Love them or hate them, lawn and yard chores are soon going to be on many homeowners’ to-do lists. Combine yard work with cleaning and maintenance of the outdoor unit of your heat pump and you’ll see season-long benefits both inside and out.
Clean the unit
Give the exterior cabinet a good cleaning with a mild detergent and soft cloth. Clean inside the unit and remove grass, twigs, leaves or other obstructions in the vents, on top of the unit and around the exterior of the unit. Trim back vegetation such as shrubs, bushes, trees and plants to make sure there’s sufficient clearance on all sides of the unit to provide adequate airflow.
Change the filter
Regular filter changes will keep the system running efficiently and effectively, and will help prevent breakdowns. Check the filters at least once a month and change them if dirty.
- Glass fiber filters: These filters are designed to be used and then discarded, so change them when they get dirty or at least every six months.
- Plastic fiber or foam: Clean these types of filters with a vacuum and replace.
- Aluminum mesh: Clean with mild detergent and water. Reapply the adhesive coating that traps particulates, then reinstall.
Lubricate motor and moving parts
For units with an oiling port, add 10 to 20 drops of electric motor oil or SAE 10 or 20 motor oil every two years. Be careful not to over-lubricate, and do not add oil to a motor that does not have an oiling port.
Protect the surface
Don’t let lawn sprinkler systems spray directly on the cabinet; prolonged exposure to water can cause rust, and chemicals in some lawn watering systems can cause corrosion. A coating of car wax will help keep the outside of the cabinet in good shape and protect it from rain and sun damage.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing HVAC sales, service and repair to customers in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties for more than 33 years. Contact us today for more information on heat pump maintenance or to schedule a seasonal check and tune-up at your convenience.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Energy 1 Heating services the Lorain, OH area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area