Top Heat Pump Maintenance Tips For Winter

When the temperature starts to drop, it’s important to make sure that your heat pump is in good shape so you can stay warm all winter long.

In this article, we will discuss some of the top heat pump maintenance tips for keeping your system running smoothly.

We’ll also cover what to do if you encounter any problems during the winter months. So whether you’re a new homeowner with a heat pump for the first time, or you’ve been using one for years, be sure to read through these tips before the cold weather hits.

Use Your Heat Pump All Winter Long

One of the best ways to keep your heat pump in good shape is to use it all winter long! It may seem counterintuitive, but running your heat pump during the colder months will help keep it from overworking itself and breaking down.

If you live in an area with mild winters, you can probably get away with using your heat pump as your primary heating source.

But if you live in a region with harsher winters, you’ll want to supplement your heat pump with a backup heating system, like a furnace. This way, you can take some of the strain off of your heat pump and prevent it from working too hard.

Keep the Area Around Your Heat Pump Clear

Another important tip for keeping your heat pump in good shape is to make sure that the area around it is clear. This means keeping any debris, like leaves or branches, at least two feet away from the unit.

Not only can debris block the airflow to your heat pump, but it can also be a fire hazard. So it’s important to keep the area around your heat pump clean and free of any potential hazards.

Change Your Filters Regularly

One of the most important maintenance tasks for any type of HVAC system is changing the filters regularly. This is especially true for heat pumps, as they tend to work harder than other types of systems and can get clogged up more easily.

We recommend changing your heat pump’s filter at least once every three months, but you may need to do it more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

One of the best things you can do for your heat pump (or any type of HVAC system) is to schedule annual maintenance with a qualified technician. During a maintenance visit, the technician will clean your system, inspect all of the parts, and perform any necessary repairs or replacements.

Scheduling annual maintenance is the best way to keep your heat pump running smoothly and prevent small problems from turning into big ones. So be sure to add it to your calendar and make it a priority.

Set Your Heat Pump for Comfort

Another tip for keeping your heat pump in good shape is to make sure you’re using it correctly. Many people make the mistake of setting their thermostat too low in the winter, thinking that it will heat their home faster.

However, this can cause your heat pump to work harder than necessary and can shorten its lifespan. So instead of cranking up the thermostat, we recommend setting it to a comfortable temperature and letting your heat pump do its job.

Avoid the “Auto” Setting

Many heat pumps have an “auto” setting that allows the system to switch between heating and cooling modes automatically. However, this setting can put extra strain on your heat pump and cause it to break down more easily.

If your heat pump has an auto setting, we recommend using the manual mode instead. This way, you can control when your heat pump is in use and give it a break when it’s not needed.

Know When to Call for Help

Even if you follow all of these tips, there’s still a chance that you’ll run into problems with your heat pump at some point. If your system isn’t working properly, or if you notice any strange noises or smells, be sure to call a qualified technician right away.

Trying to fix a heat pump problem on your own can make the situation worse, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. With their help, you can get your heat pump back up and running in no time.

Receive Heat Pump Maintenance from Access Heating & Air Conditioning

Don’t have the time to maintain your heat pump? No problem.

At Access Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans that will keep your system running smoothly all year long. So if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to maintain your heat pump, give us a call today.