Your heat pump plays a huge role in determining how comfortable your home is every winter. That’s why it only makes sense to give it the proper time and attention required to ensure that you get the most out of it. The average life expectancy of a heat pump is 12 years, and with regular maintenance you should be able to make yours last even longer.
Maintenance will keep your heat pump working as efficiently as possible. This reduces wear and tear — and your heating costs. Service by an HVAC professional will entail a thorough cleansing in which each component, no matter how big or small, gets cleaned and moving parts get lubricated. Damaged or deteriorated parts are spotted and replaced, so they don’t cause your heat pump to fail in the middle of winter when you need it most. The gas connections also get secured to prevent potentially lethal carbon monoxide leaks.
There are a number of things you can do yourself to protect your heat pump. Changing the filters each month during the winter is key to keeping your air clean and making sure your air system doesn’t have to use extra energy to push air through. If you neglect this step, captured contaminants will form a thick screen that will lead to extra work for your air system and cause an increase in your heating costs.
You should also maintain the outdoor unit. Sweep clear any debris like grass clippings, leaves or dust. Before the temperatures drop below freezing, spray it down with a water hose to knock off any dirt that may have caked onto the fins.
To learn more about heat pump maintenance and how it will affect your home’s comfort and your heating costs, contact us today at (503) 266-1249.
