A heat pump is an amazing piece of technology, and in our climate, it may be the only equipment you need for both cooling and heating. But it’s not actually magic! That means you need to take good care of it, so it can take good care of you. What should you be doing this winter to keep your heat pump in good condition? Here are the things to keep in mind.
Maintenance
A heat pump is almost entirely the same as an air conditioner. It has a lot of the same components, and it does its job by moving heat from place to place, using refrigerant to conduct that heat. But an air conditioner only really works hard during the summer. Once-a-year maintenance, usually scheduled for before the summer heat hits, is enough for an AC unit.
With your heat pump working all winter as well, it experiences a lot more strain and wear. It needs more cleaning and lubrication, and its components are at greater risk of becoming loose or misaligned. Because of all this, it needs professional maintenance twice a year. While the second maintenance appointment is usually in the fall, if you haven’t done that yet this season, schedule it now!
Air Filter Changes
Heat pumps need regular air filter changes to protect the system from grime, grit, dust, pet hair, and more. If the filter gets too clogged with this debris, it forces the compressor and the blower fan motor to strain much harder. It can lead to overheating components, short and ineffective cycles, and a lot of wasted energy—which translates to higher electric bills for you to pay.
If you have a central heat pump, there will be one filter in the indoor unit. If you have a mini split, or ductless system, there will be one filter in each air handler. Once a month is generally an effective cleaning schedule, but if you have a lot of extra dust (for example, if you’re doing a home renovation project) you should give the filter an extra check.
Outdoor Unit Upkeep
The dead of winter may not be your favorite time to relax outdoors with a book and a glass of sweet tea. You might not have paid much attention to your outdoor unit lately. Just keep in mind that it’s worth taking a look. If windblown debris or anything else gets caught on the outdoor unit, it can decrease its effectiveness and cause problems.
Get Repairs Promptly
If something goes wrong with your heat pump, it needs to be addressed right away. Letting a heat pump keep operating while it struggles can quickly cause the problem to worsen. Repairing a problem right away will help to keep it small and minimize complications.
A heat pump that makes odd noises like banging or rattling, has a strange smell like chemicals or mildew, or isn’t keeping your home at an even, comfortable temperature needs professional repair. Other signs to watch for include rising electrical bills and short, rapid cycles. If you notice any of these, you need heat pump repair in Ponchatoula, LA.
When you need it done right, contact Professional Heating & Air.