Heat Pump Preventative Maintenance

Bi-Annual Maintenance for Year-Round Systems

Unlike standard air conditioners that remain idle in winter, or furnaces that sleep all summer, heat pumps run throughout the entire year. This continuous usage doubles the wear and tear on your equipment compared to separate systems. To keep your heat pump running efficiently and protect its lifespan, HVAC manufacturers recommend professional maintenance twice a year: once in the spring before cooling begins, and once in the autumn before heating starts.

Our specialized Heat Pump Tune-Up Checklist

In addition to standard electrical and motor checks, our heat pump service focuses on critical components unique to these systems:

• Reversing Valve Testing: We verify the reversing valve smoothly switches the refrigerant flow between heating and cooling cycles.
• Defrost Control Calibration: We check the defrost board and sensors. In winter, moisture freezes on outdoor coils; the system must periodically warm itself to melt ice. A failed defrost sensor leads to a frozen, damaged unit.
• Backup Electric Heat (Aux Heat) Inspections: We test the secondary electric heating elements to ensure they engage correctly when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Refrigerant Charge & Leak Check: Proper refrigerant levels are vital for heat pumps to capture heat from cold air. Even a slight undercharge reduces heating capacity.
• Outdoor Fan and Blower Tuning: We oil bearings, clean fan blades, and inspect motors to minimize noise and electric pull.

Lower Heating & Cooling Bills

Preventative maintenance keeps the coils clean and electrical parts tight. A clean system requires less electricity to transfer heat, reducing utility bills and preventing unexpected breakdowns in the middle of extreme weather.

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