Improper installation, inadequate maintenance and duct losses lead to poor performance and inefficiency of heat pumps, costing you significantly in increased energy bills. More than 50 percent of heat pumps suffer from installation problems or service issues with low airflow, leaky ducts and incorrect refrigerant charge, according to Energy Star. To ensure your system is not suffering from these problems, it is important to schedule professional heat pump maintenance and servicing periodically.
Without regular heat pump maintenance, your pump will deteriorate and cause your energy use to rise by between 10 and 25 percent. You can carry out some aspects of the heat pump maintenance yourself including cleaning or replacing filters every two to six months; cleaning outdoor coils, the outdoor unit, the fan blades of the blower and the supply and return registers whenever necessary; and cleaning the evaporator coils and condensate pan every two to four years.
Professional servicing is required at least once every year to check filters, ducts, the indoor coil and the blower for dirt and obstructions. The maintenance service will cover the following: inspection for duct and refrigerant leakages; measurements of airflow, thermostat operation and refrigerant charge; establishing correct electric control; and the examination of belts for tightness and wear. Your professional may also examine the electrical terminals in order to clean and tighten connections and apply fresh non-conductive coating.
For further expert advice on heat pump maintenance and servicing or any other issues concerning home comfort, please contact us at Around the Clock. We have been serving the Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pump maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock