Heat Pump Maintenance
Heat Pump Maintenance: How to Keep Your Heat Pump Working Properly
A properly maintained heat pump can help you save money on your electric bill and help your home conserve energy. There are a variety of ways you can help keep your heat pump working properly between regularly scheduled maintenance checkups. Follow these simple heat pump maintenance tips to keep your heat pump working as efficiently as possible.
Maintain an Even Temperature
One simple way to keep your heat pump in optimum working order is to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. That means keeping your thermostat set between 65 and 70 degrees throughout the year. In the winter, make sure your thermostat does not dip below 65 degrees and in the summer, avoid setting it below 70 degrees. This will ensure your heat pump is not overworked throughout the year.
Keep it Clean
In addition to changing your furnace’s filters at least once a month, it’s also important to make sure your outdoor heat pump is clean as the year goes on. During the fall, keep the unit clear of leaves and other debris. And during the winter, you should keep the unit clear of snow and ice. Trim shrubs so they are at least 18 inches away from the heat pump. And clean the outdoor coils with a hose when they appear dirty.
Check the Placement
Keep an eye on the area surrounding your heat pump to ensure outside factors are not affecting its operation. Make sure the gutters directly above the heat pump are not leaking, which can cause the unit to freeze in cold weather. It’s also a good idea to check the elevation of your heat pump – the unit should be at least four inches off the ground to allow for proper drainage from the heat pump.
Professional Maintenance
While there are several steps you can take to keep your heat pump working properly, it’s also important to get a professional check-up once a year. These preventative maintenance checks will allow a professional technician to check for leaks or obstructions, charge your refrigerant, clean and tighten connections, inspect belts, and lubricate motors. These regular preventative maintenance checks are the best way to keep your heat pump working properly from year to year.
Have questions or concerns about your heat pump? Give the team at AirAce Heating and Cooling a call. We offer annual cleaning and checkup services at reasonable rates! Or, sign up for our easy hassle-free Maintenance Plan and we’ll check your air conditioning and your heating system yearly for you.