8 Tips for Maintaining Your Heat Pump in Fall

Your heat pump is going to work hard keeping your household warm during the winter ahead. Fall is an excellent time to ensure your heat pump is reliable and as efficient as possible. Let’s explore eight tips that will help you with this task.

1. Schedule a Fall Tune-Up

Homeowners should schedule heat pump maintenance every year. The best time to do this is early fall before you need to use your heating system. Some homeowners utilize routine maintenance once per year. However, more regular attention is beneficial. Heat pumps have components that need maintenance ahead of the start of cold weather and hot weather. This includes parts like the reversing valve, evaporator coil, and condenser coil. Most heat pump warranties require this professional maintenance as a condition of coverage. This service can also help lower your electric bills and prevent repairs.

2. Schedule Duct Inspections and Repairs

There are two common duct problems that can undermine heat pump performance. This includes debris accumulation and leakage. Dust builds up naturally in your ducts over time. It can decrease indoor air quality and eventually obstruct airflow. Leakage occurs as the seals between duct sections wear out over time. Schedule a duct camera inspection every few years. You can usually schedule this additional service with your seasonal tune-up. Your HVAC technician can then recommend duct cleaning, duct sealing, and other duct repairs as needed.

3. Choose a Premium Filter

All central heat pump systems have one or more supply vents that use a filter. The industry rates filter effectiveness using the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration but the greater the airflow restriction. Determine the highest MERV rating your heat pump supports, and purchase an appropriate filter. Choosing a MERV rating that is too high for your system can lead to system issues and indoor air quality problems.

4. Check Your Filter Regularly

A filter will generally last about three months, but it varies from home to home. We recommend checking it once per month or even more frequently if you have pets or if someone in your household smokes. If you hear a whistling sound, the filter may be clogged. You’ll also know it’s time to replace the filter when you can see dust accumulating in clumps on its surface. Continuing to use a clogged filter will affect your comfort and increase wear and tear on your system.

5. Update Your Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat can lower your annual heating costs. If you don’t yet have one, it’s time to upgrade and start saving. If you do have one, a technician will clean and calibrate it during your seasonal tune-up. You should also check for any firmware or software updates, and apply those as necessary. Be sure to check your programming as well, and adjust your schedules and profiles in anticipation of seasonal changes.

6. Maintain a Perimeter Around Your Outdoor Unit

The outdoor heat pump cabinet houses the condenser coil, compressor pump, and compressor fan. These are components critical to your heat pump’s reliability and efficiency. Maintain a clear perimeter of at least 1 foot and as much as 3 feet around the cabinet. Keep the area free of overhanging branches, bushes, grass, and other debris.

7. Keep the Inside of Your Unit Clear

Even with proper clearance, leaves, branches, and other debris can build up in the outdoor unit. This can restrict airflow and decrease efficiency. Check your unit periodically for any buildup. Clear away debris using a gentle stream of water. Avoid using water if temperatures outside are dropping before the unit can fully dry. The formation of ice has the potential to cause damage.

8. Monitor for Performance and Comfort Issues

High electricity usage is often the first sign of a heat pump problem. You should track your energy use both monthly and yearly. There are also smart thermostats that will track data for you and provide alerts as needed. Monitor how your system cycles, and don’t ignore long or short cycling. Listen to unusual noises, such as hard starts. You should also monitor for uneven heating.

Bryant’s Heating & Cooling is proud to serve Fort Payne, AL and the neighboring communities. Our team provides seasonal maintenance services for all heat pump brands and models. We inspect, clean, seal, repair, replace, and install ductwork as well.

Our company also offers membership to a Comfort Club that can make maintenance easier while saving you money. To schedule a tune-up, call us at Bryant’s Heating & Cooling in Fort Payne today, or book your appointment online.