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A well-maintained heat pump system will operate efficiently, keep energy costs low and extend its lifespan. Routine heat pump service helps avoid costly repairs and premature replacement.
During Heat Pump Services, a technician should inspect the unit to ensure it is free of debris and dirt. They should also clean the indoor and outdoor units.
Preventative Maintenance
Heat pumps are a versatile, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to cool your home. However, just like any other heating and cooling system, a heat pump requires regular maintenance to keep it running at peak performance. During a preventative maintenance visit, your HVAC technician will inspect the outdoor unit and indoor air conditioning components to ensure they are clean and clear of any debris or dirt.
Dirty air filters, fan and coils can cause a variety of problems including poor cooling efficiency, high utility bills, and shortened lifespan of the system. Additionally, the evaporator coils must be cleaned to prevent dust and dirt from settling on them and blocking airflow.
If you turn on your heat pump only to find out that it is blowing cold air, it may be time for a thermostat replacement or the reversing valve to be replaced. These problems are simple for your professional to diagnose, but could be costly if left untreated.
Lubrication
Heat pumps offer a great solution to heating and cooling, but like any piece of machinery it needs proper care and maintenance to perform at its best. Without a routine service, your heat pump will degrade in efficiency and functionality over time resulting in higher energy bills and shorter equipment lifespans.
Routine maintenance services include a clean and lubrication of the unit. A properly lubricated compressor, fan and coil reduces friction, resistance, and energy losses. Your technician will also inspect the electrical connections, capacitors and relays for tightness. These components should be well-tightened to prevent blown fuses and potential fire hazards.
If you notice a musty or rotten smell coming from your heat pump, this could indicate that there is a refrigerant leak. The heat pump repair professionals will test the system to determine what is causing this smell and resolve the issue quickly.
Belt Inspection
Heat pumps rely on metal ducts to operate, and they sometimes produce clanking noises. When this happens, it can indicate a problem with the system’s motor bearings or other mechanical issues that need to be addressed by an HVAC professional.
The technician can also inspect the blower wheel and motor to ensure that they are clean and properly aligned to prevent future problems. They can also check the refrigerant pressure and temperature to make sure they are in the right range. If they aren’t, the technician will be able to adjust them.
Electrical Inspection
A heat pump has a large coil outdoors and a second coil inside to transfer energy between air conditioning and heating modes. The outdoor coil is subject to the elements year-in and out, accumulating dirt, debris and pollutants.
Like all machines, the components encased in a heat pump wear with time and can cause failures. When the system fails, the repair process can be complicated and costly.
The operation of a heat pump requires a significant amount of electrical current to power the motors and pumps. There are a number of safety devices such as circuit breakers, fuses and temperature limit switches that are designed to keep the machine from running when there is an over-voltage condition or other hazardous problem.
A home inspector will check these items during a regular or full home inspection and make recommendations for repairs as needed. They can also provide a separate Electrical Safety Inspection. This includes testing GFCI and regular receptacles, smoke and CO detectors, outside electric outlet replacement, attic fan electrical hookups, wiring for dishwashers and garbage disposals, surge protector installation and photocell replacement for outdoor lighting with timers.
