Your heat pump is an expensive piece of equipment that you rely upon for comfort throughout the year. Are you taking care of your unit? In order to ensure that yours is able to run as efficiently and effectively as possible, it’s imperative that your system receive the regular servicing and TLC that it requires.
Why is heat pump maintenance so important?
The proper maintenance of your heat pump is critical to its ability to operate efficiently. A unit that is adequately serviced can run from 10-25 percent more efficiently than a neglected system. In addition to boosting your home’s energy performance, regular maintenance will protect your equipment’s longevity by reducing the wear and tear of parts. Lastly, regular service will protect you and your family by ensuring that all systems are operating safely.
What should you expect during preventive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance should be scheduled for your equipment at least once a year, though some experts say that ideally, the service should be done before the heating season and then again before the cooling season. At this time, your professional should perform the following steps:
- Inspect ducts, filters, blower and indoor coil for debris
- Inspect for any duct leaks and seal them
- Measure for correct airflow
- Measure for correct refrigerant and check for leaks
- Look over electrical terminals and tighten connections, as needed
- Lubricate motors, check capacitor and amp draw for excessive resistance
- Check for correct electrical control (heating should be locked out when the thermostat demands cooling and vice versa)
- Ensure the thermostat is operating correctly
What can you do?
In addition to annual maintenance, you should also check your system’s air filter for the blower on a monthly basis. When the filter is clogged with dirt and dust, it’s important to clean or change the filter per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Paying attention to your filter will lower your energy spending and can help you to avoid costly damage to your equipment.
For more expert advice on heat pump maintenance, contact the professionals at Overland Park Heating & Cooling. We’re proud to serve the greater Kansas City area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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