Simple Heat Pump Maintenance Tasks That Promote Efficiency

So you purchased a heat pump to save energy while keeping your house comfortable. It’s supposed to run more efficiently than a gas-powered furnace. But lately, it hasn’t been, and your energy bills have been going up again. What’s the problem? It could be that you’re not keeping up with maintenance. Some simple heat pump maintenance tasks can improve your energy efficiency tremendously. Here are a few things you can either do yourself, along with some you’ll need your trusted HVAC technician to do for you.

• Remove plants and debris around the outdoor unit. This includes trimming the grass and cutting back any branches or hedges. There should be at least two feet of clearance all the way around the outside condenser/compressor, to give the unit room to breathe.
• Change the filter regularly. A clogged filter wastes energy and stresses out your heat pump. Check it every month to see if it’s dirty, and replace the filter at least every three months.
• Clean the coils. The evaporator coil should be cleaned every year or two, along with the condensate pan. The outdoor coil should be cleaned as needed. Look for dirt on the outside of the coil.
• Check all components. Oil the motor, clean the fan blades, and check the unit’s wiring to make sure everything is working and connected properly.
• Check the refrigerant levels. If your refrigerant level is too low, your heat pump will have to work harder and use more energy to cool your home. If it’s too high, it can damage your system. Your HVAC technician can make sure you have the correct refrigerant level and check for any leaks.
• Inspect for ductwork leaks. The problem may not be with your heat pump; it might be with your ducts. If your ductwork leaks, then some of the air from your heat pump isn’t making it to its intended destination, wasting energy and resulting in uneven heating and cooling. You or your HVAC technician should locate and seal any leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant.

To schedule your heat pump maintenance appointment, contact our technicians at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided expert HVAC advice and service to Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties for more than 34 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio 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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