Routine Heat Pump Maintenance Tips & Tricks

Heat pumps are all-in-one cooling and heating systems that are ideally suited for regions with mild winters. To ensure you get the most benefit from your heat pump system, use these tips for proper operation and heat pump maintenance care. 

Heat Pump Operation and Care TipsRoutine Heat Pump Maintenance Tips & Tricks

You obviously already know how to turn your heat pump on. But, you probably don’t know how to use it more efficiently to try and lower cooling and heating bills. Here’s how:

  • One of the best operating tips a homeowner can employ is using a programmable thermostat to automatically set-back/up temperatures in block periods to save energy and reduce wear on system parts. Make sure the thermostat is heat pump compatible, so you don’t activate backup heating elements in heating mode. Backup electric-resistance heating is very inefficient.
  • You should change and clean your air filter regularly. A clogged filter can quickly damage heat pump parts and increase your energy bills.
  • If you hear unusual noises, such as grinding, knocking or rattling, from your heat pump, walls or registers, turn off your heat pump and contact your HVAC professional right away to prevent any damage.
  • You should clean your registers and grills each season.

Routine Heat Pump Preventive Maintenance

Nothing beats annual preventive maintenance to keep your HVAC system in good working order. Here are some basic checks and balances your HVAC professional needs to do:

  • Verify adequate airflow.
  • Check refrigerant charge.
  • Check for refrigerant leaks.
  • Clean A/C coils, drip pans and drain lines.
  • Chemically treat the above components to prevent mold, mildew, algae and bacterial growth.
  • Check thermostat function in all modes.
  • Check operation of reversing valve.
  • Lubricate moving parts.
  • Clean the blower assembly (blower motor, blower and cage).
  • Inspect the ducts for leaks, damage, holes, mold and other contaminants (e.g. vermin, dirt and debris).
  • Check indoor registers and grills for obstructions.
  • Check outdoor unit and areas around the unit for airflow obstructions.

For more homeowner heat pump operation and care tips, or to schedule professional heat pump maintenance in your Yuma home, please contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pump maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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