3 Tips To Prepare Your Heat Pump For Winter
Going from air conditioning to heat can be stressful on your home's heating/cooling equipment. To ensure this stress does not affect its function and efficiency, you need to prepare your system for the new season. With cooler temperatures already happening and the official start of winter coming soon, your heat pump deserves a bit of care to ensure it is ready for the colder weather. Here are a few tips to prepare your heat pump for the winter.
1. Check and Replace the Filter
No matter how good your heat pump is working, dirt, dust, and other debris will move through the ductwork and your heat pump, eventually making its way into the home. Thankfully, filters trap this debris, reducing the number of allergens that can affect your air quality. Unfortunately, the filters can become clogged with dirt and dust over time. This debris clogging the filters prevents air flow, reducing the amount of heated air that is moving into your home during the winter season.
Clogged filters not only affect your system's ability to heat, but they also cause you to run your heat longer to heat your home properly. The longer your heat pump runs, the more energy/fuel you are using, which can be wasteful and costly. Replace the filters of your system regularly to improve air flow and your heat pump's overall efficiency.
2. Check the Outdoor Unit
Through the spring, summer, and fall, debris will build up around your outdoor unit(s.) Dirt, grass clippings, pine cones, pine straw, and leaves may become stuck inside the exterior of your unit. This debris blocks air flow, reducing your system's ability to heat and cool. In addition, the debris can build up on the coil, eventually wearing down the system's motors.
Before the winter season begins, clear away any and all debris from around your outdoor units. Disconnect power to the system before removing the unit's shell. This will allow you to clear away leaves and other debris affecting your system's airflow.
3. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even with proper maintenance, your heat pump should be inspected by a professional before the winter season begins. Contractors can check the heat pump, ductwork, and filters for signs of distress. If any issues are found, they can be addressed before the time to heat your home arrives. This ensures you are not without your heat during the cooler season.
Your heat pump is an imperative part of your home during the fall and winter months. This guide will help you prepare the heat pump before the winter season begins. For more information, contact a company like High Tech Heating & Air Conditioning Inc today.