Simply buying the right equipment does not guarantee flawless operations always. Yes, it still has a bearing on how well the unit works. So to get the maximum out of your heat pump, you not only need to buy the most appropriate system but also bear in mind certain do’s and don’ts. When you have a heat pump system at home for heating and cooling, there are literally twice the possibilities when something starts malfunctioning. When something does go wrong, as it surely will because the heat pump is but a machinery, many questions come to your mind. Could this have been prevented? Can I repair it myself? These are natural queries, and we to answer them by sharing a few heat pump repair do’s and don’ts with you. These tips will come very handy to homeowners and guarantee longer life for the heat pump.
Do’s And Dont’s Of Heat Pump Repair
1. Maintenance Is The Key – Often, homeowners forget the importance of timely and periodic maintenance of their heat pump. Maintenance ensures that your heat pump keeps working efficiently without breaking down. Timely maintenance will not only help you save on your utility bills but will also lower the cost of repairs if any. It prevents unnecessary wear and tear of the components and keeps them running smoothly for a very long time.
2. Adjust Thermostat To Most Appropriate Temperature – Cranking the thermostat up or down to make your home comfortable quicker is but a folly. The thermostat should be adjusted as per the recommended temperature setting for that season. Any variations will force your unit to work under strain. It will not only decrease its efficiency but may also result in unnecessary repairs. Other than that, invest in a digital thermostat as it is easy to use and not at all confusing like the analog one. Keep an eye on its battery level so that you can switch them before they start causing trouble with the performance of the thermostat.
3. Use Higher Fan Speed – If you wish to warm or cool your home faster, consider using a higher fan speed. You can also switch on the ceiling fan to further quicken the process. Increasing fan speed is any day a better option than setting the temperature too high or too low to get the same effect. It maintains the efficiency of your heat pump and does not put it under any undue pressure.
4. Refrain From Using The “Auto” Setting – Homeowners often think that the “Auto” setting on the thermostat is the best as it will automatically crank up the heat or lower it. They also assume that this setting makes it unnecessary for them to keep an eye on the thermostat. Alas, they are completely wrong in their assumption. When the family is away from home, the Auto” setting will still heat or cool your home as if the members were still indoor and enjoying a comfortable atmosphere. This is an unnecessary wastage of electricity. Also, many times the unit unnecessarily fluctuates between heating and cooling wheen set on “Auto” mode. A far better option is to set the desired temperature and switch off the thermostat when leaving home for an extended period of time.
5. Remove All Surrounding Debris – Cleanliness is of utmost importance. If the unit itself, along with its surrounding areas, is clean, your heat pump will work without giving you any troubles. If there are accumulations in or around the unit, they are bound to hamper its efficiency and put the system under undue stress.
6. Change Air Filters Regularly – Air filters trap floating particles and get clogged over a period of time. Changing them frequently ensures that the air flows freely without any hindrances. It allows the system to breathe in and out without any restrictions. When the air flows freely, your home reaches a comfortable temperature far more efficiently and quickly.
7. Check For Leaks That May Be Dripping Water Into The Unit – Often, the gutters on the roof get blocked and drip water directly into your outdoor unit. This can cause short circuits and even other damage. Ensure that your gutters are clean so that no water is trapped in them and drains out quickly.
8. Check Refrigerant Levels – At the time of maintenance and even while getting any repairs done, you should ask the technician to check the level of refrigerant. If it is low, you need to get it replenished and seal the point of the leak. Checking the refrigerant levels regularly ensures that you can take timely action to prevent any major leaks. It will also keep your unit working efficiently without the scare of it shutting down.
9. Don’t Carry Our Repairs On Your Own – As a homeowner, at the most, you have a very basic knowledge of the heat pump or any part thereof. Hence, you should refrain from carrying out DIY repairs. If you still do so, it may put the warranty of your equipment under risk and may also lead to extensive and expensive repairs. The HVAC technicians fee is any day a far cheaper expenditure than the above-mentioned scenario.
10. Only Allow A Trained Professional To Check Your Heat Pump – Don’t try and save on the fee by hiring a cheap and untrained technician though they will claim to have complete knowledge and training. The biggest give of these con artists is the fact that they charge super low. So, low that you think why to waste money by hiring a costly technician when you can get the same job done for a throw-away price by somebody else. These scammers can do more harm to the heat pump with their limited knowledge. A trained technician, on the other hand, will follow all the safety regulations and take full ownership of the work done.
Food For Thought
Your home is your haven, and the heat pump is its lifeline. If you take proper care of the heat pump through periodic maintenance, timely repairs, and not putting it under any unwanted stress, it will work efficiently for many years to come. Only allow trained professionals and experts in heat pumps to see to its cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Other than that, kick back and enjoy the comforts of your home.
