Heat pumps, despite the name, are among the most efficient and advanced methods of cooling a home. They utilize refrigeration technology to remove heat from the indoor atmosphere and vent it back outside. These revolutionary HVAC units can also warm your home and are considered an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat a space. Having one installed could even save you money on your taxes since tax credits are available in many areas.
With a system that has the potential to be run all year, it’s important to invest in heat pump maintenance to get the most out of this revolutionary energy-saving technology. Spring is the perfect time for a checkup as you prepare for the summer. Here are some of our top maintenance tips to ensure your system is ready for the hottest months of the year:
Check Refrigerant Levels
Your heat pump will be pulling double-duty this year, acting as an air conditioner during the summer and providing much-needed heating during the chilly winter months. It accomplishes both tasks by absorbing heat energy from the air, inside or out, and then venting it in the other direction—outside for a cooling effect or inside to warm the home. In either case, the system depends on an adequate level of refrigerant fluid to effectively absorb and transfer heat energy. For that reason, homeowners should check the refrigerant levels in their heat pumps at least twice a year.
As the refrigerant changes volume depending on the amount of heat present in the system, it’s important to run the heat pump before testing its charge. Since you are preparing your heat pump for the summer, it is best to run it in cooling mode for at least 10 minutes. This is also ideal since many manufacturers’ charts are written with cooling in mind.
Once you have run the system, allow it to stabilize for another 10 minutes. Then check the coolant levels using a digital manifold gauge, available at your local hardware store. If you determine it’s necessary to add more refrigerant, contact your HVAC professional for a recharge. The EPA has strict rules about the safe handling of refrigerants.
Clean the Coils
The refrigerant in your heat pump is kept pressurized inside a series of metal coils, which allows for the movement of a large volume of air throughout the system and an extremely efficient heat exchange process. These coils are constructed from a highly conductive copper alloy and bent into their trademark S-shape to allow for the movement of the maximum possible amount of air through the space. They are extremely effective at their specific function.
However, they can quickly lose their efficiency if they become dirty or blocked by leaves and other debris. If this occurs, coils may also become covered in a layer of frost as the heat exchange process becomes less efficient. This can further hamper the ability of the unit to perform its heating and cooling functions.
Before you clean the coils, switch the unit off. Allow any accumulated ice to melt before removing any leaves, sticks, or other debris by hand. If the coils themselves are dirty, they can be cleaned using a product specifically designed for the job.
As the HVAC coils are constructed from a malleable copper alloy, it is important to brush them with great care. Bending them can hamper the efficacy of your heat pump.
Replace the Air Filters
Your heat pump vents air that has either been heated or cooled by the refrigerant coils directly into your home, bypassing the need for complex ductwork and unwieldy blower fans. As with any other HVAC system, however, a heat pump employs air filters to capture dust, dirt, and other impurities. These filters are critical to maintaining good indoor air quality, as the presence of particulate matter in the air can exacerbate respiratory conditions, including allergies, asthma, and others.
Over time, the air filters naturally lose their effectiveness as they become congested by a buildup of all the particles they filter out. When this happens, they will have the opposite effect of what was intended, sending allergens and airborne toxins back into the indoor environment.
Air filters should be replaced at least once every three months. In heavily polluted environments or in homes with pets, they may need to be replaced more often. Ensure your replacement filters are the correct specifications for your device. In most cases, the replacement can be done quickly and easily by removing the access panel from the front of the system, exchanging the filters, and replacing the panel.
Test the Thermostat
Heat pumps have a major advantage over nearly every other method of heating and cooling the home: They do not require a combustion fuel source or a complex ventilation system to perform their functions. Rather, they absorb heat directly from the environment. This allows them to control the indoor environment in a way that is vastly more efficient than other methods.
Heat pumps still require electricity, however, both to operate their control systems (via a thermostat, which is the “brain” of the system) and to run the compressors. This means that an electrical issue can lead to major problems with your heat pump, particularly when there is a poor connection between the thermostat and the system itself.
If you find that your heat pump never seems to achieve your desired temperature, whether it cycles on or not, an electrical issue may be to blame. Addressing problems of this nature should always be performed by an HVAC professional with electrician training; contact your licensed technician for repairs if you believe your thermostat is damaged or faulty.
Invest in an HVAC Inspection
Many of the problems listed above can be avoided, or at least made less severe, by investing in regular heat pump maintenance
At All Weather Heating & Cooling, our trained and experienced team of HVAC technicians can provide the preventative maintenance needed to keep your heat pump performing strong year-round. Our technicians will work their way down a checklist to ensure your HVAC machinery is in peak condition. They will make recommendations for necessary repairs and help to keep your home comfortable and your energy costs low.
Contact us today to schedule a maintenance visit so that you can enjoy peace of mind this summer, no matter how hot it gets outside.
