The average heat pump should last between 10 and 15 years with the right maintenance. However, you’ll cut that service life substantially shorter when you ignore it until there’s a problem. Follow these four simple maintenance tips to get the most from your heat pump and make it last longer.
1. Change Your Air Filter
Your heat pump must circulate air around your home to evenly heat and cool the space. The most common source of airflow restrictions comes from neglecting the air filter.
Plan to check your filter monthly so that you always know when it gets dirty enough to change. While checking it, gently vacuum off the loose dirt to extend its life and your system’s efficiency between filter changes.
Smaller 1- and 2-inch filters commonly need changing about every 90 days. If you have a larger filter, check with your HVAC technician or your owner’s manual for the recommended change schedule.
2. Use Your Thermostat’s Programs
Leaving your thermostat set at the same temperature all day adds wear to your system with no benefit to you. This results in both reducing your system’s service life and higher utility costs.
Use your thermostat’s programs to reduce the strain on your system while you’re at work or in bed. Adjust the temperature by 7-10 degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Keeping this adjustment for eight hours each day could save you up to 10% on your annual heating and cooling expenses.
3. Wash the Outside Unit Frequently
Just like your system has to circulate air inside, the outside unit must circulate air as well. As it draws air through the coils, airborne contaminants stick to the unit, slowly restricting the airflow.
Plan to wash your outside unit two to three times over the summer. To complete this, simply turn the unit off, preferably at the circuit breaker. Then, use your garden hose, with no nozzle attached, to gently rinse the outside of the unit. Let it dry before turning the unit back on.
4. Get Annual Maintenance
Your unit needs a professional’s attention to ensure it maintains its efficiency, which extends its life. This comes with your seasonal maintenance, which usually happens in the spring and fall.
During this visit, your technician will perform a deeper cleaning of both the inside and outside coils, as well as the circulating fan. They’ll tighten fan mounting hardware and check electrical connections.
Testing is also key and ensures that each system component is working at its optimal level and that there’s enough refrigerant in the system. If the technician finds something that doesn’t perform well, you can have it repaired before it further damages your heat pump.
Don’t sacrifice your heat pump’s service life because you didn’t give it the attention it required. Call today to learn more about our heat pump services in Eatonton, GA, with Superior Heating & Air, and forget about having to worry about your system failing.