Like all other electrical equipment, your heat pump requires regular care and maintenance. If you don’t inspect it regularly, it’ll reduce its lifespan and cause frequent electrical problems.
The best part about today’s heat pumps is that they can conserve energy very efficiently and work at great speeds. In fact, studies have shown that a modern heat pump can reduce electric consumption by 65% as compared to furnaces or baseboard heaters.
So, if you’re not sure when or how to maintain your heat pump, this think-piece can help!
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
It’s important that you understand how a heat pump functions and only then you’ll be able to maintain it efficiently.
Heat pumps collect heat from one area and then spread it to another to help keep a house warm or cool.
When it comes to cooling, heat pumps absorb heat from inside the house and then dissipate it outdoors, quite similar to how air conditioners work. One very important component of heat pumps is the refrigerant, which is a fluid that absorbs heat.
The main idea behind a heat pump is to absorb heat and transfer it efficiently throughout the system, like a refrigerator, since it’s easier to move heat energy that way.
When Should You Repair Your Heat Pumps?
Depending on where you stay, what model of heat pump you have, and how well you’re taking care of it, you’ll have to repair or clean it at least once a month.
Most importantly, remember to follow the guidelines mentioned by the manufacturer. If you overdo the cleaning or repairing, the pump might instead malfunction.
For heat pump installations, you’ll have to get in touch with a company that understands the specific weather conditions that the area experiences. For example, if you are located in Seattle, Washington, you’ll need to know more about heat pump installation in Seattle. You’ll have to get in touch with a company there that understands the specific weather conditions that this area experiences.
Remember, dirty filters or coils can greatly reduce the pump’s speed, as well as accumulation of dirt, debris, or microbial growth.
How to Maintain Your Heat Pump?
Heat pump maintenance is not a herculean task, but only if you know the right tricks to do it.
- Inspect the ducts, filters, and indoor coil every month for dirt or other obstructions.
- Checking the duct leakage. In case you find it leaking, you’ll have to seal it yourself or ask a professional for help.
- Measuring the optimum airflow speed and checking if your heat pump is able to function at the optimum level.
- Lubricating the motor once every one or two months and regularly inspecting the system belts to check if they are tight enough or not.
- Verifying the accurate electric control and seeing that the heat is being locked out when the thermostat is set to the cooling mode.
- Checking if there are any leaky or faulty electrical lines or wires connected to the heat pump. If you do find a stray or faulty wire, immediately call an electrician for help
Tip: It may appear a lot of work to do all that alone; you can also hire an expert who can do it for you – in less time & more efficiently.
Advantages of maintaining your heat pump
Maintenance may look like a labor-intensive & cost-intensive task, but when you look at the advantages that it can offer, it will look like a tiny inconvenience. So, here’s a glimpse for you:
Improved safety
Other than your heating system working well, regular maintenance will ensure that everything is in place and works according to the local safety guidelines.
Cost saving
Regular maintenance for heat pump maintenance prevents you from spending a lot on repairs. If done well, it will maximize the life of your heat pump and even efficiency.
Better air quality
Of course, the main purpose of a clean and well-maintained heat pump is to improve air quality. Your home will be free of allergens, fungus, dust, and other harmful microorganisms that often accumulate on under-maintained heating systems.
Longer lifespan
It, of course, comes as no surprise that maintaining your heat pump is the key to its long life.
Less stress
If you have regular maintenance scheduled, you don’t have to suffer the inconvenience when your heat pump breaks down.
Over to you
So, this was all about heat pump maintenance. If you have more queries, you can always reach out to your nearest heating system professionals.
You can also inquire if they offer scheduled maintenance programs – learn more about them and sign up. Honestly, it may feel like an additional cost currently, but when you see your neighbors paying big repair bills, you will thank your stars!
