Are you considering installing or have recently installed an air-source heat pump in your Staunton, VA, home? If so, you’ve made the right choice. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, today’s heat pumps dehumidify the air better than typical air conditioners and can lower electricity consumption for home heating by as much as 75%.
But to keep enjoying those benefits, you must learn about proper heat pump maintenance to avoid committing common HVAC mistakes.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right page. Read on as the All-Temp Heating & Cooling, LLC experts have shared this heat pump preventive maintenance guide, exploring the top mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.
Not Cleaning or Replacing Air Filters as Needed
When you run your air-source heat pump to heat your home, the system draws heat from the outside air. It forces the air through a filter and increases its temperature before “pumping” the conditioned air throughout your home. The filter is necessary because it helps capture airborne particles and pollutants, which can reduce the system’s efficiency if allowed to build up within.
The more you use your heat pump, the more pollutants can get trapped in the filter. Failure to clean or replace a clogged filter will slow the airflow and make the system work harder to keep your home warm (or cool). Thus, it can have difficulty keeping you comfortable even though it uses more energy.
Your area’s outdoor air quality can also influence how quickly your heat pump’s filter can become clogged with dirt and debris. The good news is that the Harrisonburg-Staunton, VA, metro area is among the cleanest in the country for ozone and 24-hour particle pollution, according to Lung.org. However, your heat pump’s filter can still clog up faster if you live near any of the following:
- A busy road
- A construction site
- An industrial or manufacturing facility
One of the best ways to help your heat pump retain its efficiency is to check its filter once a month; if it looks dirty, change it.
Using the Wrong Filter
Using the wrong heat pump filter can lead to:
- Reduced system efficiency
- Higher energy bills
- Poor indoor air quality (IAQ)
- Potential damage to the system
The wrong filter can reduce heat pump efficiency if it has a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) that’s too high.
As the U.S. EPA explains, filters with MERV-13 can trap viruses and smaller particles, although most HVAC systems only have MERV-8 filters installed by default. However, not all heat pumps can accommodate filters with higher MERV ratings. If you make this mistake, it can significantly restrict airflow, causing the system to:
- Struggle
- Use more energy
- Develop faster wear, tear, and system damage
Another common mistake to avoid is getting a filter that’s too small for your heat pump; if the filter is loose or doesn’t cover the entire air intake, pollutants can bypass it. They can then settle on the system’s interior components or, worse, circulate throughout your home and lower your IAQ. You don’t want poor IAQ because, as CPSC.gov explains, it can cause health woes, including but not limited to:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Fatigue
- Asthma
- Allergy
To avoid such problems, examine the existing filter; its frame should contain the correct size and type information. You can also check your owner’s manual for the recommended filter size. Follow the manual’s instructions for proper filter selection and replacement.
Disregarding Unusual Sounds
Modern heat pumps are typically quiet, producing only a non-disruptive low hum, similar to a refrigerator’s. So, when your heat pump makes any of the following weird and loud sounds, never ignore them, as they can indicate problems that require attention.
Bubbling or Hissing
Bubbling or hissing can indicate refrigerant leaks. Such problems can compromise your system’s efficiency, as refrigerants are the chemicals responsible for heat absorption and transfer. Moreover, refrigerants can pose environmental and health hazards, so as soon as you notice bubbling or hissing sounds, contact a reliable HVAC expert in Staunton, VA, immediately.
Clanking or Grinding
If you hear clanking or grinding, they may indicate a problem with your heat pump’s motor or blower wheel. A component may have become loose, or the blower wheel may have become misaligned. A professional HVAC technician can determine the exact noise source and address the issue, preventing it from worsening and causing more extensive damage.
Clicking
As the heat pump turns on and off throughout the heating or cooling process, you can expect to hear it click occasionally. However, hearing such noises more frequently could indicate an issue with the electrical or relay components. Don’t delay consulting a professional so they can diagnose the problem and ensure your system’s continued efficient performance.
