Everything to Know About Heat Pump Maintenance

Did you know that more than 27% of the residential energy consumed in the Sunshine State goes towards air conditioning? That’s four times more than the national average. Florida’s long warm-weather season makes it essential to maintain your heat pump in peak condition. Here’s what you need to know about heat pump maintenance to ensure your home stays comfortable for many years to come.

An Air Balancing Act

Heat pumps keep you chill all summer by drawing heat from the air and depositing it outdoors. The cooled air gets blown into your ductwork for general distribution. Stale air then gets returned to the heat pump for re-conditioning. That’s a simple explanation of a rather complex process. It takes an array of intricate mechanisms to keep the air flowing at the right temperature and velocity. A single faulty part can send everything into a tumble. Proper maintenance helps keep everything in good working order.

The most important DIY task you can do to maintain this air balancing act is to change the filter whenever it’s dirty. HVAC filters do more than help keep contaminants out of the air you breathe. They also safeguard air distribution components against damaging dust, dirt and grime. It pays to keep them clean.

It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humidity

Heat isn’t the only thing your heat pump pulls from the air. It also extracts water vapor, which helps lower humidity levels. The moisture collects in a drain pan and gets deposited outdoors via a condensate line. Without regular maintenance, problems ranging from iced-over cooling coils to clogged condensate lines can cause lasting damage to your heat pump. Signing up for a professional maintenance plan is the best way to ensure you stay cool and dry.

Winter Is Coming

Many of today’s heat pumps are all-season systems that reverse operation when cold winter air comes your way. A lot happens when you flip the switch to heating mode. The flow of refrigerant changes direction, and the coils in the outdoor unit kick into gear. A professional tune-up in the fall is the best way to ensure you stay warm all winter by verifying that everything works as intended.

Fall is also a good time to clear away any clutter or vegetation crowding the outdoor unit. There should be at least 2 to 3 feet of open space around the unit’s perimeter. Take a moment to inspect the unit’s grill of metal fins too. Technicians use a soft bristle brush to remove any leaves, grass or pine needles stuck in the fins.

Money-Saving Benefits

As with all heating and cooling systems, regular maintenance is the key to efficient operation. A well-maintained heat pump consumes up to 25% less energy than a neglected one. That’s 25 cents on every dollar you spend to keep your indoor environment comfortable. Proactive care helps prevent costly repairs, and because properly maintained systems last longer, you’ll also safeguard your budget against a premature replacement.

Peak Performance Maintenance Agreement

Lower energy bills, cleaner air and improved comfort are great reasons to enroll in an HVAC maintenance plan. At HI-VAC Air Conditioning Service, our Peak Performance Maintenance Agreement comes with extra perks, including a 15% discount on repair services. You’ll also enjoy priority service, which means you’ll go to the head of the line for repair calls. That’s an important perk if your heat pump breaks down during our busy summer season.

Every member of our team at HI-VAC Air Conditioning works hard to keep the communities we serve comfortable every season of the year. We’re proud to provide the professional care your heating and cooling systems need to operate at peak performance. For more information, explore our HVAC maintenance section or call us today.