In regards to HVAC equipment, heat pump systems offer the best of both worlds – they heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. That’s enough to make your traditional furnace or air conditioning system jealous! But since heat pumps function year-round and don’t take seasons off like air conditioners and furnaces, heat pump maintenance is critical to protecting the performance, efficiency, and service life of your unit. Douglas Cooling & Heating recommends having a heat pump tune-up done twice a year to keep your system running efficiently. We also share some other easy tips homeowners can do to maintain their heat pumps themselves.

If you have any questions about heat pump maintenance or would like to speak to a NATE-certified HVAC technician about installing a heat pump system in your home, contact the HVAC pros at Douglas Cooling & Heating. Douglas is Alabama’s most trusted heating, cooling, and plumbing company. We are happy to answer all of your heat pump-related questions.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Before we discuss how to maintain a heat pump, let’s first talk a little about how a heat pump works. Heat pumps operate differently than a traditional air conditioner or heating system because they don’t actually create heat or cool air. Instead, they move heat around to achieve the heating and cooling process.

In the summer months, a heat pump extracts excess heat from your home, sending it outside (or underground in geothermal systems). During the winter, the heat pump draws heat from outdoor air, moving it indoors to heat your living areas. As a result, the energy consumption of a heat pump is much less than other HVAC systems.

Furnaces, on the other hand, create heat, through the combustion of fossil fuels or electrical resistance. Air conditioners and heat pumps operate in much the same way to cool a home, but an air conditioner cannot perform heating functions as a heat pump can.

DIY Heat Pump Maintenance Tasks

If your Alabama home is equipped with a heat pump, there are certain heat pump maintenance steps you should take throughout the year to safeguard the performance and efficient operation of your equipment.

• Change the air filter as needed. Check the filter manufacturer’s recommendation for frequency while considering special factors about your home that may increase the frequency of changes, such as pets or smoking in the home.
• Clean outdoor coils as needed. Cut off power to the unit and use a hose to clear away dirt.
• Keep vegetation at least 24 inches back from your heat pump to allow for proper airflow.
• Never store items around your exterior heat pump. This includes patio furniture, lawn tools, outdoor toys, and other obstructions.
• Remove snow and ice from your unit’s exterior in the winter. This prevents damage and allows air to flow freely to the unit.
• Flush the unit’s condensate pan and drain to eliminate clogs that could cause mold growth and water damage to the surrounding areas.

Professional Heat Pump Maintenance

Furnaces and air conditioners each require maintenance once per year. Because they serve both functions, heat pumps should receive proper maintenance twice per year.

When should homeowners schedule heat pump maintenance? Once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. Spring and fall are ideal times to schedule professional heat pump maintenance due to the mild temperatures. In spring, a professional can evaluate the state of your system after the winter months, before you need to use it for cooling; in fall, they can take care of your heat pump maintenance needs prior to any impending cold spells.

Rest assured that good maintenance results in optimal efficiency and protection from costly breakdowns in the future. Setting up a seasonal schedule with a trusted HVAC specialist is one of the most effective ways to ensure your comfort all year long.

What to Expect During a Heat Pump Maintenance Appointment

During your heat pump service, our technicians perform the following inspections to ensure your unit is ready to meet the demands of the coming season. Once everything has been checked and verified, the technician will provide a report detailing their findings and recommendations.

Here are the key steps we perform during a heat pump maintenance visit:

Inspection and Cleaning

The first step in professional heat pump maintenance is to inspect the unit for any visible signs of damage or wear. This includes checking for cracks in the housing, loose connections, and any other obvious issues. The next step is to clean the unit, both inside and out. This helps to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could potentially interfere with the heat pump’s operation.

Checking Refrigerant Levels

During heat pump maintenance, the technician will check the refrigerant levels. If the levels are low, this could be indicative of a leak somewhere within the system. The professional can then run tests to check for leaks and make a plan for repairs if found.

Inspecting Coils

The technician will also inspect the evaporator coil and condenser coil for any signs of corrosion or damage. These coils are responsible for transferring heat, so it is important that they are in good working condition.

Lubricating Motors

Heat pumps contain numerous motors that perform different tasks throughout the system. Each of these motors requires lubrication to ensure that they function correctly. During a maintenance visit, technicians will check the lubrication levels and add oil if needed. Properly lubricating these motors reduces the system’s wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan.

