That heat pump you count on all winter long worked fine last winter, and kept your home cool this summer. But how will it operate when it goes back into heavy-duty heating mode? For any heating system, fall maintenance is a good idea, providing you with security in knowing your equipment is ready for the long winter months.
Benefits of a properly maintained heat pump
To keep you from having to call in a pro later to fix your heat pump, you can have it properly checked out and maintained before you start depending on it to provide heat for your family.
The benefits of scheduling heat pump fall maintenance include the obvious — you’ll have reliable and comfortable heating. But maintenance also tends to improve efficiency, allowing you to get maximum heating power at the lowest energy use and cost.
Tips on proper maintenance
One thing you can do yourself is make sure you change the air filter once a month and keep the outdoor coils clean. Beyond that, however, you’ll want to schedule a reliable technician to come in and do system-wide fall maintenance.
When your technician arrives, he’ll likely do the following tasks:
- Inspect the filters, ducts, blower and indoor coils. All dirt and obstructive material should be removed
- Measure and calibrate airflow
- Verify that there is no duct leakage, and have any duct leaks sealed
- Check the refrigerant charge, and add the precise needed amount if it’s low
- Check electric terminals and make sure they are tightly connected
- Inspect belts and lubricate motors
- Ensure correct electric control and check for proper thermostat operation
For more expert advice about heat pumps and making a fall maintenance plan — or for other issues related to home comfort — please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve been serving the Dayton area for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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