In Central Indiana, autumn quickly slips toward winter – toward fridge temperatures and an onslaught of snow and ice. With highs this week already in the low 50s, now is a good time to remember the 4 DIY steps to heat pump maintenance. Tasked with keeping you both warm and cool, the heat pump is probably the most used appliance in your home, making proper maintenance vitally important. Central Indiana’s HVAC leader for over 30 years, Action Air has built reputation for providing stellar service at a fair and honest price. Today, our experts are going to teach you 4 steps to DIY heat pump maintenance.
Before we begin, it’s important to understand what a heat pump is and how it works. A heat pump is referred to as a mechanical-compression refrigeration system. Similar to a central air conditioner, the heat pump uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat as it moves between the indoor and outdoor units. When it’s hot outside, the heat pump removes heat from your home – thus cooling it. When it’s cold, the heat pump warms your home by extracting heat from outside and transferring it inside the home. Heat pumps transfer rather than generate heat, making them energy efficient.
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Control the Thermostat.
Setting your thermostat for optimal efficiency is a vital step toward saving money. In winter, you want to keep your thermostat set to 68 degrees. While this may seem cold to many, there are better ways to stay warm in winter than constantly running your HVAC system. During the summer months, it’s best to keep the thermostat between 76 and 79 degrees. Keeping your thermostat set correctly will allow your heat pump to work at a more energy efficient level.
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Clean and Clear.
Use a water hose to clean the unit thoroughly around the base and sides – removing any dirt or debris near the heat pump. Because a covered unit cannot breathe properly, it’s important to keep the unit clear of any snow or ice during throughout winter. This is espically true if the heat pump sits under gutters, where it is susceptible to dripping snowmelt.
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Clean the Filters Regularly.
Located inside the indoor unit of your heat pump system, the filter is the most crucial and delicate part of the heat pump. Like most other filters, the heat pump’s removes dust, debris, and other contaminates from the air, which can clog the filter and prevent proper airflow. This makes cleaning the air filter monthly an essential part of your overall HVAC system maintenance.
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Keep the Registers Open.
To maintain unrestricted airflow, we recommend that your registers remain open. At no time should more than 10 percent of the registers on your heat pump be closed. You will also want to ensure the outdoor unit remains clear of anything that might block the registers and restrict airflow. This can include but is not limited to shrubs, trees, grass, snow, and ice.
While these DIY tips will help you maintain your heat pump as we race toward winter, the best way to ensure your system is in peak condition is to schedule regular maintenance checkups with a qualified HVAC professional. If you want to have the peace of mind and security that comes from knowing Central Indiana’s most trusted HVAC company is taking care of your system, call the experts at Action Air at (317) 585-8981, or email us at info@actionairfishers.com to schedule an appointment today!
