As fall draws closer, its time to complete routine heat pump maintenance tasks that will provide energy savings and improved indoor air quality (IAQ) while extending the lifespan of your heat pump unit. While some maintenance tasks are easily completed by homeowners, others are most appropriately handled by an HVAC professional.

The following heat pump maintenance steps can be completed by homeowners:

  • Change a dirty air filter. By checking and replacing your air filter once per month, you will immediately improve your heat pump’s efficiency by increasing airflow, saving you money and increasing the IAQ and comfort of your home.
  • Maintain a trimmed area near the external portion of your heat pump. By providing your unit several feet of open space, air will be able to circulate freely, improving the performance and extending the lifespan of your heat pump.
  • Clean the exterior coils of your heat pump with a garden hose.

In addition to the heat pump maintenance tasks above, a professional inspection can bring peace of mind that your heat pump will remain in top condition for many years to come. An HVAC professional will perform the following tasks:

  • Check and tighten of all electrical connections within your unit. Faulty connections can result in dangerous conditions and/or reduce the lifespan of your heat pump.
  • Adjust the chemical refrigerant level as needed, as a heat pump without the proper level of refrigerant will not operate properly.
  • Lubricate of all moving parts within the system to increase efficiency and reduce mechanical wear.
  • Inspect and clean the condensate drain, as any water remaining from a plugged drain can cause moisture related problems within your home, including mold growth.
  • Check the system controls to ensure that the heat pump unit starts and stops properly.
  • Verify that the thermostat is set to an efficient temperature to keep your home comfortable and save energy while you are away.

Since 1996, the professionals at Comfort Systems have been serving homeowners in the Wichita area. Contact us to day to learn more about heat pump maintenance and other home comfort concerns!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas 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.

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