Heat Pump Maintenance Tips for Colder Months

Households with heat pumps rely on them in the summer for cooling but also in the winter for heating. The winter can be harsh on a heat pump due to the cold temperatures, freezing rain, ice, and snow. While these systems are inherently energy-efficient, you can also do simple tasks to maintain efficiency. Let’s explore the top maintenance tips for heat pumps during the colder months. These guidelines will improve efficiency, lower your energy costs, and protect your heat pump in the short and long term.

Maintain a Perimeter Around the Outdoor Condenser Unit

Heat pumps have an outdoor unit that houses the condenser fan, pump, and coil. This equipment is integral to the refrigeration process and needs sufficient airflow. The industry recommends a 1-foot perimeter around the unit as a minimum. Typically, 2 or 3 feet is even better. That space will allow ample air to flow into the system. It will also help avoid debris collecting in the housing and grime building up on the condenser pump. Ideally, there should be no gutters over the heat pump. Cut overhanging branches, and trim back any bushes and other flora.

Take Care With Condenser Unit Coverings

Because your heat pump both heats and cools your home, it is in use year-round. Therefore, in most cases, you should never cover the outdoor unit. If you feel it needs additional protection, discuss it with one of our HVAC technicians first. Perhaps you have gutters overhead that can drip freezing water onto the unit. In that case, choose an elevated cover that protects the unit but still allows ample airflow.

Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up in the Fall

Heat pumps require seasonal tune-ups twice a year. Schedule a cooling tune-up in the spring and a heating tune-up in the fall. Many equipment warranties require this professional service. Our maintenance visit includes cleaning the outdoor unit’s coils to maximize the refrigeration process’s efficiency. We also lubricate moving parts in the fan and pump and rebalance the fan if necessary.

Maintenance also includes the indoor air handler. We clean the indoor coils and condensate drainage system as well as clean, balance, and lubricate all other parts. Testing the switches and safety features, cleaning the drip pan, and clearing the condensate pipe is also important. During a tune-up, your technician will clean, test, and calibrate your thermostat. Take advantage of our Total Care Club to save money on your home’s maintenance costs, plus discounts on other services.

Clean the Ducts If Necessary

Schedule a duct camera inspection at least every other year. Fall is an excellent time to do that because you’ll probably spend a lot of time indoors during the season ahead. Seasonal tune-ups don’t include a duct inspection or cleaning, but you can schedule the services for the same appointment. If we find substantial dust accumulation, we can schedule duct cleaning. Too much dust can obstruct airflow and affect efficiency. It can also impact your indoor air quality.

Seal the Ducts If Necessary

A duct inspection may also reveal worn duct seals. Worn seals can cause you to lose between 20% and 40% of your heated air. That will affect your comfort and drive up your heating costs. The solution is to seal the ducts. Non-toxic aerosol-based duct sealing is often very effective and can reduce heat losses to less than 5%. There are also manual sealing options, including duct tape and mastic sealant.

Use and Program a Smart Thermostat

Fall is also a good time to reevaluate your thermostat schedules, profiles, and other features that can save you money. If you haven’t yet, this is an excellent time to upgrade to a smart thermostat. It can lower annual heating costs for the average household by up to 10%. 

Many homeowners can save even more through smart features. Some models offer geo-fencing, which detects when you leave home or are returning and automatically adjusts the temperature. Energy monitoring and maintenance alerts are other possible features.

Inspect the HVAC Filter and Change It Regularly

Consider purchasing extra filters so that you always have replacements on hand. Don’t replace your HVAC filter on a set schedule. Instead, check it once a month and replace it as needed. Dust accumulating on the surface generally means the filter has clogged, and you need to replace it. Another sign is a whistling sound. That usually means air can’t get through the filter and is going around it.

Use a Premium HVAC Filter

All central heat pump systems have at least one supply vent that requires a filter. Choose a high-quality filter that will be thick and pleated. Select the appropriate dimensions for your vent. Consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) as well. Many modern heat pump systems support up to MERV 13. A MERV-13 filter will help keep most particles out of the system and improve your air quality.

Keep the Vents Open and Clean

A common mistake homeowners make is closing vents in rooms they’re not using. Doing that doesn’t save money, as many presume it does. Instead, it disrupts the balance in the ducts. That can increase static air pressure, which decreases efficiency and raises heating costs. If you have rooms that are often not used, consider upgrading to a zoned system. 

Check the Outdoor Condenser Unit Regularly

Once a week during the winter, check your outdoor condenser unit. If you notice an accumulation of leaves and other debris, clear it out. That debris can obstruct airflow and trap moisture. Cut back any grass, bushes, and other plant life that’s grown into your condenser unit’s perimeter.

Remove Ice and Snow as Soon as Possible

Ice and snow accumulation can affect the operation of your outdoor condenser unit. As soon as it’s safe and practical, clear the snow and ice from the top of the unit. If you notice significant accumulation within the housing, call a professional. 

Test the Outdoor HVAC Disconnect Switch

While checking the outdoor condenser unit, inspect the disconnect switch as well. That switch makes it safe and easy to disable the system. Make sure that the plug sits tightly within the socket. Clear any dirt, and ensure there’s no deterioration of the plug or base.

Trusted Heat Pump Tune-Ups in North Texas

Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical has served Weatherford, TX and the surrounding areas since 1983. Our NATE-certified technicians install and service air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, furnaces, and hybrid heating systems. We inspect, clean, and seal ducts for better air quality and efficiency. You can also count on us for in-duct air purifiers, UV lamps, and humidity control equipment. 

Our electricians perform inspections, installations, and repairs. That includes electrical panels, surge protection, standby generators, outdoor and indoor lighting, and ceiling fans. Our plumbers repair and repipe water, sewer, and gas lines, clean drains, and detect and fix leaks. We install and repair bathroom and kitchen fixtures, water heaters, water softeners, and water filtration systems. Our plumbers are also available around the clock for emergency services. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an heating appointment.