How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Heat Pump
Your home's heat pump works throughout the year to maintain your interior comfort levels by providing either hot or cold air, depending on the season. Like all appliances, this constant usage will have a marked wear and tear effect on your heat pump, which can cause its effectiveness and efficiency to degrade over time. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to extend the lifespan of your heat pump and keep it working as intended for as long as possible.
Clear Away Debris
One of the most important, and also one of the easiest, things that you can do for your heat pump is to clear away any organic debris which may have collected around the outside of the unit. Leaves, sticks, and other pieces of detritus can restrict the air flow into your heat pump, forcing it to work harder to provide the same amount of heating or cooling – which translates into greater wear to internal components. The same principle goes for stuck on dirt or mud: you can simply spray the sides of your unit down with a garden hose to clear out the vents.
Clean the Air Filter
In a very similar train of thought to the above point, you should also make an effort to check and clean your heat pump's air filter every few months, depending on usage. Dust and other airborne contaminants can clog the filter, effectively reducing air flow into your heat pump in the same way that debris around the outside unit can. You can remove the air filter from your heat pump's indoor unit either by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the model. If you don't know which replacement filter to purchase, simply bring the old filter into a hardware store and match it to a new filter. You should also inspect the vents throughout your home, and clear away collected dust or move furniture and carpeting which may be blocking them to ensure proper air flow and peak effectiveness of your heat pump.
Regular Servicing
Beyond at-home maintenance that you can complete yourself, you should also ensure that a professional HVAC contractor takes a look at your heat pump at least twice a year, right before the summer and winter seasons when your heat pump will see the greatest amount of use. A professional will be able to safely inspect the interior of your unit, refill refrigerant and repair leaks, and determine if the heat exchanger or ductwork will need to be repaired or replaced.
Contact a business like Metro Mechanical Services to learn more.
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