Heat pumps are an incredibly efficient method for heating and cooling your Layton, UT home. This is a single unit that reduces the amount of space you need for installation. Also, you save money by not having to purchase, install, and maintain two separate pieces of equipment. To keep your heat pump running efficiently and reliably throughout the year, routine maintenance is necessary. Our team at Smedley Service can help with this routine maintenance. We can also assist with any repairs that are necessary.
Heat Pump Maintenance Frequency
We recommend that you service your heat pump twice a year. Ideally, set up an appointment in early spring before you need to cool your home. Then, make another appointment for early fall before you need to heat your home. This schedule helps prevent unexpected heat pump issues that can compromise the comfort and safety of your home.
Things You Can Do Monthly
In addition to professional maintenance, there are some simple tasks homeowners can do on their own every month. Change and replace your filters if they are dirty. Clear away any debris that may have accumulated around your outdoor unit to ensure proper airflow and to protect interior components. Pay attention to any unusual noises that may be occurring when your heat pump is operating. If you notice screeching, squealing, or banging, contact us right away.
What Does Professional Maintenance Include?
One of our licensed technicians will perform your heat pump maintenance from start to finish. We inspect all components for signs of wear and tear. If damage or issues are discovered, we perform repairs. Often, this can occur all in one day. If there are extensive problems present, our team may need to come back another day. Our inspection also includes checking your refrigerant lines and coils as well as looking for signs of leaks or corrosion.
Both indoor and outdoor coils should be cleaned twice a year. Clearing the condensate drain line will ensure condensation flows freely away from your home. Otherwise, water can pool and cause extensive damage. This drain line can become clogged from sediment accumulation and hard mineral deposits. We will also remove any debris that has accumulated around your fan blades and unit housing.
Lubricating moving parts reduces friction and protects components from damage. We will inspect your blower and air handler, verifying proper airflow. The condition of your ducts is also important. If there are many gaps and cracks present, this will cause your heat pump to run more frequently. This can lead to ongoing repairs and a shorter system lifespan.
Electrical testing is also important and something a professional should always handle. We will check wires for fraying or other damage. Tightening connections that are loose and testing capacitors, relays, and contactors is part of the process. Ensuring voltage and amperage are at proper levels ensures safety.
Your thermostat needs to provide accurate readings for optimal comfort and efficiency. We can test your thermostat and calibrate it if necessary to improve system function.
Measuring refrigerant levels ensures efficient operation. We’ll look for any signs of leaks or pressure imbalances that can impact your comfort as well as the integrity of your heat pump.
The reversing valve on your heat pump is necessary for switching between heating and cooling. It’s possible this valve can get stuck in one position or experience electrical issues that prevent function changes. This is a key part of our inspection process.
What Happens If You Skip Maintenance?
Many homeowners skip routine maintenance of their heat pump to save money. However, this can end up costing you more in the long run. Routine maintenance is the perfect time to catch issues before they spiral out of control and shut down your heat pump. Also, heating maintenance can boost the efficiency of your heat pump. Your monthly utility bills can increase over time when you’re avoiding routine appointments. Expect a shorter system lifespan when you allow problems to go undetected.
There are many heat pump manufacturers that require routine service from a professional to keep coverage valid. You run the risk of voiding warranties if you take on DIY work or avoid maintenance altogether. Make sure you retain proof of your service for future use.
Signs It’s Time for Heat Pump Maintenance
We recommend staying on track with routine heat pump maintenance appointments in the spring and fall. However, there are signs to watch out for that indicate it’s time to call our team.
Abnormal noises can indicate friction inside your heat pump or loose connections. If you hear grinding or screeching when your heat pump is operating, shut off your unit and call us immediately. Also, foul odors coming from vents and registers can indicate condensation, refrigerant issues, and electrical problems.
Your heat pump should help you achieve a comfortable and consistent temperature throughout your home. If you have a lot of hot or cold spots, check to see if your system is short cycling. We can inspect the interior of your unit to see if there are low refrigerant or motor issues.
Monitor your monthly utility bills as well. If you see a steady increase in energy consumption, your heat pump may be to blame. If your unit is over 10 years old, we will determine if it’s time to replace it with a new, more efficient unit. Modern heat pumps use inverter technology and dual-fuel capability for more efficient operation.
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat during your next maintenance appointment. This device can help you better utilize your heat pump. You can track usage patterns, program a heating and cooling schedule, schedule maintenance reminders, and receive alerts for performance issues.
Common Maintenance Myths
There are several myths about routine heat pump maintenance that can impact your decision to schedule an appointment. We’re here to debunk these myths and provide you with accurate information.
People think that heat pumps don’t require maintenance since they are different than traditional furnaces and central AC units. Heat pumps run throughout the year for both heating and cooling. Because of this, they require more attention than a seasonal unit.
Even if you think your heat pump is working reliably, there may be minor issues you don’t know about. Many of these problems are invisible until they shut down your system. In many cases, you can avoid replacing your heat pump with simple maintenance tasks.
If you’re cleaning fan blades or an outdoor unit, never use chemical-based products. They can harm the finish or damage the integrity of the product. Stick to water or products recommended by your heat pump’s manufacturer.
At Smedley Service, our team is available to help homeowners in the Layton area with routine heat pump maintenance services. We can also help you select and install a new unit and address emergency repair needs. Contact us at Smedley Service for professional heat pump support in Layton today.
