A heat pump provides versatile heating, cooling and humidity control. It moves heat outside your home in summer and pulls heat into your home in winter. Like most household appliances, a heat pump needs proper care to ensure peak performance. Here are some tips to maximize the efficiency of your home’s heat pump system.
Clean The Filters Regularly
Check the heat pump’s air filters monthly to ensure they’re free from dirt and debris. Clean or replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Avoid Large Temperature Fluctuations
A heat pump functions differently from a traditional gas furnace. A furnace blows hot air through the vents and then shuts off. The air a heat pump blows is warm, and the pump runs longer to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Any big jump in temperature could activate the unit’s backup resistance heater, significantly reducing efficiency.
Don’t Turn the Thermostat Down at Night
Lowering the thermostat at night could eliminate any energy savings. Turning it back up in the morning activates the backup resistance heater, which takes a lot of energy. If you want to turn the temperature down at night, program your thermostat for a gradual temperature increase over a long period during the mornings.
Configure Your Thermostat
Today’s smart thermostats can be configured with a heat pump. They can run the heat pump and auxiliary heat simultaneously to maximize comfort and reduce overall energy costs. Program your smart thermostat with gentle temperature changes to maximize efficiency.
Clean the Coils
Heat pumps have indoor evaporator coils and outdoor condenser coils to transfer thermal energy, and they need to be clean to do their jobs. Ensure the outdoor coils are exposed to sufficient airflow and are clean and free of dirt, debris and snow. If ice builds up on the coils, you can use the unit’s defrost feature to melt it. But if you observe constant buildup, you may need to call a professional.
Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance
Annual maintenance by a trained professional HVAC technician ensures your unit operates efficiently. A maintenance service call can also spot minor issues before they become costly repairs. Many HVAC companies offer planned maintenance packages and keep track of when it’s time for a checkup, so you don’t have to.
Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance in Orangeville and Alliston
Don’s Heating & Cooling provides heat pump installation, maintenance and repairs for homes and businesses in Orangeville, Alliston and surrounding communities. And when you sign up for a Service Maintenance Plan, you won’t have to worry about scheduling maintenance calls. Contact us today to discuss your heating and cooling questions with an HVAC expert.