Inspecting Belts

Some heat pumps have belts that help operate the system. These belts can become worn or break over time, which can affect the overall functioning of the system. Technicians will inspect the belts to ensure they are in good condition and tight enough to work correctly.

Servicing Electrical Components

The next step is to clean, tighten electrical terminals, and check the electrical components of the unit, including the compressor, fans, and motors. This helps to ensure that there are no loose electrical connections or other issues that could cause problems down the line.

Testing Safety Controls

After all of the components have been inspected and cleaned, the technician will test the unit to make sure it is operating correctly. The controls and safety switches in your heat pump help ensure that the system is operating correctly and safely. If the controls or switches are faulty, they need to be replaced to ensure the system is operating safely.

Testing Airflow

Technicians will also test the system’s airflow to ensure it’s running correctly. Inadequate airflow can lead to various issues such as reduced efficiency or even complete system failure. When your system doesn’t run efficiently, you’ll notice it reflected in your energy bills. Technicians will check your air filters to ensure they are clean and not restricting airflow. They will also check the ductwork for any obstructions or leaks.

Testing Thermostat Communication

Lastly, technicians will verify that the thermostat communicates correctly with the heat pump. Correct thermostat operation makes sure that your heat pump regulates the temperature within your home. If the thermostat is not communicating correctly, it can cause issues such as inadequate heating or cooling. Technicians will check the connections and reprogram the thermostat if necessary.

Schedule Your Birmingham, AL Heat Pump Tune-Up With Douglas Cooling & Heating Today

Taking care of your heat pump is important in all Alabama homes. With the right care throughout the year, your system will provide reliable heating and cooling at costs much lower than air conditioners or furnaces. Douglas Cooling & Heating is here to help you with skilled heat pump maintenance performed by our NATE-certified technicians. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule heat pump maintenance services.

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As a homeowner, taking care of your HVAC system is important for keeping your home comfortable and avoiding costly breakdowns. One of the most important tasks you can do for your air conditioner is regular maintenance. But when is the best time to schedule air conditioner maintenance? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains why you should schedule maintenance for your air conditioner this spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance in the Spring

The first reason to schedule AC maintenance in the spring is that it’s before the busy summer season. Most people tend to wait until summer hits to turn on their air conditioners, only to find out their AC isn’t working properly. By getting your air conditioning maintenance done in the spring, you can avoid the rush and ensure your AC is running smoothly before you need it most. Not only does this save you from the frustration of a broken AC, but it also ensures that you’re not leaving anything to chance when it comes to staying cool during the hottest months of the year.

Springtime is also a great time for air conditioning service because it’s a chance to prepare for the coming season. During the maintenance visit, your technician can not only clean and inspect your unit but also make sure your air filters are changed, your ductwork is clean, and your HVAC system is ready to work properly. This air conditioner service not only makes sure that your system is working correctly but also provides clean and healthy air for your home.

Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance

A well-maintained air conditioning system runs more efficiently than one that is neglected. When you have your air conditioner serviced regularly, it will use less energy to cool your home and lower energy bills, which can really add up over time. So not only will you avoid costly breakdowns, but you’ll save money by ensuring your system runs efficiently.

By getting an HVAC maintenance appointment scheduled in the spring, small problems can be identified and fixed before more costly repairs are needed further down the line. Air conditioning maintenance takes a look at the overall system, from coils to filters to valves, to check for any potential issues that need to be addressed. A professional AC technician can assess any parts of your system and can make an air conditioner repair if needed. All these efforts will help prevent big repair bills during sweltering summer months – making spring air conditioning maintenance a wise investment!

Springtime maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. An air conditioner that is well-maintained can last longer than one that is ignored. Regular maintenance can keep your system running smoothly and safely, which means that you won’t have to replace it as often. Considering how expensive a new AC unit can be, extending the lifespan of your current unit is a great way to save money in the long term.

Schedule Your Service Appointment for Your Air Conditioning Unit with Douglas Cooling & Heating Today

The best time to schedule air conditioning maintenance is in the spring. It’s less busy than the summer months, can save you money on repairs and energy bills, prepares your system for the upcoming season, and can even extend the lifespan of your unit. By taking care of your system, you’re not only prolonging its life but also ensuring that it runs efficiently and saves you money on energy costs. So why wait until there’s an emergency? Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today and schedule your springtime maintenance appointment.

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