7 Heat Pump Maintenance Steps for Homeowners

Essential Heat Pump Maintenance for Optimal Performance

Our list of heat pump maintenance tips that every homeowner needs to know to maximize efficiency, lower utility bills, and prolong the life of your system.

How popular are heat pumps in your neighborhood? Take a walk this winter and listen for condenser units (which most associate with air conditioning). A heat pump uses the same equipment for both heating and cooling, making heat pumps easily recognizable during the winter.

Heat pumps use a technology, called heat transfer, to perform both cooling and heating functions. Heat moves readily, but it moves readily only one way—from hot to cold. The only way to make something colder is to remove heat. Air conditioning and refrigeration technology use the properties of gas to move heat; the chemical formulas of refrigerant gases seem to work the best.

• In the summertime, refrigerant gas moves heat from inside the home to the outside, resulting in cooler air indoors.
• In the wintertime, refrigerant gas moves heat from outside the home to the inside, resulting in warmer air indoors.

Since heat pump equipment runs year-round, it is important to keep the components well-maintained.

Key Heat Pump Maintenance

Heat transfer requires a tremendous amount of clean surfaces. When surfaces get dirty, it hinders the transfer of heat.

1. The outdoor condenser unit is composed of a cabinet of tubes and fine aluminum fins, which readily transfer heat . . . if they are not covered in pollen, dust, and lawn clippings. The condenser releases heat outside during the summer and collects heat during the winter.
2. The evaporator coil is located inside the HVAC cabinet and is also composed of aluminum tubes and fine fins. It collects heat from inside the house during the summertime and releases it during the wintertime . . . unless it is covered in dust, danger, and pollen.
3. The heat transfer process requires the movement of the entire volume of air in the home several times per cycle. An air filter cleans the air as it moves through the ductwork and before it reaches the evaporator coil. The collected dust and debris will eventually clog the filter and restrict the airflow through the system. The filter needs to be replaced regularly, at least every three months.
4. The task of moving all the air is accomplished by a very strong blower motor which turns a strong fan. This is the only moving part of the entire HVAC system. This motor and fan component requires regular maintenance to replace worn belts or grease the motor bearings.
5. During the heating/cooling cycles, the refrigerant gas must be compressed and released repeatedly. It is enclosed within a system of tubes and the smallest pinhole results in the immediate loss of gas from the system. Checking the gas pressure, finding/repairing a leak, and recharging the system must be completed by a professional who is certified to handle the refrigerant.
6. A heat pump system uses electrical sensors, switches, and control mechanisms to respond to the environment and move the heat appropriately. These parts are subject to wear, even under normal conditions. Finding a minor electrical problem early can prevent the wear from creating stress on other parts of the system.
7. The thermostat is the indoor sensor and switch mechanism which calls for heat or cooling as needed. Common batteries power this sensitive device and need to be replaced regularly—annual replacement is recommended. Occasionally, the thermostat will need to be recalibrated to ensure proper performance.

Heat pumps run the same components during both the heating and cooling seasons. Planned heat pump maintenance by HVAC professionals is essential to keep your home comfortable all year round. 

Maximize Year-Round Comfort: Essential Heat Pump Maintenance for Efficient Performance

Heat pumps efficiently provide both heating and cooling by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors, making them easily recognizable during winter. Key maintenance practices, such as keeping condenser units, evaporator coils, and air filters clean, and ensuring the blower motor and refrigerant system are in good condition, are essential for optimal performance. Regular professional maintenance ensures heat pumps operate effectively year-round, maintaining comfort and efficiency in the home.

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your heat pump maintenance questions for your home. Contact us and get the help you need.