Heat pumps are generally the best option for cooling and heating homes in Dallas, GA and anywhere else with mild winters. The only concern with a heat pump is that it can develop more frequent issues and not last as long as traditional HVAC units due to running throughout most of the year instead of only in the summer or winter. By taking these steps to ensure your heat pump is properly maintained, you’ll be able to avoid the most common issues while also enjoying better cooling/heating performance and lower energy bills.
Replace the Air Filter
One of the most important parts of maintaining any type of HVAC system is replacing the air filter regularly. The general rule is that you should never go longer than three months without replacing the filter, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to every situation. In places like Georgia with hot, humid summers, you may need to put in a new filter every month or two due to how much your heat pump has to run. You should also replace the filter more often if you have dogs or cats in the home, as pet hair can clog it up fairly quickly.
As an air filter gets dirty, it becomes more and more restrictive in terms of how much air can be drawn through it. This reduction in airflow results in the HVAC system not running as efficiently and taking longer to cool or heat the house each time it cycles on. Not only does a dirty air filter directly contribute to higher energy bills, but it can also lead to the system freezing up or create issues that could result in a sudden breakdown.
Check and Clean All Your Vents and Registers
Every time you replace the air filter, you should also go around the house and make sure that all of the vents and registers are open and not clogged with dust and debris or obstructed by furniture or any other items. Regularly vacuuming or wiping down the cover on your return air vents helps ensure that the incoming airflow isn’t restricted and your heat pump system can cool and heat as effectively as it should.
For your supply registers and vents, you should remove the cover every three months or so and clean them off to make sure they aren’t clogged. Vacuuming out the inside of the vent also helps prevent the cover from getting clogged. The issue with clogged, obstructed or closed supply vents is that it leads to increased pressure inside the ducts, which makes it more difficult for the system to properly circulate air around the house. Not only can this result in the system working less effectively and using more energy, but it also often leads to uneven cooling/heating and hot or cold spots in some parts of the house.
Keep the Area Around the Heat Pump Clean
Regularly check that there’s no debris piled up around the heat pump or stuck to its sides. This is especially important later in the year once the leaves start to fall. During the spring and summer, when everything grows quickly, check that no tall grass, weeds, bushes or branches are growing too close to the heat pump. Ideally, you should maintain at least a 2-3 foot open clearance around the unit to ensure sufficient air flows through the heat pump when it’s running.
The air that the condenser fan draws into the unit plays a critical role in the heat transfer process and helps the refrigerant release the heat it pulled out of the house in cooling mode and captures heat when in heating mode. If the airflow is even partially blocked off, the heat pump won’t be able to cool or heat as effectively. Ensuring that the unit has proper airflow is also important for preventing the compressor from potentially overheating and causing the heat pump to shut down.
Inspect the Insulation on the Refrigerant Lines
The copper refrigerant lines run from the heat pump to inside the house and are completely wrapped in black foam insulation. Without this insulation, the cold refrigerant that is pumped into the house would absorb a significant amount of heat during the summer, resulting in the heat pump not cooling as effectively. The heat pump also wouldn’t be able to heat nearly as well during the winter due to the refrigerant losing too much heat as it travels into the house.
The insulation on the refrigerant lines deteriorates over time due to exposure to heat and the elements, which is why you should inspect it a few times a year. If you notice any cracks or damage in the insulation, replacing it will improve your heat pump’s performance. You can find the insulation in almost any home improvement or hardware store and replace it yourself in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can have a technician do it when they are servicing your heat pump.
Schedule Spring and Fall Tune-Ups
The best way to ensure that your heat pump runs smoothly and you get as much life out of it as possible is to schedule twice-yearly professional tune-ups. You can’t DIY most of the critical tasks for maintaining a heat pump, and there’s a fairly high chance you could damage certain components were you to try. This includes cleaning the condenser coil and evaporator coil, tightening loose electrical connections, checking the amperage draw of the motors, and lubricating moving parts.
Not having your heat pump professionally serviced regularly will lead to your energy bills increasing and your cooling and heating not working nearly as well. This is especially the case if you don’t keep the coils clean, as even one dirty coil can lead to a roughly 30% decrease in efficiency. If your heat pump isn’t working as well as it should, it puts added strain on the compressor and results in an overall increase in wear and tear. That means you’ll likely need to have it repaired more often. The added strain can also cause the compressor to wear out faster and result in your heat pump needing to be replaced sooner.
Another major benefit of spring and fall tune-ups is that they decrease the chances of your heat pump breaking down over the summer and winter. When servicing your heat pump, the technician will perform a diagnostic assessment and check for any potential problems, such as damaged wiring or components that have started to wear out and may soon fail. If they identify any issues, they’ll typically be able to fix them on the spot. That way, you can save the expense of having to pay for another service call down the road.
At Precision Heating & Air, our licensed, highly trained technicians can handle all of your maintenance needs and keep your heat pump in top condition. We work on all makes and models and are available 24/7 for any cooling or heating emergencies. By enrolling in our MVP maintenance membership, you’ll also receive other great benefits, such as priority service, discounted repairs and no overtime fees. To schedule heat pump maintenance or any other HVAC service, contact us today.
