Preventative Maintenance Keeps Your Heat Pump In Top Condition

As an informed homeowner, you know that your high-efficiency electric heat pump reduces energy use, your carbon footprint, and your utility bills.

You love that it delivers what you need for your comfort in Northern California. You expect it to stay that way for years to come.

Your heat pump is a versatile heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, but it needs a little help every year to remain in top condition. Preventative maintenance is essential for equipment longevity.

A little TLC can go a long way toward extending the useful service life of your heat pump while keeping it problem-free.

Enviro Heating & Air Conditioning can handle all heat pump issues, but we pride ourselves on helping our Petaluma customers avoid repairs. We recommend an annual maintenance checkup to inspect and clean your heat pump and correct any budding problems.

What Does a Tune-Up Include?

We inspect and clean the blower motor, coils, and electric terminals and tighten all connections. We look for leaks and obstructions in the condensate drain and pan, lubricate moving parts, and ensure all controls work.

We cover everything essential to your heat pump’s operation, from the condenser fan to the refrigerant level and the reversing valve.

We inspect all components, look for refrigerant leaks, and check the integrity of electrical connections.

When Is the Best Time for a Heat Pump Tune-Up?

Ideally, you want to schedule spring and fall tune-ups for your heat pump if you use it all year. At the very least, we recommend an annual tune-up in the spring before the hot weather arrives.

No matter when you maintain your heat pump, you will gain peace of mind knowing your heating and cooling system will work safely and at peak efficiency year-round.

Skimping on maintenance now may save a few dollars but could cost more money in repairs and higher utility bills down the road. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a neglected heat pump uses 10 to 25 percent more energy than a well-maintained heat pump.

Our Enviro Heating & Air Conditioning experts can keep your ducted heat pump or ductless mini split system in top shape through annual tune-ups. You also play an essential role in the upkeep of your heating and cooling system.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Heat Pump Maintenance

Changing the air filter in your heat pump can improve airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality (IAQ). Replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations—or sooner if it is dirty. Turn the heat pump off before changing the filter.

Ductless mini split systems also need clean filters. Turn the unit off, open the cover on each mini split room handler, and remove the screens and filters. Check the filters for dirt and replace them if they are dirty. You can wash the screens with warm water or vacuum them. Allow wet screens to dry before reinserting them into the indoor units. Follow the advice in your user manual.

Dust and dirt that accumulate on air filters or screens can reduce airflow. Help keep dust out of your mini split by dusting or wiping the outside of the indoor unit. Give your indoor air handler some space. Keep furniture and wall art away, and do not decorate the air handler with seasonal or holiday items.

Remove or cut back plants encroaching on the outdoor units of both ducted heat pumps and ductless mini splits. Use a garden hose to wash the dirt off the heat pump casing and coils. Use a gentle spray rather than a high-pressure stream of water which can bend the unit’s fins.

Schedule Maintenance Today

Let our pros at Enviro Heating & Air Conditioning maintain the heat pump or ductless mini split in your Petaluma, CA, home. Call us at (707) 795-7219 or request service online.