You depend on your heat pump to keep your home comfortable, and regular maintenance is vital to ensure its reliability. Routine care also preserve up to 95 percent of the equipment’s energy efficiency. Neglecting to give your heat pump the care it needs can cost you up to 25 percent more in annual energy usage. The best way to ensure that your system stays in excellent condition year round is to schedule an annual heat pump maintenance appointment with an experienced, reputable HVAC pro.
Your technician will perform many important tasks during a maintenance visit, including:
- Inspecting the ductwork for leaks and obstructions and correcting any identified.
- Checking and cleaning the filter, blower assembly and indoor coil.
- Measuring for adequate airflow.
- Checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks.
- Inspecting the electrical terminals, tightening the connections, and applying a non-conductive coating.
- Lubricating the motors, and inspecting the belts for wear and damage.
- Verifying the system’s electrical control to ensure that the unit won’t switch out of heating or cooling mode unexpectedly.
- Checking the thermostat’s function and accuracy.
In between service appointments, you can help maintain your heat pump by preventing airflow restrictions that downgrade its safe and efficient operation. Over time, restricted airflow can cause compressor damage that leads to a failure and an expensive equipment replacement. You can avoid these issues with a bit of preventative maintenance:
- Check the air filter monthly and replace or clean it as needed. This prevents a build-up of dust and dirt on the evaporator coil fins.
- Hose down your outdoor condenser unit a few times a year to keep the fins free of any debris, such as cut grass thrown by your lawn mower.
- Clean the unit’s fan periodically, just be sure to turn off the power supply first.
- Keep the area surrounding the outdoor unit free from any overgrowth of vegetation and other yard debris.
- Make sure that your supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, toys or drapes, and clean them regularly.
To learn more about the benefits of yearly heat pump maintenance in your Clearwater area home, contact us today at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc., Inc.
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