Heat pumps are not only effective but also energy efficient. Although they can be a bit expensive, other options consume a significant amount of energy, so the initial cost of heat pumps is justifiable. But that is only possible if heat pumps function at their best each time they are turned on. The only way to ensure smooth operation is by offering maintenance and avoiding certain mistakes to increase its efficiency and lifespan. You will also save on heat pump repair costs. Here are things should not do with a heat pump.
Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance
A heat pump is only as good as the maintenance and care it receives. It requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep running smoothly.
You might think that a heat pump does not require any or much maintenance, but that is not true. On the other hand, some homeowners tend to clean and maintain the heat pumps on their own while completely neglecting professional care simply to avoid spending excessive money.
Unless you have the right tools and expertise to perform thorough cleaning and maintenance, you won’t have to worry about expert maintenance. But, if you think simply cleaning the unit inside out will fix your future problems, you are wrong.
This is where expert maintenance comes in. It allows the expert access to areas that are otherwise unreachable. An expert not only cleans the unit but also performs an inspection of the components inside to determine if any repairs or replacements are needed.
This helps the expert fix the issues on the spot while keeping future problems at bay and the unit running as smoothly as possible.
Don’t Set Extreme Temperature
One of the most common mistakes homeowners tend to make when it comes to using a heat pump is cranking it to the max in an attempt to warm up the house quicker. Nobody wants to enter a cold house after a long day of work. Instead, it should be a little warm and cozy to make it easier to relax.
As mentioned earlier, heat pumps are designed to be effective and efficient. But, this does not mean you get to crank it to the maximum temperature, which will only force it to work harder than usual. You might be able to receive instant warmth, but that will significantly impact the energy bills as well.
So, if you notice your energy bills going up all of a sudden, it could be due to this simple practice you should avoid. Cranking the temperature in extreme cases is fine, but making it a habit will affect the performance of the unit as well.
The best way to utilize your heat pump is by going through the user manual. Determine the temperature of both outdoors and indoors and optimize heat pump settings accordingly. Modern heat pumps come with climate control functions as well and can be controlled via smartphones. This removes the need for manually adjusting the temperature as it does so on its own.
Don’t Obstruct Airflow
Airflow obstruction is another reason heat pumps tend to lose their efficiency and effectiveness with time. Although lack of maintenance can also affect the airflow but there can be other reasons as well. Heat pumps are connected via ducts throughout the entire house.
These ducts tend to be a perfect space for intruders like birds and reptiles, especially during the winter season, to keep their offspring warm. But the same intruders can also cause obstructions by building nests or chewing on wires.
Plus, obstruction can also be caused if the heat pump is installed in a congested area. If there is any piece of furniture or décor item blocking the airflow, it could lead to heat circulation issues. So, make sure to remove any hurdles or items that might cause airflow problems.
Don’t Rely On Backup Heat Every Time
Modern heat pumps come with electric resistance heating for extremely cold days. If you have kids or elderly people with mobility or respiratory issues, or are simply temperature sensitive, you can use this feature to quickly bring the temperature down.
But the fact of the matter is that you rely on it every single time. If you are living alone, you need to trust the heat pump to warm up the house, no matter how much time it takes. Using backup heating every time will raise the energy bills.
If possible and available, you can use other techniques to warm up the house until the heat pump does its job. That being said, you have a furnace as a backup, hire furnace services Huntington to maintain it so that it doesn’t fail when you need it.
Don’t Ignore Unusual Noises
Heat pumps, like other household appliances, are prone to making unusual sounds with time as they experience wear and tear. During normal functioning, you will hear a slight humming sound at most. But if you come across squeaking, grinding, or some other type of unusual noise, you should not ignore it.
Some people tend to wait for the noise to go away on its own, which simply calls for further trouble. If you notice the sound becoming louder and clearer, it means something is about to go wrong. You should immediately shut down the heat pump and try to determine the cause of the noise.
If not possible, you should contact an HVAC expert. Playing around with the heat pump can lead to serious injuries and component damage. The last thing you would want is replacing a perfectly fine component just because you failed to call in an expert and experimented with the unit.
Don’t Wait To Clean Filters
Your heat pump most likely comes with air filters to trap contaminants and purify the air. With time, these filters can become dirty and clogged due to dirt and dust. Clogged filters will make it difficult for the heat pump to perform as it will have to work harder than usual to push the air through.
This will raise the energy bills and result in cold areas as well. This means, instead of waiting for the filters to clog, you should clean them at least once every month or so. The frequency will increase if you live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions regularly.
And, if your heat pump happens to be old, it might be that the filters need replacement. You will need to check for cracks and damages. On the other hand, if the unit has lost its efficiency overall, it means it is time to replace the heat pump as the existing one has turned weak.
Conclusion
Heat pumps are relatively simple machines to use, but some practices can make it difficult for them to operate efficiently and effectively. The above-mentioned tips are will help prolong the life of your heat pump and keep your energy bills down at the same time. Make sure to consult heat pump repair services Port Jefferson for inspections, repairs, and replacements.
