5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Heat Pump

A Heat Pump can heat and cool living spaces, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps are also very efficient, as they transfer heat, instead of relying on gasoline or any other fuel to create it. Heat pumps are designed to provide comfortable, reliable cooling and heating in a variety of temperatures, from -22 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the model of the Heat Pump.

Like most other household appliances, heat pumps aren’t supposed to last a lifetime. Once a heat pump reaches the end of its service life, it needs to be replaced. Though your heat pump may not last forever, you can extend its lifespan by following these simple yet effective tips.

Here are five ways to extend the life of your heat pump:

Replace its Air Filter Regularly

The air filter of a heat pump is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, debris, pollen, and other contaminants in the air to prevent them from entering different parts of the system.

Over time, heat pump filters become clogged with contaminants. Clogged filters cannot do their job properly and can lead to a number of problems such as frozen coils, shot cycling, and poor airflow. When the filter of your heat pump becomes clogged, it forces your system to work harder and run longer causing it to overheat. As a result, your system loses its efficiency and consumes more electricity. If you ignore the problem, your heat pump could stop working or even break down.

To prevent performance issues and keep your heat pump working at its optimum efficiency, change its filter at regular intervals. Homeowners wonder how often they should change their filters. Many HVAC contractors recommend replacing heat pump filters every 30-90 days. If you run your heat pump for long hours, have pets, or have a seasonal allergy consider replacing your filter more frequently.

Watch out for Signs of Duct Problems

As ducts get old, they may develop holes. Warm and cool air can escape through holes in your ducts and your system may be forced to work harder and longer. The additional strain on your system can affect its efficiency and reduce its lifespan. Also, contaminants such as pollen, mold spores, dust, and insulation fibers can get into your home’s air through your ducts, negatively affecting indoor air quality.

Some common signs of bad ductwork include strange noises and/or smells, increased utility bills, and insufficient airflow. If you notice these signs, have a professional inspect your ductwork and perform necessary repairs as soon as possible. To prevent potential future problems, vacuum your ducts regularly.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Have a professional inspect and maintain your heat pump in Fairfax at least once a year. There are several benefits of regular professional heat pump maintenance. It addresses current problems in a timely manner before they could worsen potentially leading to a costly repair and prevents potential issues. Well-maintained heat pumps are reliable, hence, cost less to run. They are more energy-efficient than poorly maintained heat pumps and also last longer.

Leave other specialized tasks including heat pump system installation in Fairfax and heat pump repair to the experts as well. During a preventative maintenance session, your contractor

• Changes heat pump filter
• Inspects the unit for blockages
• Make sure the thermostat is working properly
• Check the refrigerant levels and top up the refrigerant if required
• Inspects electrical connections and tightens loose connections
• Inspects the system’s belts to check if it is frayed/damaged

Keep the Area Around the Outdoor Unit Clean

Caring for your outdoor unit is as important as maintaining the indoor unit. Make sure your outdoor unit is not obstructed and trim back vegetation around it. Clean the supply and return registers periodically and straighten any bent fins. Put the unit in a shaded spot or it may overheat and your heat pump may have to run longer.

Insulate Your Home

Insulation keeps cool and warm air in your home. If you have an old home, inspect your Insulation to make sure it isn’t damaged. Address insulation problems as soon as possible and add insulation to your attic if it isn’t properly insulated.

Is your heat pump no longer as efficient as it used to be? AVS Heating and Air Conditioning can help. We perform comprehensive heat pump inspections to determine the root causes of heat pump problems. To talk to an HVAC expert, call 703-457-9028.