If you live in a climate that doesn't get too cold, a heat pump can be an ideal way to keep your home warm during the winter. However, if you want to avoid an unexpected repair in the middle of winter, you may want to do some maintenance before the heating season starts. Here's what to do with your heat pump.
Look Over the Heat Pump
Start by looking over the interior part of your heating system. Find the filter, and either clean or replace it. Then, make sure that the wires are connected firmly to the wall and the heat pump. If you see fraying or loose connections, call in a specialist to help you replace the wires. While the pump is off, clean the indoor coil and the drain pan. The coil can catch dust and debris, and condensate can lead to mould in the drain pan.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Your heat pump also has an outdoor unit, and you need to take some time to look this over as well. Find the drain holes and remove any debris. You can use a shop vac for this step if desired. As you did inside, check the condition of the wires. Find the fan blade, and spin it by hand. If there is any resistance, remove debris that has accumulated around the fan, and apply a lubricant to the fan's moving parts.
Look at the Thermostat
You should also take a few moments to check over the thermostat. First pull it away from the wall and do a visual check to make sure the wires are okay. Then, use a level to make sure the thermostat is even.
See How It All Works Together
Finally, once you've serviced all the components, it's time to see how it all works together. Turn up the thermostat and make sure the system kicks in. Then, if you have the manufacturer's instruction manual, consult that about how to do a defrost cycle. Finally, look over your ducts for damage.
Consider Calling a Professional
When it comes to maintaining heat pumps, a professional can do a number of steps that are hard to do without training. In particular, they can measure discharge pressure, check the superheat reading and see if the system is low on refrigerant. Then, they can top up the refrigerant as needed or repair other issues. For best results, consider having a professional do your annual heat pump maintenance.