Tips for heat pump maintenance and usage

Heat pumps are a part of the HVAC system plays a crucial role in heating the house. These can be used for cooling effects in the summer season too. These need to be serviced to maintain them properly. Heat pump installation cost might be high, but maintenance cost can be regulated in the following ways:-

• Clean the air filters regularly every month. You should replace it if required.
• Allow a service technician to check the heat pump before you use it for air conditioning. Ask them to clean the condensate pan and drain in spring before switching it on. 
• The heat pump should be serviced annually.
• If the fan motor is permanently sealed, put some oil in the bearings whenever required. If detachable, get it appropriately oiled.
• The outdoor coils should be kept clean. This can be done by using a good quality degreaser. Make sure you switch off the pump before cleaning it. Otherwise, there might be a risk of electric shock.
• There shouldn’t be any plants or shrubs around the outdoor unit. Otherwise, there would disrupt the flow of air.
• Do not change the thermostat settings regularly. Set the thermostat at one temperature. This might lead to increased costs. 
• The setbacks should be limited to twice a day, especially when you are not at work or sleeping.
• During winters, the thermostat should be set below 65 degrees.
• During summers, do not set the thermostat below 70 degrees. Otherwise, it would lead to freezing of coils, thereby leading to condensation in the house.
• Check the outer unit after a snowfall. Don’t let the snow collect around it. 
• Switch off the thermostat before cleaning it. 
• To remove the ice, pour warm water on it, but not hot water. 
• Do not use sharp objects to remove the snow as it would damage the coil or may even cause you injury.
• In spite of clearing off the snow, the unit ices again; then, you need to call the technician for service.
• To facilitate proper drainage, place the outer unit 4 to 8 feet above the ground. This will also drive out the risk of ice collection in the unit.
• It is advisable to replace the old pumps rather than fixing them as the parts would not work effectively and would add to cost.
• Sometimes, it happens that the system does not provide the expected comfort. In that place, people think of replacing the internally placed pump with a larger one. But that is not recommended. Because the duct is designed accordingly, replacing it with another one would lead to electrical disorders. 
• It is not always the pump which troubles you. In many cases, it can be the electrical connection or heat load, which might not match the requirement to run the heat pump you purchased.
• Heat pump replacement is the best option, and it should be done within 12 to 15 years.
• Present-day heating systems are made up of solid-state circuit systems and circuits. These can’t be repaired without any technical knowledge. So, always call an electrician to fix or repair the heat pumps. Do not repair it on your own. You might get an electric shock or end up destroying your system.
• Replace the air filter monthly. Before replacing, check the specifications and the airflow. Place the filter in the direction of the air. 
• Some air filters are washable, which can be washed with appropriate cleaning agents. 
• Although it is not required to cover the heat pumps, still if you wish to do so, do not cover the upper portion. Including it would block the discharge of air.

On the whole, it is seen that heat pump maintenance costs can be reduced if it is installed properly and used wisely by a professional service which holds extensive experience in installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems at the most competitive market price.