Screeching or Squealing
Screeching or squealing noises can signal problems with the following:
- Fan motor
- Fan blades
- Belt
Continued use without addressing such sounds may cause premature wear and tear on the system, which can lead to a breakdown. So, when you hear these ear-splitting noises, schedule your heat pump for inspection and servicing.
Forgetting to Inspect the Outdoor Unit
During heating mode, your heat pump’s outdoor unit collects heat from the outside air and brings it indoors. During cooling mode, it releases heat absorbed from inside your home and into the outdoors.
If the heat pump’s outdoor unit becomes blocked or clogged, its heat exchange capabilities can be significantly impaired. To prevent this, perform regular system checks and turn the power off before removing clutter or vegetation blocking the outdoor unit. Also, ensure all sides of the outdoor unit have at least two feet of clearance to facilitate optimal air intake and release.
Ignoring Potential Air Duct Problems
If you have a ducted heat pump, its performance and efficiency also depend on the condition and cleanliness of your air ducts. If your ducts are dirty, the filtered air from the heat pump can become “re-contaminated” and lower your home’s IAQ. If the ducts leak, they can reduce your system’s efficiency as the conditioned air escapes through the gaps and holes in the ductwork.
So, as part of your overall HVAC maintenance plan, have the pros at All-Temp Heating & Cooling, LLC inspect your ductwork once a year. If they find problems, consider having them replace the insulation or seal the leaks.
DIYing Complex Heat Pump Maintenance Tasks or Repairs
You can perform simple maintenance like cleaning or replacing the heat pump filter and keeping the outdoor unit debris-free. Other than these, DIYing the more complex upkeep tasks and repairs is never a good idea. It’s best you leave these to professional HVAC technicians for the following reasons:
Complicated Internal Components
Heat pumps have many intricate and sensitive components, such as:
- Refrigerant lines
- Electrical systems
- Relays and switches
- Valves
- Coils
All those parts require specialized know-how for safe handling. Even a minor mistake can damage them, resulting in preventable yet costly repairs.
Potential Safety Hazards
Improper handling of heat pump components, especially refrigerants and electricals, can be dangerous. Mistakes can lead to safety concerns like chemical exposure and electrical shocks.
Warranty Concerns
Heat pump manufacturers may void warranties if a non-professional conducts complex repairs and maintenance. For example, if you make a mistake that damages your system, your system’s manufacturer may not cover its repair or replacement.
Neglecting Regular Servicing
Skipping regular servicing is one of the biggest heat pump maintenance mistakes you must avoid at all costs. Otherwise, your system can run into problems earlier and break down sooner. To ensure your heat pump remains efficient and lasts as long as or even longer than its expected lifespan, schedule it for maintenance once in the spring and another in the fall.
Here are the benefits of staying on top of professional heat pump maintenance:
- A clean, regularly serviced heat pump operates at peak efficiency, consumes less energy, and lowers energy bills
- Identifying and addressing issues during routine servicing prevents them from worsening
- Wear and tear addressed early on can significantly extend the system’s lifespan
- Early detection and repair of potential problems can save money in the long run
- Well-maintained heat pumps maintain consistent temperatures and ensure optimal indoor comfort year-round
Remember, you’ve spent a lot on your heat pump, so you want to ensure it can serve you for many years. It can, provided you give it the care and attention it deserves. The simplest way to do this is to invest in a comprehensive bi-annual maintenance plan from a trustworthy HVAC contractor like All-Temp Heating & Cooling, LLC.
Avoid These Heat Pump Maintenance Mistakes
Failure to change or clean filters as needed, DIYing complex tasks, and skipping routine servicing are heat pump maintenance mistakes you should avoid at all costs. They can lead to indoor discomfort, shorten your system’s lifespan, or pose safety hazards.
Our company, All-Temp Heating & Cooling, LLC, can help prolong your heat pump’s life and maintain its optimal performance through our comprehensive maintenance plans. We’ve served Staunton, VA, and the surrounding areas with our efficient heating solutions and high-quality cooling services for the past 17 years. Moreover, our highly skilled heating and cooling technicians are experts in new installations, repairs, and replacements.
Reach out today to request your free quote or to schedule your system maintenance!
