Heat Pump Maintenance 101: What’s Included in My Service?
The winter is season is here, which is arguably the busiest time of the year. And with everything going on during the holidays, you don’t want your heat pump failing in the dead of winter when you need it the most. So preventive heat pump maintenance is not an option at this time.
You should service your heat pump to make sure it works optimally, keeping your home comfortable all year round. Proper regular maintenance improves your heat pump’s performance, longevity, and reliability. However, to achieve this, you must ensure a qualified technician carries out the maintenance.
A good HVAC service provider will follow the proper maintenance guide, ensuring all steps are followed and everything is fixed. So, what exactly is included in a heat pump service to keep your unit working at its best? Let’s find out.
But first…
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
The main reason you should have your heat pump serviced regularly is to prevent it from breaking down. If you don’t maintain your system, it could develop problems that become progressively worse over time. Other reasons for regular maintenance include:
- Save time: The longer you wait to have your system serviced, the more time it will take and, therefore, the more expensive it will be. Essentially, it takes less time to maintain a heat pump than to repair it, as that will involve troubleshooting and buying replacement parts.
- Save money: A service technician can pick up on problems before they become too severe or cause damage that needs significant and expensive repairs.
- Energy efficiency: Servicing your heat pump will enable it to work at optimal levels. Studies suggest that maintenance will improve your system’s energy efficiency by more than 25%.
When Should You Service Your Heat Pump?
The frequency of having your heat pump serviced depends on several factors, including your climate, the age of your system, and whether or not you have central air conditioning.
If you have an older heat pump, you should service it more often, so everything works properly!
Also, ensure to get your heat pump serviced every six months if you live in a region with harsh winters. If you reside in a warmer area with fewer severe weather events, having your system checked up once a year is perfectly safe.
What Does the Service Include?
Owners of heat pumps with condenser units require routine maintenance to ensure peak performance and energy efficiency. Inspecting the HVAC system will reveal what needs to be fixed and what needs to be avoided in the future. A service typically includes the following:
- Annual tune-up: It’s a thorough inspection that includes checking for leaks, removing obstructions to the fan blades, and ensuring that all components are running smoothly.
- Cleaning or replacing air filters: Replacing damaged air filters and cleaning the dirty ones will make your heat pump energy efficient and prevent the compressors from unnecessary wear and tear.
- Examine the indoor coil and evaporator: If the temperature varies between the coil, there could be capacity issues.
- Checking the turn-off and on controls: Check that all controls, including the startup and shutdown, are working well. Turn on the heat pump, allow it to run, and turn it off. As you do this, listen for funny sounds or even vibrations.
- Thermostat: It should show the correct settings that reflect the room’s temperature.
- Defrost assembly: The defrost timer should be functioning well to prevent heat loss and avoid damaging the compressor.
- Check for electrical failures: Check that the energy consumption of your system and capacitors are perfect for optimum functioning. Ensure the electrical connections, contactors and relays are also in perfect condition.
- Reversing valve: Check that they are working optimally to save energy.
- Crankcase heater: Ensure that the crankcase heater works as it should to avoid damaging your system’s compressor.
- Condensate drain and pan: Look for leaks, cracks, and debris present to prevent draining the waste into your home. Also, incline the drainage outlets from the water sources.
- Clean the condenser fan and coil: Check that the fan has no weird vibrations and that the motor is stable to prevent pressure issues in the heat pump. Also, clean the condenser fans to maximize efficiency
- Lubricate moving parts: Oiling these parts decreases friction and resistance, making the heat pump energy efficient. Similarly, check that there isn’t any corrosion present by applying lubrication and rust remover.
- Check the refrigerator’s metering device: Ensure that the refrigerator has enough charge. Besides, the metering device should not be clogged to improve the heat pump’s performance and lifespan.
- Proper alignment of tools: Check that the pulleys and belts are not misaligned, as that could cause costly repairs.
- Supply tubes: Make sure the supply tubes are well insulated.
- Blow wheel and motor: Clean the dirty blower wheels and motor to improve airflow, increasing energy efficiency, and prevent damage to the compressor. In addition, ensure the motor has the right amperage.
The professional HVAC contractors should also cover all necessary replacement parts in their service.
Bottom Line
Heat pump problems are common during the winter season. To stay comfortably, now is a good time to call us to schedule a HVAC maintenance for your heat pump before the cold weather sets in.
We’re a team of professionals experienced in the maintenance of all kinds of HVAC systems. Using our experts’ services will ensure that your heating system runs smoothly all winter long. Set up an appointment for your heat pump maintenance as soon as possible to avoid breakdown and costly repairs later on.
