Does Your Heat Pump Need Cool Season Maintenance?
When the Valley weather dips into the cooler temperatures, residents head over to the thermostat. This is traditionally the time of year we flip the switch to heat mode. Before this happens, having an HVAC company out to do a tune-up on the heat pump might be a splendid idea.
Here are some of the things a good HVAC company will check when they perform a cool weather service call:
Winter in the Valley of the Sun
Test the thermostat
Change the filter
Inspect the electrical connections and wiring
Check the condensate pump and drain
Oil moving parts
Belt adjustment
Clean blower parts
Measure airflow
The energy efficiency of a heat pump can work up to 25% more efficiently if the system is regularly maintained. Since the HVAC is the biggest energy consumer in most homes, that represents substantial savings.
SMALL PROBLEMS
A service call offers an HVAC specialist an opportunity to discover problems when they’re small or before they start affecting the system performance. Think of it as a trip to the dentist, where a cleaning and small filling now can prevent a root canal from ever becoming necessary.
For example, the condensate pump can be cleaned or replaced before it ever clogs and quits. Thermostat problems can be discovered and addressed before the home ever becomes miserably cold.
Electrical connections can become loose or dirty over time. Tightening these will prevent unit failure and may save a household from loss of heat and a repair bill. Belt adjustments can prevent misalignment, which can result in some big repair bills.
CLEANING AND LUBRICATION
A heat pump performs better all of the parts are working well. During the tune-up, the technician will clean various elements and change the filter. A clean heat pump will produce a purer output of airflow than a dirty one. It will also function better and wear out more slowly.
After a tune-up, the HVAC technician will show you any problems which require repair or adjustment. Therein lies the reason for hiring a company you trust to do the tune-up: those crazy specials you see from HVAC companies you don’t know means you’ll be getting the results of the service from a stranger. We know a lot of great people in this industry who perform topnotch work and are trustworthy. But, they aren’t all necessarily honest.
Also, having your heat pump serviced in the fall may seem silly, especially since you might have had it tuned up in the Spring. But, considering your heat pump is probably the most expensive appliance in your home, and due to the electricity it draws, taking care of it should be as natural as getting the oil changed on your car.
If you have any questions about your heat pump or would like to schedule a fall tune-up, we are here to help! All of our technicians are trained heat pump service experts who strive to be prompt, professional, and friendly.
When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.
