Maintain your Heat Pump

With Fall’s cooler temperatures, it’s still not quite time to run your furnace…  but it’s the perfect time to use your heat pump, if you have one. If you do have a heat pump, you’ll want to maintain it to keep it running efficiently and extend its life. Here are three simple things you can do yourself to maintain your heat pump.

Change the filters regularly. This is the most important (and the easiest) thing you can do yourself to increase your heat pump’s efficiency and prolong its life. Typically, heat pump filters need to be changed once a month. But, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Keep the area around your outdoor pump clear and free of debris. Inspect the area outside surrounding your heat pump and remove any weeds, plants, or dirt that has accumulated. These things can reduce the airflow of your system and decrease efficiency. Always remember safety first – turn off your heat pump before cleaning the area.

Set your system to “Auto”. If you set your system to “auto”, your fan will automatically shut off once your house reaches the target temperature. Otherwise, your fan will run continuously, which costs you money and wears down your system.

Have your heat pump inspected and serviced once a year. Although you can perform some maintenance on your heat pump, it’s best to have a professional inspect (and, if necessary, service) your heat pump. The technician can check the airflow of the system, inspect and lubricate the motor, check the electrical controls, clean the coils, and verify the accuracy of your thermostat – things that you can’t always do yourself.