Heat pumps present a lot of advantages to homeowners, chief of which is that they are among the most energy-efficient heating systems. They also require less maintenance than traditional HVAC systems, can be installed in homes without ductwork, and provide cooling power during the summer. But while a heat pump is often the more affordable and logical solution for homeowners in temperate climates, even these systems can start to lose efficiently quickly if you don’t follow a few simple steps. Read on to learn how to keep hour heat pump functioning at peak efficiency, and call our HVAC pros All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for all the expert heat pump services you need.
Top 5 Ways to Maintain Consistent Heat Pump Performance
- Avoid Switching Between Systems as Much as Possible: If you have a ductless mini-split, chances are you’re already relying solely on your heat pump for heating and cooling power, since these heat pumps are built to be used without being connected to a larger HVAC system. However, if you are using a heat pump along with a furnace or boiler, you should try to avoid switching back and forth between systems too much. This usually adds up to a waste of fuel, and if you live in a climate where you do not need as much heating power, letting your heat pump run as much as possible will allow you to achieve more consistent household temperatures without significantly raising your energy costs. And speaking of consistent temperatures…
- Adjust the Thermostat to Fit with the Seasons: A lot of people assume that you should raise your thermostat temperature in winter and lower it in summer. But as counterintuitive as it may sound, you are actually better off doing the opposite. Lowering your thermostat in winter and raising it in summer will help to offset the cost of using your heat pump while keeping your home a comfortable temperature all year-round. Moreover, if you do have a dual system that works in conjunction with a furnace, you will also save a lot of money on energy bills by keeping your thermostat as low as possible during the wintertime.
- Remember to Replace Your Air Filter: HVAC system care 101—always remember to replace your air filters periodically. Not only will this help to improve your indoor air quality, it will also keep your heating/cooling costs down by improving your system’s performance. For heat pumps in particular, because they often get used from season to season, you will probably want to change the air filter three times a year. This may need to happen more frequently depending on if you live in a home with people who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
- Don’t Neglect Your Outdoor Unit: Heat pumps are made up of an indoor and outdoor unit. While you might look at the indoor unit on a regular basis, it can be easy to forget the outdoor unit, leading to problems when leaves and other debris build up on it. The very last thing you want is an animal nest inside your heat pump, so remember to check and clean your outdoor unit periodically, especially as the weather changes over the years.
- Call for an Annual Tune-Up: To reiterate, one major advantage of heat pumps is that they require less maintenance and repairs than traditional HVAC systems. However, you should still hire a technician on an annual basis to inspect your indoor and outdoor units. At All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our experienced heating and cooling technicians have the skills and experience to identify potential issues in your heat pump and present affordable solutions to solve them ASAP.
To schedule your next heat pump tune-up, just call All Pro at (909) 500-8193, or contact us online.