Heat pumps can be amazingly efficient at cooling and heating a home. Even in colder winters, when a heat pump may require a secondary heat source for a boost, the system remains efficient to operate. Compared to a home that relies solely on gas or oil furnaces for heat, for example, a heat pump combined with a secondary source of heat can still be very effective while operating at a lower cost. But heat pumps are appliances, just like other heating and cooling systems. Ensuring it remains in good condition is crucial to maintaining that efficient operation.
How Often Does a Heat Pump Need Maintenance?
Ideally, a heat pump needs maintenance twice a year. You want to have the system inspected and any necessary repairs done before significant seasonal changes, which typically occur before summer and before winter. (Or, done in spring and fall if that’s easier to remember.) The heating system can benefit from additional maintenance, such as having filters changed or cleaned more often. However, major maintenance sessions should be performed before you need the heat pump to work extensively to cool or heat your home.
Can You Get Away With Only Once a Year?
Technically, you could, as that’s the bare minimum recommended by the Department of Energy. However, there’s a risk that the system might not work as efficiently as it does in the year that reaches its final months before that one inspection. Think of it like changing a filter. If you change the filter when it first shows signs of being full, the system will continue to draw in air with little resistance. The motor won’t become overworked trying to pull in air through a clogged mat of dust on the filter.
But if you only change the filter after a couple of months have passed since you noticed it might be getting full of dust, you’ll see that the system doesn’t work as effectively. The motor has to work a little harder, for example, even though the filter isn’t completely clogged with a thick mat of dust. Just that extra time can make it more difficult for the system to work at its full capacity.
What Happens if You Don’t Have the System Undergo Maintenance?
If you don’t have the heat pump undergo any maintenance, then you run the risk that it will break unexpectedly. Maintenance not only helps keep the system working smoothly, but it also gives the repairperson and you a chance to identify any areas that may be starting to wear out. You can then either keep an eye on the part or have it replaced immediately. Either way, you keep the system working instead of letting it break when you might need it most.
What’s Involved in Heat Pump Maintenance?
When you have maintenance done on the heat pump, the technician will both clean the system and inspect parts to ensure no problems are forming. They’ll clean coils, filters, ducts, and other parts if they are dirty, and they’ll check ducts and refrigerant lines for small leaks. If nothing else, those leaks should be a primary driver for scheduling maintenance, as they may start small but can grow. And when leaks become larger, that significantly affects the operation of the heat pump. Remember, heat pumps move heat through a process that involves evaporating and condensing a refrigerant. If the refrigerant leaks out, the heat pump will soon be unable to function.
Maintenance also includes lubricating parts and testing airflow and refrigerant charge. The entire system gets an overhaul, ensuring it will be in good shape for the upcoming season.
Does It Need to Be Professional Maintenance?
Yes, your annual to twice-annual maintenance appointments should be done by a professional. There are small tasks you can perform yourself, such as changing filters, but you won’t be able to accurately measure refrigerant charge unless you’re certified in heat pump repair. Don’t try taking the system apart, thinking you can put it back together easily.
In Bozeman, Belgrade, and surrounding areas, heat pump maintenance is critical to staying warm in Montana’s winters. You’ll also want to ensure your plumbing and water heater are ready for the upcoming season. We can inspect and maintain those, too. Contact PJ's Plumbing & Heating to schedule an appointment to check your home’s heat pump today.
