Heat pumps are an important part of any home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In order to maintain a comfortable, year-round temperature in your home, it’s critical to keep your heat pump in tip-top shape. Here are some quick upkeep tips to get you started:
- Clean out your filters. Clean your filters once a month to ensure your system is running at its peak performance. Dirty filters cause your heat pump to work overtime to circulate air. You can replace your old filter with a washable model (which costs extra but is reusable) or a throwaway alternative. Whichever filter you choose, a new filter will increase your heat pump’s performance.
- Get rid of blockage. Clear away any brush or debris from your heat pump to ensure there’s no blockage. Grass, leaves and sticks sometimes gather at the base of your heat pump and restrict its airflow. Check your pump once every three months for debris build up.
- Maintain coolant. Keep an eye out for refrigerant leakage. The liquid housed inside your heat pump is responsible for heating and cooling transference. If you notice any leakage, call a licensed technician. A DIY repair could result in damage to your heat pump — which bumps up your overall costs, especially if its damaged enough to require replacement.
- Oil the motor. For an additional maintenance boost, oil your fan motor every three or four years. If you’re not sure where to locate your motor, consult your owner’s manual or call a professional for help.
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I never knew it was a good idea to oil your HVAC motor every 3 to 4 years! I moved in to this house about 6 years ago, and I have yet to do this. I bet the system would work much more efficiently, though, if I kept up the motor better, so this is really good advice. Hopefully me not oiling the motor won’t have any huge consequences before I can get to oiling it. Maybe hiring a professional would be a good idea, too — they know much more about HVAC units than I do.