Like an air conditioner, a heat pump cooling system needs to be maintained in order to be at its most efficient during summer’s hottest months. A severely neglected heat pump can cost you 10-25 percent more in energy. A properly running heat pump cooling system runs more efficiently, and helps you save money on energy bills. When maintaining your heat pump cooling system:
Keep It Clean
Clean or change the air filter at least once a month, or more often if you notice it is excessively dirty. This is an inexpensive and simple way to increase the system’s efficiency. Dirty filters, coils and fans put stress on your system, forcing it to work harder to move air. Turn off the power to clean fans. Remove debris and vegetation from around the outdoor unit, clean outdoor coils when dirty, and straighten supply and return registers if fins are bent.
Beware of Operator Error
Unless your system has a high-efficiency, variable-speed fan motor, don’t use continuous indoor fan operation, as it can degrade the performance of the system. Use the “auto” fan setting on the thermostat instead.
Schedule a Professional Service
Your heat pump cooling system needs to be serviced at least every year. A professional technician will:
- Inspect and maintain
Professionals will inspect and lubricate motors, check electrical connections and terminals, and add non-conductive coating as needed. - Check refrigerant
Your system must have exactly the recommended level of refrigerant to operate efficiently. - Look for and address ductwork leaks
Twenty percent of air in duct systems is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts resulting in higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home. - Perform diagnostics
A professional contractor should measure airflow through the evaporator coil, make sure the thermostat is operating correctly and verify the correct electric control sequence (so that the heating and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously).
To have your heat pump cooling system professionally maintained to help you beat the Texas heat, contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating. For more than 30 years, Bill Joplin’s has been providing highly skilled, NATE-certified service to McKinney, Frisco, Allen and surrounding areas.
