Having a heat pump in your house is a blessing especially when the temperature outside is cold. There is nothing more relaxing than being in the comfort of your home without having to worry or covering yourself with layers of clothes to keep warm. But that is not only possible if you look after the heat pump and perform heat pump repair and maintenance regularly. Unfortunately, not many people know how to do that and rely on experts that cost them money. Follow us to know how you should go about inspecting your heat pump.

Inspection And Cleaning

The first and most important part of inspecting a heat pump is inspection and cleaning. Heat pumps like other household appliances need care too. If you ignore them, the accumulation of dirt and dust can make it difficult for the unit to perform. Plus, in some cases, the unit starts making strange noises that are ignored by the homeowners.

In the wait for the strange noises to go away themselves, the units end up getting damaged and the homeowners spend hefty amounts on expensive repairs and replacements. This is why, both manufacturers and experts suggest keeping an eye out on heat pumps.

Sometimes, the problem is not as serious if you were to act immediately. Ignorance and laziness have caused a lot more issues than the actual problem itself. So, you should make a schedule and take some time to perform maintenance.

Considering the fact that most homeowners do not have the tools or expertise to thoroughly inspect and clean the unit but that is fine. All you should do is clean the unit where your hands are accessible and inspect for any unusual signs & symptoms. Many people ignore their HVAC thermostats during the maintenance so make sure to take a look at it as well.

Make sure the heat pump is turned off and not hot. If the heat pump is used and it is hot, you should give it some time to cool down.

Checking Refrigerant Levels

An important part of air conditioners and heat pumps is the refrigerant that flows inside the coils. Heat pumps require a certain refrigerant level to be able to produce warm or cool air. If the refrigerant happens to be low due to some cracks or damage, the heat pump will not be able to warm up the house.

The low level of refrigerant will force the heat pump to work harder than usual and make it undergo extreme stress. As a result, the components might heat up as well and shut down. In some cases, this has also caused permanent and expensive replacements.

So, thoroughly inspecting and maintaining the heat pump ensures that the refrigerant does not leak. Inspection allows you to go deep inside the heat pump and look for cracks and damages. If the unit happens to be new, you might be able to get the unit fixed under warranty. In case the warranty period is over, contact HVAC companies Arlington who have experienced technicians to inspect and repair your heat pump.

However, if the unit happens to be old, you should analyze the cost of repairs and replacements and consider investing in a new unit.

Inspecting The Coils

One thing you need to keep in mind about heat pumps is that the components inside the unit work together as a team to produce both warm and cool air. If any of the components were to struggle or experience problems, the entire unit would face a problem with normal functioning.

This is why inspecting the coils is as important as ensuring the refrigerant levels are normal. A heat pump consists of a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. With time, these coils accumulate dirt and dust that leads to heat buildup. Eventually, the coils begin to heat up and not being able to withstand the temperature tend to shut down.

In the worst-case scenario, the coils tend to become permanently damaged. Damaged coils leak refrigerant which cause many problems as stated earlier. The replacement of HVAC coils is not only expensive but might take time, which makes it hard to wait if you and your family members are already shivering.

So, ensuring your coils are clean and free of accumulations ensures that your heat pump won’t be facing any problems for a while.

Lubricating The Motors

This is one of the most ignored inspection and maintenance factors that play a vital role in the smooth functioning of the heat pump. Heat pumps contain several motors that need timely lubrication to avoid excess friction. If you hear unusual and weird noises, it might be that some parts need lubrication. Otherwise, they can break down. Sometimes, they overheat and affect other components as well.

So, instead of waiting for noises to go away, you should immediately shut down the unit and lubricate it first. If your heat pump requires a certain type of oil to run properly, you should ensure the level is sufficient while performing routine maintenance and inspection.

Ensuring lubrication reduces the system’s wear and tear, which will lead to a longer lifespan of the unit.

Testing The Electronics

A heat pump is an electronic unit comprising several different features. For instance, modern heat pumps come with safety features that prevent injuries and damage. If your heat pump has been sitting dormant for a while, you should inspect and test its electronics to ensure everything is working fine.

Before you turn off your heat pump for a few months, if you have to move out of the country for a while, you should properly cover and store it. Make sure the unit is inspected and cleaned before it is turned off for a while. Plus, you should also give it a thorough inspection before turning it on after a few months of being dormant.

Such minor considerations go a long way in terms of ensuring the heat pump functions to its full potential for years to come.

How To Find The Right Expert For Heat Pump Inspection And Maintenance?

When it comes to finding the right expert for heat pump inspection and maintenance, you will come across a sea of options but not everyone will deserve your consideration. While going through the options, you should narrow down the list by only considering those who carry insurance, license, or certification.

In addition to that, you will also come across experts who are willing to offer their services at a lower market price. As tempting as it may seem, you should avoid such options. An amateur will do a lot more damage than simply maintaining the unit. It will cost you more in the long run.

Always make sure that you opt for a professional even if you have to pay a bit more for their services. And, in the meantime, you should also perform minor cleaning and inspections yourself to ensure the unit runs without any big issue.

Conclusion

Inspecting and maintaining your heat pump is a basic part of ensuring it functions without any problems. Your DIY maintenance aside, you should also invest in expert maintenance performed by heat pump repair services McLean that is a lot more thorough and detailed. This way, you get to avoid expensive repairs and replacements that could drain your savings. Remember, maintenance is an investment, not an expense.