A new heat pump’s longevity is largely dependent on how well you take care of it. With the right amount of attention -- which is nothing excessive -- you should be able to reach the average life expectancy of 15 years with no problem. One of the most important steps to making sure it makes it this long is having heat pump maintenance performed each and every year.
Preventive maintenance will not only help you get the most out of your major investment, it will help keep your heating costs as low as possible as well. All of the moving parts get oiled and all the components -- both great and small -- get cleaned to make sure they are working efficiently. Damaged parts get replaced so that they don’t cause the entire system to fail when you start using your heat pump more and more in the middle of winter, when you need it most. Your gas connections will also be double-checked to make sure there are no dangerous carbon dioxide leaks. Even the smallest of leaks can be dangerous as long-term exposure is very unhealthy. There are also some steps you can take yourself to make sure your heat pump works optimally. Replace the air filters as often as the manufacturer recommends. This will ensure that air is able to flow freely through the filter without being impeded by the pollutants it has captured. If you neglect this for too long, your air system has to use extra energy to push it through, causing added wear and tear as well as hiking up your energy costs. You can also maintain the outdoor unit by spraying it down with a high-pressure water hose before the temperatures drop to freezing. This will knock dirt off the fins and help it stay efficient. You should also sweep away debris like twigs, leaves and dirt. To learn more about how heat pump maintenance will help you get the most from your heating system, contact Russell’s Heating and Coolingtoday. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today! Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.