Heat pumps continue to be among the most energy-efficient HVAC solutions on the market. During the spring, summer, and early fall, they deliver the cool air you need to remain comfortable and safe. The most important step to protect your heat pump throughout the warmer months is to schedule maintenance in early spring. Let’s explore what our technician will you do for your system and what you can do for it as well.
Set the Thermostat
The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This temperature keeps you safe and cool while being energy efficient and limiting heat pump wear and tear. If you have a smart thermostat, you can save and reduce wear even more automatic with adjustment. The DOE recommends aiming for a 7- to 10-degree difference for at least eight hours a day. You can enjoy these savings while you’re sleeping and while away from the home.
During your seasonal tune-up, our technician will remove the faceplate, clean the contacts and check the primary and backup power. We’ll also test the thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly and provide you with an accurate temperature reading. Alternatively, if you don’t yet have a smart thermostat, we can upgrade you so that you can enjoy the energy savings and many other benefits.
Check and Clean Your Filter Regularly
All heat pumps will have one or more supply vents that require an air filter. The industry uses the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating system for filters. Consider using a filter with the highest rating your system supports. It will help keep your system clean while improving air quality. If you’re unsure which filter to use, you can ask our technician during your appointment.
You should also check your filter regularly and at least once a month. How often you’ll need to change it depends on factors like household size and pets. Replace it whenever you can see dust visibly caking up or the air makes whistling sounds as it passes through.
Keep Your Outdoor Condenser Unit Clean
You should aim for at least 1 foot of clearance around your outdoor unit. Some HVAC experts recommend 2 feet or more. This includes bushes and branches overhead. Doing this will help to keep leaves and other debris out of your system. Make sure you never cover the unit or otherwise obstruct the fan, as the heat pump requires adequate airflow. You should also check it regularly. If there’s ever a buildup of leaves or branches, clear it out to avoid dirt accumulation and airflow restriction.
Test the Refrigerant System
Refrigerant is integral to your heat pump. It’s what carries the heat energy from inside your home to the outside. During your tune-up, we’ll ensure that your refrigerant levels and pressure are in the optimal range. The typical refrigerant leak is not a major one that causes the system to fail outright. It’s often small and slow leak that causes weak airflow, inconsistent temperatures and increased electricity costs.
Clean the Condenser and Evaporator Coils
The condenser and evaporator coils are the main components a heat pump uses to transfer energy. Grime can build up on these coils over time, and that can make the transfer inefficient. This will raise your energy costs and eventually manifest in a range of other problems. The condenser coil is outside in the condenser unit. The evaporator coil is usually inside in the attic. During your tune-up, our technician will use coil cleaner to remove all the dirt and growth from these components.
Examine the Reversing and Expansion Valves
A heat pump has two expansion valves, which expand refrigerant. The system uses one primarily during the cooling season while the other functions during the heating season. Still, they must both have a tight seal in order to keep the system closed. Our technician will also examine the reversing valve, which is a main component distinguishing heat pumps from ACs. It’s what lets the heat pump switch from heat mode to cool mode and vice versa. Sometimes, it can get stuck over a season of use and needs to be unstuck.
Clean and Test Condensate Drainage
Another important aspect of seasonal maintenance is the condensate drainage system. Evaporator coils create condensation as a byproduct of operation. That moisture drips down into a condensate pan. Water in the pan exits the home to the outside via a condensate drain line.
Our technician will clean the drip pain and ensure that it’s in good shape. We’ll test the wet switch. That switch protects the drip pan from overflowing by tripping the system. Our technician will ensure the drain pipe has the appropriate angle. If your system has a pump, we’ll inspect and clean it. We’ll also check the drain line and clear out any blockages if applicable.
Examine and Lubricate the Condenser Pump and Fan
The condenser pump and fan are both outdoors. The condenser pump pressurizes refrigerant into the condenser coil. The fan draws air through the system to facilitate the transfer of heat energy. Both components are subject to great wear and tear over a season. It’s necessary for us to lubricate them, check belts and replace bad bearings and capacitors as needed.
Inspect, Clean and Test the Air Handler
The air handler creates the airflow in your home. It forces air over the evaporator coil to facilitate the energy transfer and into your ducts and out into your home. The blower is a central component. Our technician will clean it, lubricate it, check the fan blades and balance it. We’ll also ensure it’s providing the appropriate airflow for your system. Our technician will check static air pressure as well. There will be additional steps if you have zoning and we need to account for variable-speed control and dampers.
Inspect and Tighten Electrical Components
Another important step we’ll perform is testing your control boards for proper operation and updating them if applicable. We’ll tighten all the electrical connections. Our technician will also replace any wiring or electric components that have worn out over time.
Schedule a Duct Inspection
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association encourages homeowners to schedule an annual duct inspection. Spring is an excellent time for it. Note that a cooling tune-up doesn’t include a duct inspection, but you can schedule these services for the same appointment. If we find that you have excessive dust accumulation in your ducts, we offer duct cleaning services. If we find worn seals, air leakage is a problem. It can cause you to lose between 20% and 40% of your cooling. The solution, which the Environmental Protection Agency recommends, is aerosol-based duct sealing.
Phoenix Metro Area Heat Pump Specialists
Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing is a trusted HVAC company in Chandler serving the entire Phoenix Metro area. If you need a seasonal tune-up and a duct inspection, we’re here to help. Our team also installs and calibrates smart thermostats, replaces air filters, installs air purifiers and seals ducts. We have HVAC technicians that specialize not only in heat pumps but furnaces, air conditioners and ductless mini-splits. Our company has a plumbing team too. We specialize in bathroom remodels, leak detection, drain cleaning, toilet repair and installation, water softeners, septic tanks and much more. If you have any questions about how we can help or would like to schedule an appointment, call today, or contact us online.
