Heat pumps are rising in popularity, giving you a new and improved option for heating and cooling your home. A heat pump is a single appliance that can provide both cold and warm air and operates more efficiently than a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Like other HVAC systems, your heat pump requires routine maintenance to operate efficiently. Our experts at Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar recommend annual routine maintenance to prevent unexpected breakdowns and premature failure of your heat pump. This maintenance helps you stay comfortable in any season in your Tampa, FL home.
Why Is Routine Maintenance Important?
Experts suggest routine maintenance as a means of inspecting, assessing, and repairing your heat pump. A heat pump has many components that make it work. If any of these fails from overuse or neglect or for another reason, you’ll be left without the benefits of your HVAC system. Through routine maintenance, you can spot signs of trouble before they shut down your system. You can extend the life of your unit and enjoy the proper working condition of your heat pump all year long. Regular maintenance also helps keep your unit energy efficient and keeps your warranty in force.
DIY Heat Pump Maintenance
You can handle some parts of regular heat pump maintenance without the help of a professional. These tasks are simple and safe for a homeowner to carry out alone, allowing you to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
Change or Clean the Air Filter
An air filter on your heat pump keeps dirt and debris out of your pump and away from your vents. You should change this filter at least once every three months. Failure to change the filter could result in inefficient and insufficient airflow and may clog your unit, leading to more severe mechanical problems.
Clean the Outside of Your Pump
Wipe down the outside of your heat pump’s outdoor unit occasionally to remove excess dirt and debris. Remove any twigs, leaves, or sticks. Maintain a 2-foot clearance all around the unit. You can clean this component as often as you’d like and should do so at least once a year.
Check Indoor Vents and Registers
Check for optimal airflow from your vents and registers. Clean the outside of the vents to remove dust and dirt. Use a vacuum to suck dust trapped inside the vent near the opening and a cloth to wipe the surface clean.
Professional Heat Pump Maintenance
Certain components of heat pump maintenance require a professional HVAC technician. Our expert technicians know what to look for, how to handle your system safely, and how to make skilled repairs if needed. The technician may complete the same steps you’ve already done as DIY maintenance, including changing the air filter and cleaning the outside unit. They will then dive in deeper for a more detailed look at your HVAC equipment. For the best routine maintenance in Tampa, call on our experienced technicians.
Lubrication
Some moving parts inside your heat pump require lubrication to prevent excessive wear and tear from friction. This lubrication also promotes greater efficiency for your machine.
Clear Condensate Drain
The technician will remove debris or obstructions from the condensate drain, allowing moisture to move freely from your unit. They will also check for leaks or cracks and make repairs as needed.
Test Controls
Your system should start up and shut down properly when you use the controls for your heat pump. The technician will listen for unusual noises and check for vibrations during startup and operation.
Condenser Coil and Fan
Our technician will clean the condenser coil and the fan inside your heat pump. They will check for amp draw, vibrations, and stability in these components.
Belts and Pulleys
Belts and pulleys inside your heat pump should be checked for proper tightness, connection, and alignment.
Blower Wheels and Motors
The blower wheels and motors inside your heat pump can cause airflow issues when not working properly. The technician will check these parts to ensure they are in good working condition and test the amperage.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant helps cool air from your heat pump. The technician will check your refrigerant level and refill the fluid as needed. In addition, the refrigerant metering device should be inspected to make sure it is working as it should.
Electrical Connections
Your heat pump requires electricity to operate. The technician will inspect the wires and cords, looking for any signs of damage or loose connections. Loose or frayed electrical wires may cause your heat pump to work less efficiently, fail to power on, or even cause an electrical fire.
Defrost Assembly
The defrost assembly in your heat pump keeps your unit from freezing up. The technician will check that the component is in good condition and that the defrost timer is working.
Coil Temperatures
Coil temperatures should be monitored to confirm that they are consistent across all coils. If there are varied temperatures from one coil to the next, a variety of underlying issues could be causing poor performance or failure.
Thermostat
Your thermostat should reflect the correct temperature in response to your heat pump. The technician will check the thermostat sensors and test the temperature, making adjustments as needed to calibrate your thermostat.
Check the Heat Pump’s Placement
The placement of your heat pump is extremely important to proper operation. It must be elevated and level for drainage without clogs and freezing issues. It is likely that your heat pump was placed properly when installed, but certain factors could necessitate moving it.
Ductwork
If you struggle with even and sufficient heating and cooling, there may be a blockage within your ductwork. Our technicians may inspect your ducts, looking for obstructions that could impede airflow. If excess dirt and buildup are found inside your ducts, they will need to be removed to restore proper airflow throughout your home.
When to Call for Help
Preventive maintenance can reduce your risk of heat pump breakdowns and failures. However, there’s always a chance you’ll have an issue even after this maintenance is performed. If your heat pump isn’t operating at peak levels, call Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar for diagnosis and repair promptly. Here are a few signs your heat pump needs professional attention:
- Uneven heating and cooling
- Strange noises or vibrations during operation
- Frequent cycling on and off
- A sudden unexplained increase in your electric bill
- Frequent ice buildup and freezing of the device
At Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar, our No. 1 goal is to provide top-level service that keeps you comfortable inside your house all year long. Our expert HVAC technicians have extensive training and experience, making them the best at handling anything related to your heat pump. In addition, we provide a comprehensive list of heating and cooling services including repair, maintenance, and replacement services. Our technicians also provide ductwork, insulation, and humidity control services.
For the best HVAC services in the Tampa, FL area, call Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar today to schedule your annual heat pump maintenance.
