To keep your heat pumps in optimal condition year round, regular heat pump maintenance is essential. Not only can preventative maintenance catch minor issues before the turn into major repairs, these tasks can also reduce your energy consumption so you can save on your month to month energy costs.
If you have a heat pump in your home, you've probably wondered about how you're supposed to take care of these dual heating and cooling systems, and whether there's a heat pump maintenance checklist you should follow.
Luckily, M&K Heating and Air Conditioning is here to outline what it is you need to know, so you can maintain optimal performance levels from your equipment. Stick around for more information.
What kind of upkeep is necessary for a heat pump?
Before we get started, it's important to that we make it clear to homeowners that heat pump maintenance should only ever be performed by a professional technician who is qualified to do so. DIY attempts can put your HVAC system at risk of damages and cause injuries.
As such, when you schedule a preventative maintenance appointment with a team like M&K Heating and Air, here are some tasks our certified techs will perform on your cooling and heating system:
- Look for refrigerant leaks and make any required repairs.
- Measure refrigerant levels to guarantee efficient cooling.
- Inspect belts, indoor coil, outdoor coils, blower motor, electrical connections, and other important parts for any deterioration.
- Change air filters to guarantee optimal air flow from the unit.
- Remove dust, debris, grime, and dirt from the outdoor unit that could restrict airflow.
- Lubricate motors, bearings, fans, and other mechanical parts to slow date the rate of deterioration.
- Check thermostat settings (including heating and cooling mode) to ensure there are no malfunctions.
- Examine the condensate drain line to guarantee there is proper drainage.
- Fix any loose connections between the indoor and outdoor unit.
- Do a full unit inspection to see if we can identify any underlying issues that may require repairs.
- Conduct a full safety and operation test of your heat pump to ensure the system is working properly.
How frequently should heat pumps be cleaned?
Homeowners should aim to have their heat pumps cleaned, especially the outdoor unit at least every couple of months. During the winter months when the weather outdoors isn't favourable, debris can collect around the unit and limit air flow and the ability to heat your home.
Therefore, we suggest you regularly clean around the system during the colder months and remove and debris as often as possible.
When should I arrange for maintenance for my heat pump?
Your heat pump maintenance checklist should look somewhat like the following:
Annual heat pump appointment
Book a maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC company once or twice a year. This will help prevent increasing energy costs, keep your equipment safe, and help you keep a comfortable home throughout the entire year for you and your loved ones.
Outdoor compartment
Like we said before, the outdoor system can take quite a beating throughout the year, given that it comes into contact with all types of weather conditions. Therefore, we suggest cleaning the outdoor system every couple of months to remove debris that could prevent it from operating safely and correctly.
Air filter changes
Again, to ensure your heat pump can circulate fresh air throughout your home, change the filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on your needs.
Look at the manufacturer's guidelines
Last but certainly not least, it's important for homeowners to also look at the manufacturer's guidelines that comes with your new heat pump equipment. Most manufacturer's instructions include suggestions for maintenance based on the unique requires of the model you have purchased.
It's important to note that in order to keep your manufacturer's warranty valid, they'll usually include terms and conditions that states how often you need to perform maintenance on the unit. If you fail to comply with the maintenance checklist provided, you can invalidate your warranty.
As a result, you'll be responsible for any repair costs, replacement costs, and other expenses that may be acquired before the guarantee period has expired.
When is it time to replace the heat pump filter?
The air filter in your heat pump is responsible for maintaining a healthy indoor air quality in your home. However, as dust, pet dander, hair, and other debris filters through, it can end up clogging it, which will prevent the system from circulating without causing strain on the system.
So, to ensure your heat pump can work properly, consider changing the air filters once every 1 to 3 months.
How can I avoid my heat pump not working well?
To prevent costly repairs and premature heat pump breakdowns, regular heat pump maintenance is absolutely essential. Booking a tune-up once or twice a year, and scheduling prompt repairs is the best way you can keep your heat pump working optimally for you for as long as possible.
Book Your Heat Pump Maintenance Appointment with M&K Heating and Air Conditioning Today!
Keep your heat pumps in tip-top shape with the help of of M&K Heating and Air Conditioning!
The professional HVAC team from M&K Heating and Air is proud to partner with homeowners throughout Lyndale, Derwent, Dorchester, Masonville, Westmount Arva, Talbotville, Ilderton, Belmont, Delaware, Ingersoll, Mount Brydges, Birr, Cobble Hill, Vanneck, White Oaks, Komoka, Lynhurst, Poplar Hill, Thorndale, Byron, Strathroy, London, and St. Thomas.
We offer heat pump system repairs and maintenance appointments 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost! Same-day emergency repairs are also available, so you never go without a properly functioning heat pump.
Book your maintenance appointment with us by giving us a call directly or make a maintenance request using our online form!
