4 Important Heat Pump Maintenance Tips

How often do you schedule a maintenance visit for the heat pump in your Florence home? Taking proper care of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the best way to ensure it will function efficiently and reach its full potential. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your heat pump is in good shape to take on whatever nature throws at it. 

Design Air understands how important it is for your heat pump to operate at its greatest capacity. You depend on your system for comfort, and it’s our mission to help you achieve this. So whether you need to keep warm or cool, we are here to help.

A heat pump offers both the heating and cooling you need for optimal indoor comfort, but keeping up with routine maintenance is critical for it to remain in peak condition. Let us walk you through some basic heat pump maintenance tips to ensure maximum efficiency.  

1. Change Your Air Filter
   The indoor air handler for your heat pumps has an air filter that needs to be replaced frequently.  We recommend replacement of a 1-2” filter every 4-6 weeks during heavy heating and cooling season and the replacement of a wide media filter every 6-12 months.
   
   How do you rate a filter? Look at the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. Filters with high MERV ratings are capable of trapping even the smallest of particles—just be sure the filter with the MERV rating you choose is compatible with your system or you may damage your equipment.
   
2. Clean Your Heat Pump and Surrounding Area Carefully
   Keep the area where your outdoor unit is located as clear as possible. Mow the surrounding grass and trim any hedges, shrubs, or other plants that are nearby. Ideally, your heat pump should have a clearance of at least two feet on all sides for efficient airflow.
   
   Remove dirt, leaves, branches, and other debris from the top and sides of your system. When the weather is warm, you can carefully wash it with a garden hose on a mild setting. Do not spray directly into the unit, but in a parallel fashion to the fins starting at the top and working your way down.
   
   During the winter, keep the system clear of any major buildups of snow. When operating properly, the system will often defrost ice from itself. If you see large amounts of buildup of ice within the unit, call for a service inspection. 
   
3. Stay on Top of Problems and Schedule Safety Inspections
   Having a team of professionals inspect your HVAC system is great, but if an issue is discovered, it’s important to have it addressed soon. Don’t delay important repairs. Take care of minor problems too—otherwise, they may become major and expensive.
   
4. Opt for Professional Maintenance Annually
   Doing your part to maintain your heat pump is critical so it can remain in good condition, but it is always best practice to allow an expert perform maintenance annually.
   
   With professional maintenance, you’ll be able to remain in compliance with your warranty, reduce the risk of a complete system breakdown, and improve the overall efficiency of your system. In fact, you could save up to 30 percent on your energy bill when you perform maintenance services that support ideal system efficiency, according to the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA).

What Happens During a Professional Maintenance Visit?

During a routine professional maintenance visit with our professionals, you can expect us to:

• Perform an electrical safety inspection.
• Evaluate refrigerant levels and address any leaks.
• Measure for proper air flow levels.
• Check your thermostat and ensure it is functioning properly.
• Clean indoor and outdoor components to support smooth operation.
• Assess all components to be sure there are no current or potential issues that need to be addressed.

When it comes to heat pump maintenance, our professionals are here to help. We want your system to remain in top shape for many years to come, so if you’re ever unsure about how to properly maintain your heat pump on your own or would prefer to leave it to our experts, just give us a call.

We also offer an exceptional maintenance plan to help ensure you never miss a service that will encourage your system to operate as efficiently as possible. Be sure to speak with our experts to learn more and become a member today!

Contact Our Professionals for Heat Pump Maintenance Today

Our Design Air professionals have been providing critical maintenance services for homeowners in the Florence, Montana, area for over 30 years. Place your trust in us—we are here to address your heat pump concerns. Call 406-251-7997 or request service online today.