Heat Pump Maintenance 101: DIY and What to Leave to Your HVAC Pro

Comprehensive heat pump maintenance is essential for keeping your heat pump performing well throughout its lifetime. Many important upkeep jobs are easy to do yourself. Others are best left to an expert. Knowing which is which will help you give your system the care it needs.

Jobs you can perform yourself include:

• Caring for your filters — Dirty filters interfere with airflow, reducing your system’s efficiency and placing the fan and compressor at risk for damage. As part of regular heat pump maintenance, check your filter monthly and replace it when it’s dirty. You’ll need to replace it every two to six months depending on your home’s air quality.
• Cleaning the outdoor coil — A dirty outdoor unit impairs your system’s performance. Clean the unit whenever it looks dirty. Remove any leaves or other debris, then gently spray water through the fins.
• Cleaning the indoor components — Every two to four years, clean the indoor coil with compressed air or a soft brush and clean out the condensate pan. If you can access the blower fan, clean the blades with a soft brush. If you notice dust buildup on your registers and grilles, remove them for cleaning.

Jobs for an HVAC professional include:

• Inspecting the mechanical components — Using specialized diagnostic equipment, a technician can inspect your ductwork, blower and indoor and indoor coils to ensure they’re clean, lubricated where necessary, and operating correctly. This includes checking the blower fan belt for abnormal wear that could indicate more serious problems.
• Inspecting the electrical components — During routine heat pump maintenance, a technician will clean and tighten electrical connections, and ensure the controls and thermostat are working correctly.
• Checking the refrigerant — An A/C system that’s overcharged or undercharged with refrigerant won’t operate efficiently. A technician can ensure your system contains the amount of refrigerant needed to keep your heat pump running efficiently.

To learn more about how to keep your heat pump performing optimally, talk with us at Sobieski Services. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

Image Credit: Jenn Durfey