Heat pumps are near-miraculous systems. All year round, you can be perfectly comfortable, no matter what the temperature is outdoors, with just this one appliance. And the efficiency is remarkable, especially when it comes to heating. Since this system just transfers heat from one place to another instead of going through the energy-intensive process of generating heat, it uses much less energy than a furnace.
But, like any complex system with many components and moving parts, a heat pump can have problems and require repairs. But we’re here to tell you how to avoid the need for the vast majority of those repairs. The trick is maintenance! If you haven’t had a heat pump before, or haven’t always been good about getting heat pump maintenance, you might have some questions. We’ve got the answers!
What Do Technicians Do During Heat Pump Maintenance?
In most respects, heat pump maintenance is the same as air conditioner maintenance, because the majority of the components are the same. All these components must be thoroughly cleaned. This removes mess that would interfere with effective, efficient operation. It also makes it easy for the technician to see all the parts clearly, so they can be inspected for any minor problems or concerns.
Some of the components, such as parts of motors and fans, must move against one another, which means they can generate a lot of heat if there’s too much friction. Your technician will lubricate these components to keep them gliding smoothly. All electrical connections and components must undergo testing for accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
One way that heat pumps differ from air conditioners is a component called the reversing valve. This is how the system can switch from cooling to heating and vice versa, so this must be inspected to ensure that the heat pump will be able to work in both modes. You certainly don’t want it trying to heat your home during a Louisiana summer!
What Are the Benefits of Heat Pump Maintenance?
Regular maintenance will keep your system working as effectively as possible while keeping energy costs low by improving efficiency. It will reduce the risk that the heat pump will have problems that require repair in the coming months, both because wear and tear will be reduced and because minor issues will be caught before big problems start.
All that wear and tear you’re avoiding would have aged your system prematurely. And once your heat pump starts getting on in years, minor issues that turn into big problems might lead to excessively costly repairs. You might not want to spend so much repairing an aging system. This is how your heat pump will reach the end of its life. Maintenance can keep that day away for much longer!
When Should Heat Pump Maintenance Be Scheduled?
Because your heat pump is in use all year, you should think of it as performing two major functions. As such, it needs two thorough maintenance sessions per year. This is usually done during spring and fall, to prepare the heat pump for its hardest-working seasons.
If you have any other questions about heat pump maintenance in Covington, LA or would like to schedule an appointment, we’ll be delighted to hear from you.
When you need it done right, contact Professional Heating & Air.