Heat Pump Maintenance 101

The heat pump is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It provides year-round comfort for your home and because of this, it is extremely important to have heat pump maintenance as a part of your general HVAC maintenance

The heat pump produces heat by transferring heat from a cold space to a warmer space or transferring heat from a warm space to a colder space. The heat pump is what keeps you warm in the winter and cools you off in the summer. This blog post will cover some basic maintenance tips for heat pumps so that you can keep them running smoothly all year round!

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So What is a Heat Pump?

Before you can embark on any type of heat pump maintenance it is important to first understand what this part is. A heat pump is a heat transfer device that is used in both heating and cooling applications. It uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one place to another so it can be used for either heating or cooling your home depending on the season. In Virginia, a heat pump system typically works with a furnace to provide efficient heating during the coldest months of the year.

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Things You Should Know About Heat Pumps

When it comes to heat pump maintenance there are a few general HVAC tips that are important to keep in mind.

1. If you have a thermostat that is programmable make sure that it changes temperature no more than three times a day. This will help to prevent your system from being overworked while also keeping your home comfortable all day long.
2. Make it a point to keep your programmable thermostat adjusted when possible! During the winter, you should have your thermostat set above 65 degrees and during the summer keep it set above 70 degrees. Keeping your thermostat in this range will help keep your HVAC system from being overworked which can, in turn, cause wear and tear to your system and increase energy costs.
3. In order to be the most energy-efficient, your heat pump should be elevated four to eight inches while also being level. When the heat pump is sitting too low you should contact professional HVAC technicians to come to raise and stabilize it.

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Heat Pump Maintenance Tips

Now that you know a little bit more about heat pumps, it is time to delve into some heat pump maintenance tips.

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Never Repair it on Your Own

The most important heat pump maintenance tip is to never, ever, repair your heat pump on your own. Heat pumps are complex systems that require the expertise of heat pump technicians in order to be repaired correctly. If you attempt heat pump repair on your own, there is a chance it could make things much worse for you and result in extensive heat pump damage.

If your heat pump isn’t working properly or if you think something might be wrong with it, contact our team at Express Tech Air.

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Size Isn't Necessarily the Problem

If your heat pump isn’t heating your home properly the size of your heat pump may not actually be the issue. A common mistake that many homeowners make is replacing their heat pump with a larger one if their home isn’t being heated correctly. But the problem could actually be due to a number of things. Before you decide to purchase a larger heat pump have professionals come in for heat pump maintenance.

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Check the Filter Monthly

An important part of heat pump maintenance is checking the filter! If it looks dirty or is clogged, then it is time to replace it with a new filter. You can also set a reminder to change your filter every six months to ensure that there are no tears or extreme weather.

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Protect Your Pump From the Elements

Another important part of heat pump maintenance is protecting your pump from the various elements. The heat pump is a delicate system that can be easily damaged from the harsh effects of the elements. Make sure to clean off debris, ice and snow as often as possible during those cold months where heavy snowfall occurs in order to protect your heat pump!

Protecting your heat pump will not only benefit you by keeping energy costs down but it will also keep your heat pump working as efficiently as possible so it doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced prematurely.

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Keep Your Heat Pump Away From the Gutters

You should also take the time to make sure your outdoor unit isn’t sitting underneath any leaky gutters. When heat pumps sit too close to roofs and gutters, they can accumulate a lot of debris which will ultimately cause damage. Keep your heat pump away from any leaking areas or you should consider adding insulation to that area in order to protect it.

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Preventative Heat Pump Maintenance is Important

However the best thing you can do for heat pump maintenance is take preventative action! Just like most things dealing with your HVAC system, the best way to protect your heat pump is by taking preventative measures. This includes keeping it out of the heat, cleaning your heat pump regularly and making sure you have a professional come in for heat pump maintenance on a regular basis.

When it comes to heat pumps, preventative measures are key! As long as you do your part by taking care of your heat pump with heat pump maintenance then there is no reason why you shouldn’t have a heat pump that functions properly and efficiently all year round.

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Let our Team at ETA Help with Heat Pump Maintenance

If you are looking for heat pump maintenance help, it is time to call our team at Express Tech Air! We offer heat pump repair and heat pump services year-round. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a properly working heat pump that keeps your home warm all winter long. Contact our team at Express Tech air today for more information about how we can help you with all of your heat pump and HVAC needs!