Heat Pump Tips for Switching From Hot Weather to Cold Weather

Your home’s heat pump has done a marvelous job keeping your home cool throughout the summer. But with fall underway, now is the time to transition your unit to heating duty. Despite current warm daytime temperatures, chilly winter weather will be here before you know it.

Although there’s plenty that your HVAC technician must do to prep your heat pump for the big switch, there are still plenty of DIY tasks you can tackle yourself.

DIY Fall Heat Pump Task List

• Inspect and replace your unit’s air filter. Replacing your air filter on a regular basis ensures that your system runs efficiently and effectively throughout the fall and winter.
• Get rid of any vegetation that’s grown around the outdoor condenser cabinet. Weeds, leaves and debris can easily block this component from getting the air flow it needs to operate properly. Ensure proper air circulation by keeping the surrounding area clear for several feet.
• Carefully check the fan and condenser for any downed branches or debris. If these things get caught within, it can damage the entire unit and cause it to shut down.
• Rinse off all dirt and debris from the condenser coil with a good blast from your garden hose.

Meanwhile, you’ll want to call on your HVAC technician to inspect and tune up your heat pump. Not only will your technician monitor the unit’s performance, but he or she will also conduct the following tasks.

HVAC Technician Fall Heat Pump Task List

• Inspect and clean the evaporator coils
• Check and clean the condensate drain line
• Inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the drain pan
• Check refrigerant levels
• Check the unit’s wiring and circuitry

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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