The Benefits of Maintaining Your Heat Pump
Heat pumps are efficient, eco-friendly, and a great way to maintain consistent temperatures in your home. However, they are different than standard HVAC systems and require knowledgeable technicians with specific training. Our team at BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has over 40 years of experience working on all sorts of heating and cooling systems.
Our regular heat pump maintenance helps your system work properly. Specifically, scheduling tune-ups can help do the following:
- Prevent emergency calls: You don’t want to find out your heat pump doesn’t work when the first big snowstorm hits. Not only can sudden breakdowns be dangerous and stressful, but they can also take time to fix — especially if your neighbors are all calling for service at the same time.
- Avoid damage to your unit: Regular wear and tear is normal. Preventative maintenance can prevent minor problems from turning into high-dollar repairs.
- Lower your energy bills: A broken heat pump costs more to run, but a well-maintained system is an efficient system that saves you money.
- Maintain your warranty: Some HVAC manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance by a professional technician as a warranty condition.
What Happens During Heat Pump Maintenance
When you call us for heat pump maintenance in Eden Prairie, our experienced technicians will do the following:
- Inspect and clean ducts, filters, blower, and coils
- Check that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed
- Identify and seal any duct leaks
- Measure airflow to ensure proper circulation
- Verify and correct refrigerant levels
- Check for refrigerant leaks
- Lubricate moving parts
- Inspect hoses and belts
- Identify and tighten any loose parts
- Inspect electrical and fuel connections, cleaning and tightening if needed
- Make sure your thermostat is operating properly
Common Causes of Heat Pump Issues
Whether you have called out our contractors for regular maintenance or to address a specific problem, they may find the following common causes of heat pump malfunction.
Thermostat Issues
A thermostat tells your heat pump what to do — when to heat the air, when to cool it, and when to shut off. If your heat pump isn’t working properly, our technicians will check your thermostat for potential issues with power, settings, or calibration.
Improper Fan Settings
The incorrect fan settings can cause your heat pump to work too hard, resulting in too much or not enough warm or cold air. While the “auto” setting turns the blower on only when the heat pump cycles, the “on” setting keeps the fan in constant operation.
Blocked Registers
Registers are vent covers on the floor or wall where the air ducts are. They have moving parts that can open, close, and direct airflow for your HVAC system. During our maintenance visits, we will check to make sure your registers are open and unobstructed by rugs, furniture, or other household items.
Dirty Coils or Fans
Without proper upkeep, dirt, dust, and other build-up can accumulate on the coils or fans of a heat pump. Dirty coils can prevent the heat pump from transferring heat, while dirty fans can lead to reduced airflow and inefficient heating or cooling.
Belt Problems
If your heat pump isn’t moving air — or you hear screeching or flapping — you may have a broken connector belt. During maintenance visits, our technicians will inspect belts for tightness and wear to prevent future problems. If a belt has already broken, we can replace it.
Clogged Filters
Clogged air filters can reduce air quality, restrict airflow, and even result in overheating, which may cause your heat pump to stop working. While our contractors will check your filters during our maintenance inspection, it is also important to clean or change filters yourself every one to three months, depending on factors such as pets, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Loose Parts
Some heat pumps are loud even when functioning properly. However, if you hear new or excessive rattling sounds, the cause may be loose parts. We can inspect your system and tighten any components that may have loosened.
