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All HVAC equipment requires seasonal maintenance. Heat pumps, which cool and heat, require two professional tune-ups a year. Most heat pump warranties require it as a condition of coverage. Regular maintenance can help to avoid many common repair issues. In addition, tune-ups can improve energy efficiency and lower your heating and cooling costs. They can also help a heat pump last longer and age more gracefully. Let’s explore the most important routine care.
Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you haven’t yet, upgrade to advanced thermostat control. A programmable or, even better, smart thermostat can improve heat pump performance. Scheduling your thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by 8% annually on average. It can also reduce how often your heat pump cycles. That can improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear. Other features that can help improve efficiency include:
- Smart setback
- Machine learning
- Energy monitoring
- Predictive maintenance
Schedule a Cooling Tune-Up in the Spring
While there’s some heat pump maintenance you can do yourself, much of it requires a professional. The ideal time to schedule a cooling tune-up is early in the spring before needing to run your air. Your system will be clean, and your technician will be the first to turn your heat pump on each season.
Schedule a Heating Tune-Up in the Fall
Heat pumps run year-round. That means you’ll also want to book heating maintenance services in early fall before the cold weather arrives. That will prepare it for the winter ahead.
Choose the Right HVAC Filter for Your System
The HVAC industry measures filter performance with the minimum efficiency reporting value. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration. Select a high-quality filter rated for the highest MERV your system supports. A high-MERV filter will keep most dust and other particles out of your system. Too high a MERV rating will restrict airflow and make the system inefficient. Most modern heat pumps support at least MERV 8, and many support as high as MERV 13. If you’re unsure what yours supports, consult with your technician.
Check and Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly
HVAC filters trap particles and will eventually become clogged. You can expect to replace your filter every one to three months depending on the season. Don’t replace the filter on a set schedule. Instead, check it at least once a month, and replace it as needed. Significant dust buildup on the surface means that the filter is saturated.
Clean the Condenser Coil
One reason to schedule seasonal appointments is to have a technician clean your condenser coil. A condenser coil is part of the refrigeration process. Energy transfers to or from the refrigerant contained within as ambient air flows over it. Over time, that coil can accumulate grime. That grime acts like an insulator and increases cooling and heating costs. Typically, a technician will use a coil cleaner to remove all the foreign matter from the coil.
Service the Condenser Pump and Reversing Valve
The condenser pump moves refrigerant through the lines and into and out of the coils. The reversing valve is what separates a heat pump from an air conditioner. It allows the refrigerant to flow in the other direction. Both of these parts require cleaning and new lubrication.
Service the Condenser Fan
The condenser fan draws air through the outdoor unit. This is necessary for the refrigeration process and to avoid the pump overheating. The fan requires lubrication each season and may need blade balancing.
Clean the Evaporator Coil and the Condensate Drainage System
The evaporator coil is similar to the condenser coil but it’s located inside the home. It’s even more problematic when it comes to buildup as any buildup on the evaporator coil undermines energy efficiency. Besides cleaning the evaporator coil, our technicians will also inspect and clean the condensate drainage system. That includes a drip pan, wet switch, and drain line. In some cases, it may be necessary to clear a clog from the drain pipe.
Service the Blower
The blower is what moves air through the internal components. It requires blade balancing and new lubrication. In some years, it may be necessary to replace ball bearings and even break the blower down and rebuild it.
Schedule a Duct Inspection and Perform Maintenance
Tune-ups don’t include a full duct inspection. You should schedule that service at least every other year. A camera inspection can reveal issues with dust accumulation and air leakage. Duct cleaning can avoid blockages that affect efficiency and air quality issues. If there’s air leakage, duct sealing and other duct repairs may be necessary. Note that if you have a zoned HVAC system, you’ll need a duct inspection and balancing annually.
Maintain a Perimeter Around Your Outdoor Condenser Unit
You should maintain a perimeter of at least one foot around your outdoor condenser unit. Some experts recommend two or three feet depending on the environment. That perimeter should be clear of grass, bushes, overhanging branches, and so forth. As you use a heat pump year-round, there’s never a reason to cover it. A cover will obstruct airflow and impact efficiency.
Check Your Condenser Unit and Clean It as Needed
Leaves, branches, and other matter can get inside the condenser unit cage. Our technicians will clear it out during a maintenance appointment. Still, you should keep an eye on it, especially during periods of bad weather. Too much detritus can affect airflow and decrease efficiency. If you see it start to build up, blow or sweep it out.
Add Humidity Control Equipment and Keep It Serviced
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a relative humidity between 30% and 60%. If your RH is outside that range, you’ll be less comfortable. That may require a higher or lower temperature than you’d otherwise need. A dehumidifier can help you lower RH during summer while a humidifier can help increase it in winter.
Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help distribute cooling and heating more evenly. In the summer, the wind-chill effect can make you feel even cooler. Ceiling fans may let you adjust your normal temperature by as much as three degrees. Just be sure to use the right settings for the season. In summer, set the fan to its highest speed and the counterclockwise rotation. In winter, set it to its lowest speed and the clockwise direction.
Insulate Your Home
Inadequate or worn insulation can cause you to lose a lot of heating and cooling. The DOE estimates the average household can save up to 20% on heating and cooling annually by adding new attic insulation.
Schedule Seasonal Heat Pump Tune-Ups in Greater Sacramento
Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation provides seasonal HVAC maintenance services throughout Sacramento, CA and the neighboring communities. We even have a Cool Club that will save money on tune-ups and repairs while keeping your systems serviced on schedule. Our NATE-certified technicians not only specialize in heat pumps but also air conditioners, furnaces, and ductless mini-split systems. We install and service whole-house fans, air purifiers, UV lights, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers as well. In addition, you can count on us for attic insulation and electrification services. Our team also installs and services tanks, heat pumps, and tankless water heaters.
If you’d like to schedule a service appointment or on-site consultation, call today or contact us online.
