Winter is in full swing, and that means heat pump maintenance is crucial for keeping your system operational and so your home is warm and comfortable. Maintenance also ensures there isn’t unnecessary strain this season that will impact your heat pump in the months to come.
If it has been a while since you scheduled professional heat pump service in Milford, OH, our team a call today to schedule your appointment. You can also keep reading to learn about important care steps of your own that can make a positive difference in heat pump efficiency and lifespan.
Pay Attention to Operation
One of the best things you can do for your heat pump is pay attention to the way it is heating and cooling your home. As part of a normal operation, a heat pump usually operates for around 10 minutes for either a heating or a cooling cycle. Cycles that are significantly longer or shorter can indicate something is wrong with operation.
You should also pay attention to things like loud noises, bad smells, and other red flags that something is wrong with your heat pump. When you notice any of these, call for service right away to address whatever the problem is so it does not worsen.
Care for the Filter
It’s also important to take care of the air filter so that it can help your heat pump operate at its best. This means choosing an appropriate air filter when you buy one from a hardware store. We typically recommend a MERV rating somewhere between eight and 13. A lower rating will not boost your indoor air quality enough, while a higher rating will potentially block airflow and cause your heat pump to work harder.
Once you have a good air filter in place, make sure that you change it out on time, whether it is rated to last for a single month or a few months at a time. Remember, it’s always better to change your air filter a little sooner if you think it looks particularly dirty.
Rinse the Outdoor Unit
It’s also a good idea to hose down the outdoor unit to eliminate dirt buildup. Doing this just once a month will help to keep the airflow moving efficiently from inside your home to the outdoor unit as a part of the exhaust process.
Keep in mind that during the winter season, your unit may be prone to developing ice buildup. If you’re going to hose it down, do it during the day when the sun is out to prevent the water from freezing and doing more harm than good.
Professional Service
It’s also important to schedule a professional service for your heat pump twice each year. Your heat pump is operating all year round without any breaks. If you had a separate heater and air conditioner, each one of those individual systems would get roughly half of the year off while the other one operates. However, heat pumps don’t enjoy this luxury.
Because of this year round operation, you need to schedule service twice per year, roughly six months apart. This is the best way to ensure that your heat pump doesn’t have any issues you aren’t aware of. It also gives our team a chance to identify problems and fix them before they get out of hand.
Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC: You are just one call away from the comfort and savings you deserve! Schedule an appointment today for your HVAC appointment.