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One of the things that’s so great about heat pumps is that they provide air conditioning as well as heat so they are just as important this time of year! Transitioning your heat pump from winter to warm weather isn’t an entirely automatic process, however. There are a few basic maintenance steps you should take to get your unit ready for a comfortable summer season.
The exterior compressor unit of your heat pump needs to be checked every spring. You want to make sure there’s no winter damage and that it’s free from any leaves or debris. Make sure you clean off the unit and clear the surrounding area 2-3 feet around the unit. You want to make sure the entire exterior unit is unobstructed so it can draw fresh air and expel old air easily for optimal operation. Check through the summer to make sure this area doesn’t become overgrown with weeds.
We typically recommend that air filters get changed every month during times of heavy use, and every 2-3 months the rest of the year. During the transition between seasons is a perfect time to start with a fresh, new air filter. Air filters are relatively inexpensive and go a long way to keeping your indoor air clean and free of pollutants and allergens. When air filters get dirty, they don’t filter out contaminants properly (yuck!) so we keep breathing them in our interior air. Also, if your filter becomes loaded with dust and debris, the unit has to work harder for air flow which puts more wear and tear on the equipment and can impact its lifespan.
Many heat pump users think AUTO mode makes the most sense, especially during in-between seasons. Unfortunately, this often makes the unit operate more than necessary, wasting energy. We recommend using either HEAT or COOL mode depending on the weather. Once it gets warmer, set your heat pump to COOL mode, and do not change it.
Heat pumps offer so many benefits – year-round comfort with heat and a/c, energy efficiency that lowers utility bills, and controlling humidity. To maintain all these features, you do need to change the thermostat settings as warm weather approaches. While you should keep your heat pump thermostat set around 68 degrees in winter for best efficiency, it’s generally advised to set it near 78 degrees in the summer.
The best way to keep your heat pump running efficiently is to schedule an annual, routine maintenance checkup with one of our technicians. We’ll make sure your heat pump is running at top efficiency. During this visit, our technician will check all the fluids and filters, all the connections and wiring, and test the fans and motor. Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive repairs in the future and to make sure your unit lasts as long as possible.