cooling and efficiency for your home.
- Check your air filter regularly, and change as needed.
- Make sure the indoor air-supply registers are not obstructed by furniture or other objects.
- If the evaporator is accessible, and you feel comfortable and safe, use a pressurized-air can to blow away debris. Do the same for the blower.
- The outdoor unit should be clear of any obstructions to airflow such as leaves, debris, and snow and ice during the heating months.
For more information on heat pump maintenance, both professional and do-it-yourself, contact Ernst Heating & Cooling. We’ve proudly served homeowners in the Metro-East area since 1951.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pump maintenance and other HVAC topics, visit our blog.