Spring is officially here and we’ve already had some warmer days. The change in season inspired many homeowners to start checking off items on their spring cleaning checklists.
We hope that scheduling AC maintenance in Pine Brook, NJ is near the top of the priority list! Especially if you have a heat pump.
Many homeowners don’t realize that their heat pump needs to be maintained twice a year. That’s right, if you just had your heat pump recommended in the fall, you need to schedule it now in the spring. Read on to learn why heat pumps need bi-annual maintenance.
Why do heat pumps need bi-annual maintenance?
The standard maintenance recommendation for central air conditioners, heaters, furnaces, and boilers is once a year. That’s because these systems have one job: to provide heated air or to provide cooled air. Then heat pumps surged in popularity and messed up peoples’ thinking.
A heat pump is a 2-in-1 system that provides both heating and cooling. That means it has a lot less downtime than central heating and cooling systems that only have one job and only work for about half the year.
It’s also important to know that a heat pump is essentially an air conditioner with an extra component that allows it to make the switch from heating to cooling and vice versa. That means it uses the same components to heat your home as it does to cool your home.
This is really why heat pumps need bi-annual maintenance. All those working components need to be assessed, checked, tested, and lubricated to make sure the workhorse of your home will continue to function well throughout the summer.
When should I schedule maintenance?
Heat pump maintenance should be scheduled at the same time of year as their central system counterparts: in the spring and fall. That sweet spot between when you transition from using heating and cooling and vice versa is the ideal time. However, with our unpredictable weather, it isn’t always that easy.
That’s why we always say, it’s never too late to schedule maintenance. But getting it done earlier in the season is always better. Once the hot weather arrives and homeowners rely heavily on their air conditioners is when problems are discovered and we’re being called out for repairs. You won’t want to have your heat pump out of commission for even the minor amount of time it takes us to maintain it once that hot weather hits.
What happens during heat pump maintenance?
Here are some of the important items on a heat pump maintenance checklist that a technician will examine and test.
- Thermostat:
- Electrical connections
- Unit disconnect switches
- Lubrication
- Condensate drain and pan
- Startup and shutdown controls
- Air filter
- Blower wheel and motor
- Belts and pulleys
- Safety panels
- Condenser fan and coil
- Reversing valve
- Defrost assembly
Allow our fine heat pump technicians to provide you with the heat pump maintenance that your system needs. When we inspect and tune up your system, you’ll be able to count on it functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today for your heat pump maintenance!