What You Need To Know About Heat Pump Maintenance
Reducing energy consumption is a goal that many homeowners have. Accomplishing this goal is more challenging than you probably realize. Making a home energy-efficient will require the addition of the right equipment. Homeowners who are passionate about lowering energy usage rates tend to opt for heat pumps over traditional electrical heating systems.
A heat pump will remain energy-efficient and reliable as long as it is properly maintained. Neglecting to provide this piece of equipment with necessary maintenance is a recipe for disaster. Unless you want to pay tons of money to heat pump repair services, you need to get serious about maintenance.
Below are some things you need to know about heat pump maintenance.
Do Your Homework Before Using a Cover
Protecting the outdoor portion of your heat pump can help you avoid serious repair issues. One of the best ways to protect a heat pump is by investing in a cover. There are a number of different heat pump covers on the market. This is why you need to do some research before buying and installing a heat pump cover.
You also need to check the manufacturer guidelines for these covers. Many manufacturers require minimum clearance to ensure airflow isn’t obstructed. Failing to check these guidelines can result in damage to your unit. Asking a trusted HVAC professional for guidance can also help you avoid mistakes during this process.
Inspect Your Filter Every Month
Millions of homes in the United States have heat pumps. If you have just recently installed a new heat pump in your home, then you need to focus on keeping it functional. Consistent airflow is one of the most important things your heat pump needs to stay running efficiently. Most heat pump systems come equipped with a one-inch air filter.
If this filter gets clogged with dirt or dust, it can put your heat pump in a bind. Many of the stock filters can be washed and reused. If you don’t feel like you have the skills or tools to perform this necessary maintenance procedure, hiring a professional to do the work is a good idea.
Avoid Using Auxiliary Heat
When the temperature outside gets below freezing, some homeowners think they need to use emergency heat settings to keep the inside of their residences warm. Using the emergency auxiliary settings on your thermostat prematurely can lead to a lot of energy being wasted.
If you have to continuously use this setting to get your home warm, then there is definitely a problem. With the help of an HVAC professional, you can diagnose and fix the issues your heat pump has. Trying to fix this problem on your own can be disastrous. Rather than putting your heat pump in jeopardy, you need to realize the importance of hiring an HVAC technician.
If you are serious about keeping your home warm this winter, then investing in heat pump maintenance is crucial. A well-maintained heat pump will perform better and use far less energy.