More and more homeowners are switching to a heat pump. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), switching from an electric furnace to a heat pump can save homeowners about 50% on their heating costs.
Whether you currently have a heat pump – or if you’re thinking about installing one – you’ll need to maintain it. Year-round maintenance will protect it from premature failure while maximizing its performance and efficiency in the process.
#1) Change the Air Filter
Heat pumps may not have a furnace, but they still use an air filter to clean and remove particulate matter from the air. You can find the air filter in the air handler. About once every two to three months, take the old air filter out of the air handler and replace it with a new air filter.
#2) Clear Foliage Around the Outdoor Coil
Your heat pump has an indoor coil, and it has an outdoor coil. Over time, foliage can accumulate around the outdoor coil. If left unchecked, it may interfere with your heat pump’s operations. Foliage buildup will prevent your heat pump from transferring heat between these coils. Whether it’s weeds, pine straw, leaves, or any other debris, you should clear it.
It’s best to maintain a clear space of at least 24 inches around your outdoor coil for the best performance.
#3) Keep Supply Vents Open
Make sure all or most of the supply vents in your home are open. Supply vents, of course, are air vents that supply your home with conditioned air. They are part of the ductwork. Your heat pump will produce warm or cool air. The air handler will then push this conditioned air into the ductwork. Closing too many supply vents will create back pressure. Air will remain trapped inside the ductwork where it creates pressure.
#4) Switch Between Cooling and Heating
Don’t forget to test your heat pump at the beginning of the season. At the beginning of winter, you can test it by switching the thermostat from cooling to heating. And you can test your heat pump at the beginning of summer by switching the thermostat from heating to cooling.
The reversing valve should change the flow direction of the refrigerant. If this component has failed, your heat pump will be stuck and will not change modes. It’s recommended to do this before the weather becomes severe so there’s time to have any problems addressed.
#5) Get Refrigerant Levels Tested Annually
You should get your heat pump’s refrigerant levels tested at least once a year. Heat pumps run on refrigerant – just like AC systems. They can develop leaks that affect their performance. A technician can test your heat pump to determine its refrigerant levels. If it’s low on refrigerant, the technician can diagnose it to find and fix the leak.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
