hvac technician conducting heat pump maintenance on outside unit with sunlight flare

What to Expect During Your Heat Pump Tune Up

edit

For Ohioans looking to save money on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint, heat pumps are a great option. And, perhaps one of the most attractive reasons to pick a heat pump for your home, is that it can be used for both heating and cooling. It’s for this very reason that it becomes even more important to have your heat pump tuned up by a qualified HVAC technician twice a year. Regular heat pump maintenance will keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly and efficiently, prevent small problems from requiring more expensive repairs later on, help you save energy, and lengthen the lifespan of your heat pump system. Not sure if it’s worth it? Let Robinson Heating & Air Conditioning guide you through what to expect during your heat pump maintenance. 

1. Ensure Correct Thermostat Operation

The thermostat is the main control for heat pump systems, and it is important to make sure that it is correctly calibrated and set to the correct temperature. If it’s set to heat mode and you’re not feeling warm air coming from the vents, that’s a problem that a licensed HVAC professional can fix during your maintenance visit. The technician should also check to make sure that the thermostat is compatible with the heat pump.

2. Inspect The Condenser and Evaporator Coils

The technician will then inspect the condenser coil, condensate drain, and evaporator coil of your heat pump and look for any signs of corrosion, damage, or blockages. If any of these issues are detected, the technician will repair or replace damaged components to make sure they don’t impact the performance of the rest of the heat pump system.

3. Check The Refrigerant Levels

The next step is for the technician to check the system’s refrigerant levels. It is very important that you let a professional handle this because refrigerant can be extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term brain damage and other severe health risks. If the refrigerant level is low, the technician will recharge your system to restore the refrigerant level to ensure optimal operation.

4. Clean Or Replace The Air Filter

The technician will then clean or replace the air filter to ensure that it is not clogged and is allowing the proper amount of airflow. A dirty air filter is one of the most common issues we encounter with residential HVAC systems. We recommend that homeowners change out their air filters at least once every two months to avoid any energy consumption or indoor air quality issues. A clogged air filter can prevent the efficient operation of your system and cause the buildup of dust and airborne particles that can negatively impact asthma and allergy sufferers. 

5. Inspect The Ductwork

The ductwork is essential for carrying air from your air conditioner and heating system throughout your home. This is why it’s crucial for technicians to inspect the ductwork for any signs of damage, blockages, or disconnections. If any issues are detected during proper maintenance, a technician can clear out blockages or repair any minor damage to your ducts to make sure your heat pump isn’t working overtime to bring your home to your desired temperature.

6. Lubricate Moving Parts

Moving parts like the blower motor or fan belt need to be lubricated regularly. An HVAC technician will ensure that every component of your heat pump system that comes into contact with something else – like a fan, motor, belt, or gear – has the lubrication to avoid unnecessary wear and tear and keep the system running smoothly and efficiently. 

7. Test The System

A heat pump tune up would not be complete without a test run of the system to ensure proper operation. The technician should perform a test of your heat pump to ensure that it is running correctly and is heating and cooling the space as it should.

Contact Robinson Heating & Air Conditioning For Heat Pump Maintenance

Now that you know all of the different services that are packaged into a heat pump tune up visit, you can truly understand the value and all the benefits of regular maintenance. We recommend that you get your heat pump tuned up twice a year by a trusted HVAC contractor, and our Robinson Preferred Customer Maintenance Agreement is the perfect way to hit that benchmark without breaking the bank. This agreement comes with two HVAC maintenance visits per year, discounts on repairs, and 24-hour emergency service. Feel free to contact us today, to learn more about how we can help you keep your HVAC system running properly and efficiently.