As the weather cools, it’s time for heat pump maintenance for the heating season ahead. Although this appliance doesn’t work as hard in the winter, tending to it now will improve its efficiency, lower heating bills, and prolong its lifetime.
Heat Pump Maintenance
- Check the air filter for the air handler and replace it if it’s dirty. A dirty filter is the leading cause of high energy bills and premature problems with system.
It’s particularly important to run your system with a clean filter because these appliances use an evaporator coil inside the air handler to transfer heat for your home. Dust that covers this coil insulates it, and the heat transfer process will take longer.
- Clean the outdoor condenser. Remove any vegetation around the condenser that blocks the airflow through it. Gently hose off the fins and coil to clear off any accumulated dust. Clean coils and fins collect the heat from the outdoors more readily, which reduces the amount of time the system has to run.
- Look over the registers and clean them if they’re dusty. Any register cover that has excessive dust could indicate a duct leak, which should be repaired quickly by an HVAC pro. Make sure that all the registers are open and not blocked by furniture, drapes, or other obstructions.
Schedule Professional Service
While the heat pump maintenance that you do is essential, there are some things that a professional needs to do, like:
- Measure the refrigerant pressure, which is essential for proper system performance.
- Thoroughly clean the electrical components. As they corrode or get dirty, electricity doesn’t flow as quickly through them, which wastes it.
- Test the airflow through the air handler and the ductwork.
- Oil the motors and test belt tension.
- Test the system to make sure the system doesn’t switch from heating to cooling accidentally.
- Calibrate the thermostat, if necessary.
Each of these heat pump maintenance tips assures you that your system will deliver the heat you need throughout the winter. To schedule yours or learn more, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company, providing HVAC services for Yuma homeowners.
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 Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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