A heat pump can be a wise investment that saves you money on your utility bills. Like most equipment, however, a heat pump only works efficiently if it is properly maintained. When it comes to caring for your heat pump, it’s important to know what maintenance you can do yourself and what you should leave to a professional.

Do-it-yourself tasks
Since heat pumps work by moving air, one of the most important tasks that you can do when caring for your heat pump is to make sure the airflow is unobstructed. Changing filters every one to three months is a good first step. Additionally, make sure that no furniture or other objects block your home’s vents. Inspect the outdoor unit regularly and remove any plants or debris that might be blocking airflow. You may need to clean grass clippings or dirt from the outdoor unit, as well. Occasionally shut off the fan, and clean it, if it is accessible. Finally, check the condensate pan, drain and trap to make sure there are no blockages.

When to call a professional
In addition to the maintenance you can do yourself, you should schedule a regular maintenance appointment at least once a year to take care of the problems that you can’t address. A maintenance technician will check and clean your ducts, filters, coils, and blower to make sure there are no obstructions. He also will check for duct leaks, and fix any issues that have arisen. During the service call, the technician will measure the refrigerant levels, check for refrigerant leaks and inspect the electrical connections to make sure they are clean and tight. The motor will be checked to see if it needs lubrication or the belts need adjusting. Finally, your technician will check the thermostat to make sure it is measuring temperature and functioning properly.

By caring for your heat pump with DIY maintenance and regular professional servicing, you can ensure that it continues to work efficiently and successfully at providing you with a comfortable indoor environment.

For more information about caring for your heat pump or other HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) issues, contact Powers Heating & Air. We’re proud to serve residential and commercial customers in Peachtree City and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about caring for your heat pump and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Powers Heating & Air serves Peachtree, GA and the surrounding areas.  Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!