Heat Pump Maintenance Should Be on Your Spring To-do List

To help keep your heat pump operating efficiently from one season to the next, semi-annual heat pump maintenance should be on your spring to-do list. Use this guide to learn which easy steps you can perform, and save the more technical aspects for your HVAC technician.

How your heat pump works

Your heat pump is essentially an air conditioner with a few more components that allow the refrigerant to travel in two directions, providing both heating and cooling for your home. When the heat pump is in cooling mode, refrigerant extracts heat from ducted airflow at the evaporator. This process cools the air as the air handler pulls it across the air handler and forces the air through the supply ducts. The refrigerant releases the heat that had been absorbed at the condenser in the outside unit.

Many components and processes performed by the heat pump require the skill of a trained and certified HVAC professional to inspect and check. There are, however, a few easy care tips you can perform from time to time to help your heat pump operate efficiently:

• Check the air filter monthly during peak seasons. Clean or replace it as needed. Make sure there is no air leakage around the perimeter of the filter.
• Check all supply outlets and grilles for debris and bent fins. Vacuum and straighten as needed.
• The area around the outside unit should be clear of airflow obstructions for 6 feet on all sides. During the cooling months, make sure debris, leaves and grass clippings don’t collect on the unit. During the heating months, keep snow and ice cleared away.

Professional heat pump maintenance

These are some of the following tasks your certified HVAC pro performs during semi-annual preventive maintenance:

• Refrigerant lines, evaporator and condenser are inspected for leaks.
• Refrigerant is measured and charged as needed.
• The drainage and electrical systems are cleaned and inspected.
• The duct system is visually inspected for air leakage.
• Airflow is measured across the air handler.

For more information about semi-annual heat pump maintenance, please contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today. We proudly serve Greater Indianapolis homeowners.