Preseason Heat Pump Maintenance Goes a Long Way

As a homeowner, you’re well acquainted with the necessity for seasonal cleaning and DIY tasks in and around your home to keep it tidy and efficient. This year, make sure you put a star on your spring cleaning checklist next to preseason heat pump maintenance. This one task will help you enjoy greater comfort with lower cooling bills all summer long.

Preseason heat pump maintenance

Heat pumps are sophisticated cooling and heating systems that may reach energy efficiency rates of 400 percent when well-maintained. To accomplish this, free airflow is required across the indoor and outdoor coils to optimize refrigerant heat exchange and prevent malfunctions.

The following DIY tasks go a long way to boost performance:

• Clean or change the filter monthly or as needed during peak cooling and heating months. If left dirty, filters can encounter airflow obstructions, which can cause the indoor coil to ice up during the cooling months, or the outdoor condenser coil to ice up during the heating months.

• Inspect the outside unit for airflow blockages, such as leaves, debris, overgrown weeds and shrubs, and snow and ice accumulation, depending on the season.

• Spray off the outside unit with the garden hose every few months.

• Ensure air supply outlets aren’t obstructed.

Preventive maintenance performed by a certified HVAC professional at the start of spring and autumn keeps your heat pump system well-tuned for a longer lifespan, fewer surprise repairs and greater energy efficiency.

The professional HVAC tech will:

• Inspect heat pump components and ductwork for airflow obstructions or leakage in the ductwork.

• Inspect coils and copper lines for refrigerant leaks.

• Measure refrigerant charge and replenish if needed.

• Inspect electrical terminals for connections and wear.

• Test thermostat function.

• Inspect air handler and balance as needed.

• Check belt for wear.

• Inspect drainage system for proper function, as well as check for mold.

• Deep clean indoor coil to remove film and debris, which hinders heat exchange.

For more information about preseason heat pump maintenance, or to speak with an HVAC specialist, contact us at Sobieski Services today. 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).

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