To keep heat pumps working properly, routine maintenance must be performed regularly. Here are some of the more common heat pump maintenance tasks that should be performed at the beginning of every heating and cooling season.
What’s Included in Heat Pump Maintenance?
- Change air filters: Air filters remove particulates from the air circulating through the system, which improves indoor air quality. When these filters get dirty, airflow is reduced. Lowered airflow can interfere with heat pump operation and cause the system to malfunction. Check air filters at least once a month and change them when they get dirty.
- Check refrigerant charge: Your heat pump requires a manufacturer-specified amount of refrigerant for proper heat capture and release. When refrigerant levels are low, system efficiency drops significantly. An HVAC professional can measure refrigerant levels, add refrigerant if needed, and fix any leaks in the refrigerant pipes.
- Check electrical connections: Electrical terminals and connections within the system should be cleaned and tightened to ensure proper system operation. Your HVAC expert may also apply a nonconductive coating to electrical connections.
- Inspect and seal ductwork: Ductwork carries all the heated and cooled air from your heat pump. If there’s damage to the ducts, such as loose or detached sections or broken seals at connections, conditioned air will leak out. Your HVAC tech should check the ducts for proper connections and seals and fix any problems that are found.
- Clean blower motors, coils, fans and other internal components: Dirty fans, motors and coils can affect operation and reduce system efficiency. Components should be cleaned to ensure proper movement, and all moving parts should be lubricated.
- Verify and calibrate thermostat and controls: The thermostat and system controls should be checked for proper operation. Controls should be calibrated to ensure they work within the temperature levels you prefer.
Learn more about the heat pump maintenance offered by Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, then give us a call at 888-929-0049 to schedule an appointment for your greater Houston home!
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