It’s likely that a heat pump is what keeps your house toasty warm throughout the year. For the unit to continue giving you the warm air that you are after, you need to take good care of it. To help you out, here are tips given by heat pump repair professionals on how to take good care of your unit.
Size your unit properly.
Sizing correctly is essential for energy efficiency. An undersized unit will use more energy and have a shorter lifespan because it will have to work harder to maintain the right temperature.
On the other hand, a bigger unit will cycle on and off more frequently, resulting in premature wear and energy waste.
The square footage of your home, the amount of insulation, the number of windows, the number of doors, and the climate all play a role in helping you choose the size of heat pump you require.
If you aren’t sure of the right unit to pick, speak with a knowledgeable HVAC service professionals first, who can assist you in choosing the best equipment for your house.
Maintain your unit
Heat pumps need to be maintained on a regular basis, just like any other mechanical device. Ensure a trained service technician inspects your unit at least once a year. This will assist in spotting any possible issues before they get out of hand.
Plan routine maintenance to keep your heat pump operating at peak performance and avoid expensive problems. For an easy time, work with a professional who will assist in keeping your system operating efficiently.
The best way out is to hire a professional at least once a year.
Check the refrigerant levels.
A heat pump’s refrigerant maintains the temperature of the air warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It transfers heat by circulating through the coils and has the potential to seep out over time.
The heat pump will have to work harder to transfer the heat energy if the refrigerant level drops too low.
You must constantly monitor the refrigerant level and replenish it as needed to compensate for this. If you don’t, your heat pump will operate less efficiently and your energy bills will go up.
Never attempt repairs or recharges of refrigerant on your own. Always seek the advice of an HVAC specialist because improper handling of refrigerant can be hazardous to both people and the environment.
Check the unit for air leaks.
It’s the responsibility of the heat pump to move heat from one place to the other. The heat pump will have to work harder to circulate the air if there are gaps or cracks in the ductwork, which will raise energy expenses and decrease efficiency
A properly sealed duct system is a must if you want your unit to function optimally.
Fix the noises as soon as you notice them.
Generally, heat pumps operate fairly quietly and don’t make any odd noises. Something is amiss with your device if you start to hear strange noises coming from it.
Strange noises are frequently caused by old bearings, loose parts, and malfunctioning compressors. For example, a hissing sound will indicate the presence of a refrigerant leak.
Many homeowners ignore the noises made by their units, especially if they are small. To be safe, you shouldn’t do this. Instead, you should move with haste and fix the issues while they are in their infancy.
The reason for this is that it’s the small problems that worsen over time, and they not only become unfixable, but also tend to lead to you having to replace the entire unit.
Whenever you hear a noise coming from your unit, regardless of how minor it sounds, don’t ignore it. Get in touch with an experienced professional and have them look into it.
Set the thermostat at the right temperature.
Setting the thermostat incorrectly—too high in the winter and too low in the summer—is one of the most frequent mistakes people make.
As a result, the heat pump runs longer, which raises energy expenses. Your thermostat should be set at 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Sometimes, the heat pump will fail to work as well as it should when you don’t take good care of the thermostat. To be on the safe side, regularly inspect the thermostat and fix any issues it might be having.
You can do minor inspections, such as checking whether the batteries are working, but for more complex problems, let an expert professional look into it.
Use a high-quality filter.
A good filter is essential to keeping your system safe. Airflow will be restricted by a clogged air filter, which will make the heat pump work harder and shorten its lifespan.
You should regularly inspect and clean your filters. If the filters are too dirty or damaged, you have no other way out, other than to replace them. When doing it, you should pay attention to the MERV score.
MERV scores vary from 1 to 16. The filter-trapping particles are more effective the higher the rating. Your heat pump’s lifespan can be increased by using premium filters that have an 8 or higher rating. While the filters will be a little expensive, they will be worth it as they will not only give you an excellent experience, but also contribute to a longer lifespan of your unit.
Parting shot
These are some of the things you should do to ensure that your heat pump is in top working condition at all times.
By doing the right thing you will not only have an optimally functioning unit, but also have peace of mind that your family and property are safe.
If you are the one doing most of the work, ensure that you involve the services of experienced heat pump repair service Port Jefferson professionals. A good rule of thumb is to hire professionals at least once a year.
Since they are highly experienced, the professionals will be able to pick even the most minute issues, which will go a long way towards ensuring that you and your family are safe and sound.