Simple Tips for Extending Your Heat Pump’s Life Span in the New Year
Heat pumps offer an efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling option. However, they’re pricey. So, if you own one, it’s essential to do whatever you can to extend its life span. The good news is that there are multiple simple and effective ways for you to do that. Here are some tips for extending your heat pump’s life span in the new year.
Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance
The single most effective way to extend your heat pump’s life span is to schedule regular professional maintenance. For maximum longevity, your heat pump requires two maintenance visits each year. One should occur in early spring to prepare your heat pump for the cooling season. The second should occur in early fall to ready your heat pump for the heating season.
During each heat pump maintenance visit, your HVAC technician will perform critical tasks. The first thing they’ll do is inspect your heat pump to look for any signs of malfunction. That provides an opportunity for early intervention in the event of a problem. Your technician will also clean the inner workings of your heat pump and lubricate its moving parts. Additionally, they’ll check your heat pump’s refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels indicate a leak, which can cause excessive wear on your heat pump.
Don’t Neglect Regular Air Filter Changes
It may seem like a small thing, but regular air filter changes will help extend your heat pump’s life span. The reason is simple. Dirty air filters disrupt airflow through your heat pump. That not only leads to premature blower motor wear, but forces your heat pump to run at abnormal internal temperatures. Either can lead to an early failure of your heat pump.
Keep Your Heat Pump’s Surroundings Clean
Another way to extend your heat pump’s life span is to keep its surroundings clean. Your heat pump’s indoor unit will need roughly 18 inches of free space to its rear and sides. You should also avoid placing anything in front of it. Your heat pump’s outdoor unit should have about two feet of free space on all sides, if possible. The free space around the outdoor unit ensures maximally efficient heat transfer. That reduces unnecessary wear and tear. The free space around the indoor unit helps prevent the system from overheating.
Don’t Delay Repairs
Since you rely on your heat pump for year-round comfort, there’s never an ideal time to schedule repairs. However, you should always schedule repairs as soon as you notice a problem anyway. Neglecting needed repairs and operating your heat pump in a compromised state will shorten its life span.
Keeping your heat pump in good working order isn’t a job for an amateur. Contact Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air for expert heat pump services in Santa Barbara, CA, today.
